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TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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Hiotographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  S  f^SET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  MSSO 

(716)  872-4S03 


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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significtmtly  r;hange 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


D 


D 


D 


D 


n 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


I      I    Covers  damaged/ 


Couverture  endommagee 


Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaur6e  et/ou  pellicul6e 


Cover  title  missing/ 
Le  titre  de  couve 

I      I    Coloured  maps/ 


I I    Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

Coloured  maps/ 

Cartes  gdographiques  en  couleur 


n^„° 


Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
ere  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


I      I    Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 


Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Bound  with  other  material/ 
Reli6  avec  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  reliure  serree  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  intldrieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajout^es 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  dtait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t6  filmdes. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppl^mentaires: 


L'Institut  a  microfilmd  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  6x6  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-dtre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exi^er  une 
modification  dans  la  m6thode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiquds  ci-dessous. 


□    Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 

rrif  Pages  damaged/ 
LJIJ    Pages  endommagdes 

□    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaur6es  et/ou  pellicul^es 

I     l/Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
L\J   Pages  d6color6es,  tachetdes  ou  piqu^es 


Tl 
tc 


Tl 

P' 
o< 
fi 


O 
b( 
th 
si 

Oi 

fii 
si 

OI 


□    Pages  detached/ 
Pages  d6tach6es 


I    T  Showthrough/ 
L^    Transparence 

□    Quality  of  print  varies/ 
Quality  in6gale  de  ('impression 


D 


Includes  supplementary  material/ 
Comprend  du  materiel  supplementaire 

Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 


Tl 
s» 
Tl 
w 

M 
di 
er 
bi 

ri\ 
re 
m 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  6t^  filmdes  d  nouveau  de  fapon  d 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  film^  au  taux  de  reduction  indiquA  ci-dessous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


26X 


30X 


y 


12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


Th«  copy  filmed  h«r«  has  b««n  r«produc«d  thanks 
to  tha  ganarosity  of: 

Library  Division 

Provincial  Archives  of  British  Columbia 


L'axamplaira  filmA  fut  raproduit  grAca  A  la 
gAnArositA  da: 

Library  Division 

Provincial  Archives  of  British  Columbia 


Tha  imagas  appaaring  hara  ara  tha  bast  quality 
possibia  considaring  tha  condition  and  lagibility 
of  tha  original  copy  and  in  kaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  spacifications. 


Original  copias  in  printad  papar  covars  ara  filmad 
beginning  with  tha  front  covar  and  anding  on 
tha  last  paga  with  a  printad  or  illustratad  impres- 
sion, or  tha  back  covar  whan  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  paga  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  anding  on  the  last  page  with  a  printad 
or  illustratad  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  — ^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 

Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Lea  images  suivantas  ont  4t*  reproduites  avac  la 
plus  grand  soin.  compta  tenu  de  la  condition  at 
da  la  nattet*  de  I'exemplaira  film«,  et  en 
conformity  avac  las  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmaga. 

Les  exempiaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimAe  sont  film*s  en  commenpant 
par  la  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
darniAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  la  second 
plat,  salon  la  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exempiaires 
originaux  sont  filmAs  an  commandant  par  la 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  at  en  terminant  par 
la  derniAre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  suir  !a 
darnidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  seton  le 
cas:  la  symbols  — b"  signifie  "A  SUIVRE  ",  le 
symbols  V  signifie  "FIN". 

Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  «tre 
filmAs  A  des  taux  de  reduction  diffArents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clich«,  il  est  film*  A  partir 
de  Tangle  sup6rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  A  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  ntcessaira.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mAthode. 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

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■T/--u-zA^       JXW^       J^-T^— --u^ 


^■s^' 


THE 


STRUGGLES 


FOR 


LIFE  AND  HOME' 


IN  TUK 


North -West. 


BY    A    PIONEER    HOMEBUILDER. 


LIFE,   1865-1889. 


Gko.  W.    Kranck. 


^•>- 


NEW   YORK: 
I.  GoLDMANN,  Steam  Printer,  7,  9  &  i  i  New  Chambers  St.        ®.j\ 


1890. 


--^® 


7 


ik 


r&     COPVRIOMT,  1890,  Br  GEO.  W.  FRANCE 

'w  ~  Cfg3  " 


■^ 


3 


PREFACE. 


I  do  not  claim  for  this  book  auy  literary  merit,  except  that 
borrowed  or  quoted  from  others,  for,  wlieu  Cushiuf;;  could 
mark  5000  mistakes  iu  Webster's  Unabrid{^ed  Dictionary  (say- 
ing that  for  the  size  of  the  book  it  had  as  icw  errors  as  could 
be  expected),  and  when  newspaper  and  otlier  writers  have  to 
browse  so  largely  from  the  genius  an*'  abor  of  ot1u>is,  that 
editorials  are  frequently  copied  bodily  as  their  own  (so  that  it 
is  *)ilc;n  difficult  to  know  who  produced  sorr  )  ]nbce  of  intellect- 
ual work  and  the  gems  of  ge.-.ius  that  they  print),  it  would 
therefore  be  presumptuous  for  an  unlettered  homebuilder  on 
the  border,  alone  to  attem})t  anything  very  tine  and  glittering 
in  l)uilding  his  book ;  and  though  the  most  practical,  valuable 
and  »ixpeusive  education  in  the  world  is  that  gotten  by  struggling 
hard  and  long  against  fiends  and  fate,  for  life,  liberty  and  home, 
such  a  life  permits  of  no  leisure  or  condition  of  the  mind  for 
the  culture  of  any  of  its  latent  literary  genius. 

While  the  mere  kid-gloved  hired  critic  will  smile  over  the 
stacks  of  humbug  effusions  of  his  professional  brethren,  he  will 
sneer  at  this  ill-favored  thing ;  and  ring-black-legs  will  detest 
it,  as  they  do  truth  itself  and  equality  before  the  law.  But 
when  my  case  was  so  cruelly  lied  about  and  I  was  so  persistently 
and  corruptly  held  in  a  secret  bastile  to  be  tortured,  looted  and 
maligned,  (as  I  found  it  to  be  the  case  with  others  also),  and 
was  always  denied  any  hearing,  or  defense,  or  trial,  I  was  left 
no  alternative  by  the  mongrel  gang,  but  was  forced  to  write  my 
life,  and  theirs  also  —wherein  it  imperils  the  life,  liberty  and 
homes  of  the  people. 


(8) 


:^r.r.R5 


Pr:Cific  N.  W.  Hi?.tory  Dopt. 

PROViNCIAL-   LIBRARY 
VICTORIA,  B.  C. 


4 


Preface. 


As  to  its  truth,  every  point  and  assertion  of  mine  is  (in  one 
place  and  another)  shown  to  be  so  very  evidently  and  jwsltively 
true,  that  none  but  brazen  members  or  tools  of  the  black  con- 
spiracy will  ever  question  it. 

In  the  language  of  Josephus  :  "  Some  apply  themselves  to 
this  part  of  learning  to  show  their  great  skill  in  composition, 
and  that  the}'  may  therein  acquire  a  reputation  for  speaking 
finely ;  others  there  are  who  of  necessity  and  by  force  are 
driven  to  write  history,  because  they  were  concerned  in  the 
facts,  and  so  cannot  excuse  themselves  from  committing  them 
to  writing  for  the  advantage  of  posterity.  Nay,  there  are  not 
a  few  who  are  induced  to  draw  their  historical  facts  out  of 
darkness  into  light,  and  to  produce  them  for  the  benefit  of  the 
public,  on  account  of  the  great  importance  of  the  facts  them- 
selves with  which  they  have  been  concei*ned ....  I  was  forced 
to  give  the  history  of  it  because  I  saw  that  others  perverted 
the  truth  of  those  actions  in  their  writings.  However,  I  will 
not  go  to  the  other  extreme  out  of  opposition  to  those  men  who 
extol  the  oppressors,  nor  will  I  determine  to  raise  the  actions 
of  my  own  too  high ;  but  I  will  prosecute  the  actions  of  both 
parties  with  accuracy.  Yet  shall  I  suit  my  language  to  the 
passions  I  am  under,  as  to  the  affairs  I  describe,  and  must  be 
allowed  to  indulge  in  some  lamentations  upon  the  miseries 
undergone  by  my  own 

"But  if  any  one  makes  an  unjust  accusation  against  me 
when  I  speak  so  passionately  about  the  tyrants,  or  the  robbers, 
or  sorely  bewail  the  misfortune  of  our  counti'y,  let  him  indulge 
my  aflfections  herein ....  Because  it  had  come  to  pass,  that  we 
had  arrived  at  a  higher  degree  of  felicity  than  others,  and  yet 
at  last  fell  into  the  sorest  calamities  again ....  But  if  any  one 
be  inflexible  in  his  censures  of  me,  let  him  attribute  the  facts 
themselves  to  the  historical  part,  and  the  lamentations  to  the 
writer  himself  only ....  And  I  have  written  it  down  for  the  sake 


a 


Preface.  5 

of  those  that  love  truth,  but  not  for  those  that  please  them- 
selves with  fictitious  relations." 

"Yes,  I  have  lost  the  loved,  the  dear! 

Yes,  I  have  wept  the  bitter  tear ! 

Have  passed  misfortune's  darkest  hoiir — 

Have  known  and  felt  the  Tempter's  power — 

Have  bowed  to  scorn,  unloved,  alone. 

Longing  for  Friendship's  cheering  tone ! 

Unhappiness  !     I  know  thee,  then — 

So  can  I  help  my  fellow-men !  — Public  Opinion. 

G,   W.   F. 


"If  all  the  scoundrels  who  now  bask  in  the  smiles  of  San  Francisco 
society  were  to  receive  tbcii*  just  deserts  for  tlieir  iufjimous  deeds,  the 
accommodations  at  San  Quentin  and  Folsom  would  be  entirely  too  re- 
stricted. 

We  have  before  taken  occasion  to  define  the  ci'ime  of  ''personal  jour- 
nalism." It  is  never  perpetrated  except  against  a  r'ch  scoundrel.  A 
journal  may  with  perfect  safety  hcild  up  to  scorn  tlie  actions  of  water 
front  bummers,  or  the  despised  hoodlum.  Turn  to  youi  paper  any 
morning  and  evening  and  see  how  oftfn  crime  in  low  places  is  exposed 
and  made  odious  in  a  hundred  different  ways.  Does  any  one  suppose 
that  distinguished  lawyers  would  l)e  found  to  rail  at  the  practice  so  long 
as  it  was  confined  within  these  limits?  Bah!  The  inquiry  excites  a  smile 
of  derision.  Any  Tom,  Dick  or  Harry  in  the  city  might  be  mentioned, 
and  columns  of  contempt  and  derision  hurled  at  them  without  a  i)rote8t 
being  raised.  But,  as  we  have  said  before,  let  a  man  with  a  million  or 
two  of  money  commit  the  most  unpardonable  outrages,  ami  be  referred 
to  ever  so  gently,  and  the  pick  start  out  in  full  cry  yelping  "personal 
journalism. " 

Without  perso7ial  journalism  vice  and  roguery  would  be  sure  to  get 
the  ttpper  hand  in  modern  times.  Personal  journalism  is  the  b  Jwark 
reared  against  its  encroachment.  Personal  journalism  is  only  another 
term  for  the  "rascal's  scourge,"  It  will  be  a  sorry  day  for  society  if  the 
assassin's  pistol  or  tlie  rich  man's  coin  ever  prove  effective  enough  to  stop 
the  hand  engaged  in  the  work  of  making  crime  odious  by  jjointing  out  to 
the  public  their  enemies.  Crime  cannot  be  checked  with  a  parable.  Its 
perpetrators  mubt  be  held  up  to  jjublic  scorn." 

Snn  FVancisco  "Chronicle." 


'lUJWPlwr  .""S" 


n  i 


i"JVALLA  JFaLLA,  JVasJn'mjton, 
i  Nov.  2rjfh,  1880. 

TO   WHO 31  IT  MAY  CONCERN:- 

"I  have  been  personally  acquainted  ivifh  3Ir.  Geo.  W.  France 
for  many  years,  and  knoiv  his  ymeral  repuiation  and  standing  in 
this  State  to  be  good,  and  xohile  it  is  true  that  he  loas  at  one  time 
convicted  of  murder  in  the  second  degree,  it  is  noio  generally  believed 
that  he  committed  the  homicide  in  necessary  self-defence,  and  is 
innocent  of  any  crime  ivhalever.  I  take  pleasure  in  bear- 
ing testimony  to  his  uniform  good  character,  both  l^f ore  and  since 
this  unfortunate  occurrence,  as  an  honest,  ujwight,  orderly  and 
laiv-abiding  citizen. 

THOS.   H.   BRENTS." 

[Representative  in  Congress  for  two  terms  from  Washington  Ten  i:o,v  • 


(r) 


H 


LIST   OK    ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Frontispiece. 


Author's  Portrait 

Oil  Works       -  -  .  .  . 

View  of  Salt  Lake  City,  Utah 

The  Mormox  Temple,  Etc.     -  .  .  .  . 

Pyramid  Lake,  Utah         -  -  .  .  . 

Los  Angeles,  Cal.,  from  the  Hill 

Mexican  Herder    ...... 

Main  Street  from  Temple  Block,  Los  Angeles    - 
Chinese  Quarter,  Interior  op  Chinese  Temple 

(Josh  House),  Los  Angeles 
Tropical  Plants  and  Historical  Buildings 
Pi-Ute  Indian  Camp,  Nevada       .... 

A  Canyon  ---.... 

Shoshore  Falls,  Snake  River,  Idaho,  2G0  Feet  High 
"I  Hauled  Wood  and  Rails  prom  the  Blue  Mountains" 
Making  Clapboards  ..... 

Multnoma  Falls,  Columbia  River,  Oregon 

My  First  Outfit     --.... 

My  First  House  ...... 

Land  Office  Receipt        ..... 

United  States  Land  Patent  .... 

An  Indian  Village  -  -  -  .  . 

An  Indian  Massacre  ..... 

Sc>'^c>OL  T^ND  Lease  -  . 

Sci-Ov>L  I4AND  Receipt  -  .  .  .  . 

Defending  My  Life  and  Home    -  .  .  . 

The  Seatco  Bastile    .... 

A  Sick  Prisoner    ---... 

Prisoners  at  the  Bastile  Going  to  Work— Drunken 
Guard  --.... 

Penalty  for  Exposing  the  Tortures  of  the  Secret 
Bastile        ...... 

City  of  Sitka,  Alaska  -  -  .  .  . 

(9 


PAQE. 

29 
43 
49 
59 
67 
69 
71 

73 
75 
79 
101 
103 
113 
117 
125 
131 
139 
144 
149 
157 
179 
21G 
217 


249 
271 

277 

283 
459 


f 


ifi^ 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 
Striking  out  from  home  when  a  boy. — My  object. — Ho !  For 
the  Oil  Regions  in  Pennsylvania.— My  Chum. — Great  Excitement. 
—Oil  City  flooded.— "Coal  Oil  Johnny."— Tools,  etc.,  used  in  bor- 
ing for  oil. — All  about  finding  oil. — And  wha*  the  oil  is. — My  ex- 
perience for  about  a  year. 


CHAPTER  n. 
Leaving  the  Oil  Regions  for  a  good  time  "OiitWest." — A 
period  of  travel,  etc.,  of  four-and-a-half  months  to  the  ^lissouri 
River — Then  crossing  the  plains  to  Salt  Lake  Avith  wagon  train 
in  60  days. — Our  train,  etc.;  my  team,  etc.;  first  camp  in  a  storm. 
— Fording  the  Platte  river  with  its  quicksand  bottom  ;  big  teams, 
etc.  My  first  drink ;  delusion  in  distance;  game,  etc. — Freighting; 
life  and  government  on  the  plains. — A  comprehensive  account  of 
the  region  from  the  Missoiu-i  River  to  Salt  Lake  Valley. 


CHAPTER  in. 

Salt  Lake  City  and  Valley. — Salt  Lake ;  climate  and  bathing. 
— Remained  a  month. — Then  made  a  trip  of  a  month  on  the  i)lains. 
Caught  in  a  blizzard. — Sixty-two  frozen  mules  for  breakfa.st,  Oct. 
14th. — A  rough  tramp  in  the  snow,  180  miles  back  to  Salt  Lake. 
— Dreaming  of  home. — As  to  the  hardships  of  trains  snow-bound 
in  the  mountains.  -  Work  for  a  Mormon  dignitary. — The  "Mighty 
Host  of  Zion." — How  they  whipped  Johnson's  U.  S.  Army  in  18G1, 
etc.,  etc. — Mountain  Meadow  massacre,  etc.,  etc. — Leave  Salt  Lake 
on  horse-back  for  St.  (fcorge,  JJ.'jO  miles  south;  takes  a  month. 
— Mormon  farms  and  villages ;  their  system  of  settlement,  etc.  — 
Climate,  soil,  mountains,  etc. — A  month  in  St.  George  as  "Dodge's 
Clerk." — On  an  Indian  raid.  —  Made  a  trip  to  the  extreme  southern 
settlements. — What  for?— Cotton  country.— Mountain  of  rock 
salt.— A  true,  comprehensive  descrij)tion  of  the  Mormons;  how 
they  live  and  deal  with  each  other  and  with  Gentiles;  their 
religion  and  government;    as  they  really  are  in  practice;   their 

virtues,  crimes  and  danger. 

(11) 


•>*■ 


^m 


12 


Contents. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Travelers  I  met  in  Utah.— Leave  Utah  for  the  Los  Angeles, 
Cal.,  country.— The  company  I  travel  with. — Danites.— The  In- 
dians on  the  road. — A  Mormon  "miracle." — Indian  dialect. — Sand 
storm.  A  mine  in  the  desert.— The  region  from  St.  George  to 
California. — Arizona. — San  Bernai'dino,  Los  Angeles,  and  that 
country. — Climate,  soil,  people  and  business  in  1867  and  1884. — 
Land,  titles,  etc. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Leave  Los  Angeles  for  a  new  mining  camp  in  Nevada.— The 
stock  of  a  train  captured  by  Indians.— "Death  Valley." — Eighty- 
seven  families,  stock,  etc.,  perish. — The  surrounding  region  and 
its  products. — How  teamsters  are  revenged. — Comprehensive  des- 
cription of  the  mining  camp,  etc. — Hun-ah  !  Hurrah ! !  We  have 
struck  it,  HuiTah! ! ! — A  big  Indian. — How  Mining  Go's,  officials 
steal.— Indian  and  white  man  hung,  etc. — The  mode  of  govern- 
ment and  trial;  wages,  living,  business,  etc. — The  geological 
forinatiou  of  mineral  lodes,  veins,  fissures,  etc.,  and  placer  mines. 
Prospecting  for  and  locating  claims.— The  right  time  to  sell,  etc. 
— Why  mines  are  guarded  with  rifles.  —  How  stock  companies 
operate. — Why  newspaper  accounts  of  mines  are  not  reliable.  — 
The  real  prices  paid  for  mines.  -  How  stock,  etc.,  is  made  to  sell. 
— One-and-a-half  year's  experience. 


^    CHAPTER  VI. 

The  mines,  continued. — Exciting  reports  from  a  distant  moun- 
tain.— I  outfit  one  of  a  party  to  go.  —What  he  wrote  me. — "  Ho ! 
for  White  Pine! " — The  richest  silver  mine  ever  discovered. — The 
pure  stuff. — I  go,  too. — Visit  another  camp  on  the  way. —My  horse 
and  saddle  "  borrowed."  -  A  big  camp  ablaze  with  excitement. — 
Belief  that  the  stuff  could  be  found  anywhere  by  digging. — The 
many  thousand  "mines." — "Brilliant  schemes."  Blubbering  in- 
vestors from  the  States. — Life  :  gambling,  drinking,  business  and 
damnation. — Making  big  sales,  etc.;  the  outcome. — Another  year 
and  a  half  of  lively  practical  experience  in  the  mines. — The  many 
smaller  camps  in  the  surrounding  region. — Virginia  City  and  Gold 
Hill — The  great  Comstock  lode. — The  iionanza  and  other  great 
stock  gambling  mines  that  we  read  of. 


Contents. 


13 


CHAPTER  YII. 
Building  the  U.  P.  and  Contral  railroads.  —A  general  rugged 
prosjieeting  tour  of  seven  months  in  Nevada,  Idaho  and  Montana. 
— On  to  Washington  Territory.  -  The  country,  eliniate,  soil, 
scenery,  fishing,  hunting,  incidents,  etc.,  etc. — Finding  the  true 
source  of  the  fine  gold  in  the  Snake  and  Columbia  rivers. — The 
more  famous  of  the  Idaho  Placer  mines. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 
A  comprehensive  desci'iption  of  the  Walla  Walla  country; 
soil,  climate  and  productions  and  the  lay  of  the  land.  -Hire  out  on 
a  farm  for  two  months.— The  secret  of  success  and  failure  in 
government  and  coi-poration  contracts. — Secret  intrigue  at  military 
posts,  etc. — Experience  in  work  in  the  mountains.  — Locate  a  land 
claim  and  get  married  — A  year's  experience. 


CHAPTER  IX. 
Brief  description  of  Eastern  and  Western  Washington  and  of 
the  various  sections  in  each ;  their  industries  and  inducements, 
advantages  and  disadvantages. 


CHAPTER  X. 
History  of  the  settling  of  the  Walla  Walla  country. — Report 
of  government  experts  as  to  the  soil. — Packing  to  the  mines  of 
Idaho,  etc. — The  market  and  opportunities. — The  outlook  in  1870 
when  I  landed  there. — The  country  grasped  by  its  throat;  the 
government  prostituted. — 1000  miles  of  river  na^^gation  to  the 
sea  strangled,  and  the  tribute  that  was  levied. — The  result. — The 
promised  railroad,  etc. — First  land  claim  I  located. — Life  in  the 
beginning  of  a  home  ;  dangers  and  draw-backs. — My  first  outfit. — 
Sell  my  claim ;  hunt  for  and  locate  another  in  a  new  wild  section; 
description  of  it  and  the  locality. — My  Indian  neighbors;  how 
they  treated  the  fii'st  white  men  they  ever  saw.— A  homebuildei''s 
land  rights  and  what  he  must  necessarily  endure  in  carving  a 
home  in  a  wilderness.  —Warned  of  the  perplexities,  conspiracnes 
and  treason  to  be  jilanted  in  the  way. — How  we  started  out  to 
build  a  good  and  spacious  home;  our  first  house,  etc. — Travelling, 
moving  and  camping  in  the  west.— 25  miles  to  blacksmith's  shop, 


r 


14 


CONTENIU 


etc. — Thf  "  Egypt"  for  supplies. — Land  daims  located  about  us 
and  ab.uidoned,  are  re-located  by  others  time  and  a<.jain. — My  first 
crop;  big,  bhujk,  hungry  crickets,  one  hundred  bushels  to  tlio 
acre. — So  that  we  are  left  alone  in  the  "  Prance  Settlement." — The 
section  surveyed  and  I  "  file  my  claim."— Kaiso  hogs;  the  result; 
also  got  a  band  of  cattle;  experience  on  the  range.  -Getting  i-oads 
opened,  etc. — First  railroad  in  Eastern  Washington.  -  Struggling 
for  a  livelihood  ami  home ;  how  I  managed. — Other  new  S(;ttle- 
nients  and  people;  how  they  done. — "Land  hunters." — "Prove 
up";  pay  for  and  get  patent  for  pre-emption  claim  and  take  a 
homestead  claim  adjoining. — Copy  of  United  States  patent. — How 
we  just  loped  along  n  dl  ahead  i ''  the  country. — It  settles  uj». — 
New  county;  towns,  etc.,  built;  settlers  swindled;  build  school 
house,  etc.,  etc. 


CHAPTER  XL 

An  Indian  war. — Neighboring  Indians  go  on  the  warpath ;  the 
reason.  -  Description  of  their  domain;  their  horses  and  cattle. — 
A  job  on  Uncle  Sam. — How  they  plead  for  their  country.  —  "Earth 
governed  by  the  sun,"  etc. — Whom  they  killed. — How  they  marched 
and  fought. — Settlers  either  stampede  or  gather  in  fortresses. — 
Effort.-  made  by  men  to  have  other  tribes  break  out. — For  plunder. 
— What  an  Indian  must  do  to  become  a  citizen. — How  Indian 
claims  are  jumped. — What  the  Indian  was  before  the  advent  of 
the  Whites. — Their  government,  pursuits,  etc. — What  fire-arms 
and  whiskey  done  for  tlieni. — How  they  started  fire,  lived  and 
died ;  their  religion. — How  to  improve  the  Indian. — "A  cry  ot  the 
soul." 


CHAPTER  XII. 

—Joseph. — White   Bird. —  Looking 


glass 


Indiaus,  continued. 
and  Indians  generally. — The  White  Bird  fight. — These  Indians  in 
early  days ;  their  flocks,  herds  and  fine  farms. — The  result  of  the 
war  to  the  Indians. — "Cold-blooded  treachery." — How  Chief 
Joseph  treated  white  prisoners. — "  The  glory  of  the  West." — Col. 
Steptoe's  defeat. — "For  God's  sake,  give  me  something  to  kill  my- 
self with." — The  others  saved  by  other  Indians. — An  Ingrate. — 
Col.  Wright's  victory ;  G20  horses  butchered. — How  Wright  treated 
Indian  prisoners. — "The  Chief  Moses  outrage." — "Mystery." 
—$70,000,000  squandered  by  the  gang. 


Contents. 


15 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

Imliaus,  concluded. — "  Tho  Waiilatpu  massacre.— Tho  thrilling 
story  of  oae  who,  as  a  girl,  was  an  eye  witness,  and  then  taken 
away  as  a  prisoner. —  Forelxxlings  (»f  tho  nnirderous  outbreak. 
— Friendly  warnings  given. — Tho  dying  hours  of  Dr.  and  Jlrs. 
Whitman." — Mission  life  among  tho  Indians. — As  the  Indians 
were  in  1852;  and  then  in  1S56. — Death  of  Chief  Kanaskat. — How 
Indians  are  preserved.  — How  "eivili/ation''  was  introduced  to  tho 
natives  of  South  and  Central  America. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Homo  biiilding  narrative  resumed, — Improve  homestead  claim 
as  I  had  the  other. — Tho  nuvrket,  etc.— My  herds  of  cattle,  horses, 
hogs,  etc. — Great  ])ro.sperity. — Railroads  built  from  tide  water; 
freights,  etc. — Immigration.— Further  enlargement  (»f  my  homo 
and  business  by  leasing, fencing  and  breaking  a  quarter  section  of 
school  land. — Copy  of  tho  lease  and  receipt  for  second  year's  pay- 
ment on  the  same. — Tho  law  and  custom  as  to  it. — Confirmed  by 
Congress. — Servo  as  county  road  viewer  and  on  first  grand  jury 
of  Columbia  County,  and  learn  something.  —Road  supervisor  of  a 
twenty-milo  aistrict.— A  review,  and  what  I  have  learned  about 
farming,  etc.— Tho  best  ec(mom3'while".serpents  are  at  the  udder." 


CHAPTER  XV. 

Land  jumping.— First  serious  case  in  the  "  France  settlement." 
— Our  graveyard  started. — The  "  j)oor  man's  friend." — Street  fight 
with  a  jumper.  -  "Hurrah  for  Whetstone  Hollow."  Publie  senti- 
ment as  to  such  cases.— When  the  courts  and  press  stand  in  with 
the  people,  and  when  against  them.— Land  sharks. — How  petty 
thieves  are  shot  down  with  impunity. — Homo  wreckers ;  how  my 
prosperity  made  me  an  object  of  envy  and  ravage.  —A  murderous 
conspiracy  by  gentlemen  with  great  influence  at  court  to  jump  my 
pre-emption  and  school  land  portions  of  my  well-earned,  improved 
and  stocked  home.— The  lying  pretexts  that  were  invented  and 
used  as  a  blind  ;  jump  all  the  water,  etc.,  on  my  place. — ''If  you 
want  any  water,  dig  for  it !" — Wanted  to  get  me  into  their  courts. 
— How  I  repossessed  my  own. — "Will  fix  you  by  helping  II.. 
jump  your  school  land  ! " — How  I  had  befriended  them. — "Damnecl 
be  he  who  first  cries  hold  :  enough!  " — Tries  to  drive  me  off  w't'i 
a  gun,  etc. — How  we  get  better  acc^uainted;  get  friendly  and    e 


16 


CONTINTS. 


Ill: 


agrees  to  quit. — How  I  was  i)t'rforining  my  homage  against  a 
lurking  foe. — Ilia  objeet. — Is  set  to  resume  the  conflict. — "  An  out- 
rage for  one  mun  to  own  all  the  land,  and  the  water  too." — "Will 
settle  it  with  an  ounce  of  lead,"  etc. — lioasts  of  his  backing  and 
influence. — ''We  will  make  it  hot  as  hell  for  you  now." — "  I  have 
taken  your  school  land,  E — ,  your  pre-emption,  and  by  0 — d  !  we 
will  soon  have  a  man  on  your  homestead  !  " — A  man  loans  me  his 
pistol  for  defen.se,  and  then  eggs  on  the  jumper. — The  lying  gang. 
— "  But  truth  shall  contpier  at  the  last." — Jumper's  nuuiy  wicked 
threats. — Try  to  have  him  ])ound  over  to  keej)  the  peace. — My 
instructions  from  the  peacte  otIl(!er. — "  Be  prepared  to  defend  y<)ur- 
self  and  sow  the  ground." — He  loans  me  seed  for  the  ])urpose. — 
"  There  comes  [Jumpt'rJ  now  Avith  a  gun!" — "Let  us  go  out  and 
see  what  he  is  going  to  do  with  it." — "  I  don't  care  a  danm  wlmt 
he  does  with  it." — How  he  followed  me  around  the  field  with  a 
cocked  carbine  in  l)oth  hands. — Quits  and  has  a  secret  conference 
with  the  man  who  did  not  care  a  damn  what  he  done  with  his  gun. 
— "  I  ask  you  as  a  friend  and  neighbor  to  quit  sowing  wheat  and 
leave  the  field,  for  there  is  going  to  be  trouble ! " — "  Look  out  for 
him,  now!" — Belches  out  at  the  end  of  a  stream  of  profanity, 
"turn  back!  leave  the  field!  and  don't  come  back  nary  time!" — 
"I  will  fix  you!"  crack,  baiv/f — "I  will  kill  you!"  crack,  bang! — 
I  return  the  fire  in  rapid  succession,  thus  saving  my  life. — Poxitice, 
certain,  inconlroverlihb'  proof  an  to  the  name. — How  he  missed  me  by  a 
scratch! — "There,  France  is  shot!" — The  lying  gang. — "Where 
logic  is  invented  and  wrong  is  called  right." — Am  charged  with 
nmrdet ! — The  would-be  assassin,  home  ravager  and  ravishir  is 
shielded,  venerated  and  revenged  by  his  gang. — "  If  by  this  means 
we  further  our  cause,  the  private  assassin  deserves  our  applause." 
— Am  thr(  wn  into  jail  without  a  hearing. — Held  in  jail  near  ten 
months  b(  cging  and  demanding  a  trial;  can  never  get  either  a 
trial  or  In  'iug. — "  Virtue  distressed "  could  get  no  protection 
here. — Am  etrayed,  sold  and  given  away. — "  His  glories  lost,  his 
cause  Betr  ved  ! " — Shanghaied  to  the  gang's  Bastile  in  double 
irons. — "  01  i  'twas  too  much,  too  dreadful  to  endure .'" — "  He  jests  at 
scars  that  .ever  felt  a  wound!" — "Is  this  then,"  thought  the 
youth,  "  is  this  the  way  to  free  man's  spirit  from  the  deadening 
sway  of  worldly  sloth ;  to  teach  him  while  he  hves  to  know  no 
bliss  but  that  which  virtue  gives  f " — Examples  of  other  cases,  and 
what  the  law  is. — My  case  as  established,  and  the  law,  etc.,  as  to 
the  same. 


Contents. 


17 


CIIArTEH  XVI. 

A  i)iljrrinmfre  throujrli  hell! — Seven  y. .irs' experience  in  the 
Seutco  contract  bnstile;  tlie  kind  of  a  licll  and  swindle  thi.'^was; 
how  I  Ava.s  taken  there;  a  tliree  or  four  days  journey  hy  wagon, 
l)oat  and  rail. — IIow  I  was  judjjed  by  people  on  the  road. — Syni- 
])athy. — ''Either  innocent  of  crime  or  a  very  Itad  man." — The  set 
(luestions  asked  by  those  who  had  sutTered  likewi.^e. — Description 
of  the  bastilc. — How  I  was  inii)rcssed. — The  kind  (»f  jieople  1  found 
the  prisoners  to  be,  and  t  \e  officials. — IIow  they  were  employed. — 
What  they  had  done  and  what  they  had  not  done;  their  com- 
jtlaints,  etc. — Jumping  away. — The  crooked  and  rocky  road  to 
liberty. — Who  got  there  and  how. — The  iiKjuisition  of  the  mind. — 
How  prisoners  are  driven  to  the  frenzy  ol»  despair  and  death. — 
^Vhat  they  earned  and  were  worth  to  the  gang. — What  it  cost  the 
j(eo])le. — What  they  got  t(t  eat  and  wear. — How  they  were  treated 
when  well  and  when  sick. — The  punishments. — How  I  was  engag- 
ed while  in  the  midst  of  tlaming  desolation. — Crazy  jn'isoner.s. — 
The  good  and  bad  qualities  and  conduct  of  the  officials. — The  re- 
deeming feature  of  the  institution. — The  different  nationalities 
and  occupations  represented  and  their  experiences. — One  of  the 
Polaris'  crew;  six  months  on  an  ice  floe. — The  good,  bad  and 
mixed;  the  innocent,  guilty  and  the  victims  of  circumstances, 
\  'hiskey  and  accidents. — Inequality  of  sentences  and  treatment. 
— Kobbing  the  cradle  and  the  grave  for  seventy  cents  a  day. — 
How  they  lived  and  died. — The  censorship  on  coiTesi)ondence  and 
the  real  object  of  the  same. — A  secret  prison. — Shanghaied 
jtrisoners  tr>  to  make  their  cases  known  to  the  public. — How  the 
Governor  stood  in  with  the  gang. — Letters  smuggled  l)y  ministers, 
members  of  the  Legislature,  humane  guards,  etc. — Squelching 
letters  of  vital  importance. — "Damn  you,  you  Quii't  pruvr  it." — 
Like  abuses  in  the  insane  asylum. — The  remedy. — A  2)lea  that  any 
pri>ionei  nhall  ai  least  be  accorded  a  public  hearing,  and  let  the  PEOPLE 
judge. — The  Avorst  criminals  not  in  prison,  but  in  office ;  their 
victims  crushed. — A  pet  prisoner  turned  in  with  a  bottle  oi  whis- 
key and  a  pistol  in  his  pockets. — The  visiting  preachers;  what 
they  thought  of  the  prisoners  and  of  the  officials. — One  that  was 
a  thorough-bred;  would  fight  the  devil  in  any  guise;  what  he  done 
for  reform  and  how  he  was  bounced. — Can  WTite  to  Iutu  yourself, 
— Cruel  deception. — False  and  cheating  hopes. — "There  is  France, 
if  he  had  not  been  so  anxious  about  getting  home,  he  would  have 
been  out  long  ago." — "  Must  keep  still  and  not  bee  anybody." — 


I 


I 


18 


COXI  ENTS. 


Hino  the  k/UI  and  mii'l  langiasheil  oml  diiil! — ILav  other  ])ris()iiers 
Avere  shaiig-hiiicd. — '•Iiad  conduct. " — My  conduct;  strikes,  etc — 
How  officials  are  intei-ested  a<:raiiist  a  prisoner's  justice. — How 
"lieaven  is  sonietinies  just  and  pays  us  back  in  measures  tluit  we 
mete." — How  ])risoners  ai"e  rol>l)ed.  — Women  prisoners  and  liow 
tliey  were  treatcil. — Visits  of  the  legislature,  etc. — A  ])risoner 
makes  a  great  speech  and  his  teeth  are  i)ulled  out  for  the  ti'<*ul)le 
it  makes  the  officials. — "What  the  legishitunt  said  and  what  they 
did. — The  pardoning  power  and  how  it  Avas  exercised. — Tlie  lie. — 
Tliat  "to  hear  prisoners  talk  they  are  all  innocent." — Kcadiii'.': 
matter,  etc. — How  to  control  prisonei's. — How  they  get  revenge. — 
How  jirisoners  should  be  treated. — "Where  they  should  be  kept. — 
How  a  prison  sliould'be  conducted  to  be  .^elf-.supporting  and  to 
r«'t'oi'm  those  who  need  reforming. — How  to  enforce  the  sacred 
right  of  ])etitiou  and  the  sober  second  thought  of  the  i)eople. 


I 
1-j 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

Prison  experience,  continued. — My  personal  efforts  and  that 
of  my  friends  for  ^ny  release  from  the  Ba.stile,  for  some  kind  of  a 
//•/a/,  and  for  onl\  a  respectful  hearing. — Tlie  result,  etc. — "Truth 
wears  no  mask,  bows  at  no  human  shrine,  seeks  neither  ))lace  nor 
applause,  she  only  asks  a  hearing.'' — Lettei's  of  my  wife;  governors, 
judges,  and  various  other  persons,  and  corresi)ondence. — Petiticms, 
recommendations,  etc.,  etc.,  and  how  they  were  treated,  etc.,  etc. 


CHAPTER  XA'III. 

Prison  experience,  continued — An  epitome  of  my  life,  case  and 
trouble  addressed  toGovernor  and  people.— The  only  argument  and 
sununing  up  of  myca.se  that  was  ever  made. — The  frank  but  fruit- 
less wail  for  justice  and  liumanity  by  a  victim ;  shangliaied,  ravaged 
and  languishing  in  prison. — "  Let  tliy  keen  glance  his  life  search 
through,  and  bring  his  actions  in  review,  for  actions  speak  the 
man." — "While  love  and  peace  and  social  joy  were  there.  Oh, 
peace!  oh,  social  joy  !  Oh,  heaven-born  love!  Were  these  j'our 
haunts,  where  murderous  denu)us  rove  ?  Distinction  neat  and 
nice,  which  lie  between  the  poison'd  chalice  and  the  stab  unseen." 


Contents. 


19 


■I 


I'tc— 

-IIow 
lilt  we 
(1  how 
•isoner 
rctuble 

it    tllt'V 

f  lie. — 
[eadinj.'; 
L'Hiie. — 
kept.— 
•  and  to 


sacrec 


■ft 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Prison  experience,  condmhd. — Efforts  to  get  my  ease  before 
the  Supreme  Court. — Copious  extracts  from  my  diary  kept  in 
pri.son. — "Con.sidering'  my  case.'' — "Seeing  a'lout  it,"  etc.,  etc. — 
^fy  appeals  to  Legislatures,  the  President.  Congress,  etc. — How 
changes  in(T(»vernors,  etc.,  are  disscussed  by  pris(UU'rs. — Pi'isoners 
tliat  Avere  shanghaied  and  never  convict' d. — How  T  established  my 
good  conduct  against  the  lying  gang. — The  "good  Judiciary." — 
Efforts  of  and  for  othei- prisoners,  andresidts. — Kemoval  to  Walla 
"Walla. — Mv  release,  etc. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

Tragedies. — Land  juni})ing,  etc. — Experience  of  o^^her  mca. — 
More  of  real  life  and  death  in  the  Northwest. — What  wastranspir 
ing  with  other  people  while  and  since  I  Avas  langui.^hing  in  prison 
for  defending  my  life  and  home  against  the  gang. — All  of  these 
Avere  either  acquitted  of  any  crime,  or  not  cA'd  indicted  or 
troubled. — The  glaring  contrast. — "Uneasy  settlers." — "A  ja'o- 
tectiA-e  association  ;"  "land  jumping;"  "])ut-up  jobs  ;"  "homes  im- 
perilled;'' "shooting  affair;"  "Vigilantes;"  "mui'derous  as.sault  by 
a  band  of  midnight  assassins;"  "high  handed." — "With  pride  in 
their  port,  defiance  in  their  eye,  Ave  see  the  secret  lurking  lords  of 
hunuin  kind  ])ass  by." — "  Lynching;"  "people  arming;"  "a danger- 
ous man  ;"  "l.md  tioubles;"  "a  tramp  boom  ;''  "killed  for  rolibing 
sluice  boxes ;"  "  laying  in  wait  to  kill ;"  filled  Avith  shot  j  killiug^ 
three  men  for  a  fcAv  dollars. 


CHAPTER  XXL 

Laud  troubles,  etc.,  continual.—'' The  Riparian  fight.'' — On 
Puget  Sound. — Shooting  for  the  tide  lands. — A  Avoman  defending 
her  claim. — Dynamite. — Vigilantes  by  the  tliousand. — Pig  money 
for  the  Court  gang. — LaAvyers  instigating  a  fight. — Land  jumjiing. 

—  Coroner's  inquests. — "  Defective"  land   titles. — A   trick   of   tho 
Court  gang. — "I  tell  you  again  to  stop  jihnving.'' — Crack!   Bang! 

-  Why  government  lands  are  classified  when  they  are  all  good  for 
homes  if  good  for  anything. — The  Court  "bar"  (gang)  organizes 

trouble. "  Re  ready.''—  "  Parasites." — " Citizens  arming." — Who 

gets  90  per  cent,  of  all  plunder. 


1(1 


1r 


20 


Contents. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

Sample  tragedy  cases  in  the  Northwest,  in  brief,  conchidi'd.  — 
What  members  of  the  gang  can  do  to  others  with  impnnity.  Vic- 
tims that  were  not  venerated  or  sanctified  by  the  gi'ng. — Abont 
land. — "  Shot  him  dead." —  Stabbed  him  to  the  heart. — Stabbed 
him  in  the  head. — Shot  down  in  cold  blood. — Tlie  Court  burnt  in 
effigy,  and  why. — "A  dark  scheme." — "  This  is  not  the  first  time 
I  have  had  to  face  lead  to  protect  my  rights." — "Served  the  fiend 
right." — Shooting  a  man  down  in  cold  blood  for  a  few  dollars. — 
Killing  a  man  for  alleged  threats  to  burn  his  house. — "  The  hero 
of  the  hour."  Etc.,  etc. 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

The  coui'ts  and  laws  of  Washington  and  Alaska. — Women  as 
jurors,  etc. — "The  infamous  decision,"  etc.,  etc. — "Complaiuis  of 


Court." — "A  novel  ruling,"  etc. 


CHAPTER   XXIV. 
The  courts  and  laAvs  of  Oregon,  Montana  and  British  Colum- 
bia, etc, 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

The  courts  and  laws  of  California  aud  the  States,  etc. 


CHAPTER   XXVI. 

Big  land  steals  in  Washington. — "80  percent,  of  the  entries 
in  one  district  fraudulent." — Ho\r  this  is  accomplished,  and  who 
cau  do  it  with  impunity. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

Big  land  steals  in  Oregon,  California,  etc. — How  it  is  done 
there. — "  In  a  valley,  30  miles  long,  ditches  were  dug  from  the 
stream,  dams  built,  the  land  flooded,  and  then  taken  up  by  the 
gang  as  '  swamp  land,' "  etc. — This  is  why  land  is  classified. — 
Brazen  perjury,  and  nobody  punished. — The  reason. — Wagon  road 
swindles,  etc. — Sink  artesian  wells  to  irrigate  "  swamp  land,"  eta 
— "Three-fourths  vf  the  land  t\1'es  fraudulent." — Murdering  home- 
builders. 


Contents. 


21 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

Railroads,  big  grants,  etc.,  in  the  Northwest,  etc. — How  they 
are  worked.  What  they  cost  tlie  gangs. — What  they  control. — A 
servile  and  pnrchased  press. — Advice  to  settlers. — What  a  "  terri- 
torii::!  pioneer"  says. —  What  the peojtle  say. — "Awake!  arise!  or  be 
forever  fallen ! " 


CHAPTER   XXIX. 

As  to  the  martial  law  tronble  in  protecting  highbinder  China- 
men and  white  criminals  on  Paget  Sound, when  American  citizens 
were  pillaged,  nuu'dercd  and  driven  out  with  no  troops  to  protect 
them. — Vigilance  committee. — "Justice  blinded  Avith  a  vengeance." 
Judge  Lynch,  and  how  he  judged. — Death  from  poverty,  etc.  etc. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 

The  Tartaric  horde  w.  American  Citizens. — "A  crisis." — 
"  To  the  thinking  man,"  "  even  to  those  who  do  not  think." — The 
Anti-Chinese  Congress,  etc.,  etc. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

Anti-Chinese. — "  A  great  demonstration  at  Seattle ;  the  larg- 
est ever  seen  in  the  territory." — Making  fish  of  one  set  of  citizens 
and  fowl  of  another,  etc.,  etc. 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 
The  Tacoma  tronble  and  the  Exodus. — Statement  of  promi- 
nent citizens. — "Truth  and  justice  buried,  and  fraud  and  guile 
succeed,"  etc.,  etc.  . 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 

Captain  of  the  Queen's  story  as  to  the  Seattle  Exodus.— 
Ninety-seven  Chinamen  in  court. — "  The  Goverument  is  strong 
and  will  protect"  [secret  highbinders  Avith  influence  at  court,]  etc. 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 
"  Home  Gnards  "  fire  into  the  crowd  ;  five  men  wounded ;  one 
dies. — "  Shot  down  in  cold  blood." — Charged  with  murder,  etc. — 


22 


Contents. 


;|l| 


iifl 


Tlie  City  of  Seattle  under  martial  law. — Drive  out  white  citizens 
and  protect  Chinese  highbinders. — "  Military  headquarters,"  etc. 
— Unmeasured  gall. — Blackstone  on  martial  law. — "  Treason  doth 
never  i)rosi)er,  Avhat's  the  reason?  Why  if  it  pi'osper,  none  dare 
call  it  treason." — "Truth  forever  on  the  scaffold,  wrong  forever  on 
the  throne." 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 
Court  Martial  and  a  Military  Commission  vrith  a  Judge- Ad- 
vocate and  Recorder  now  under  eight  indictments  for  forgery  and 
robbery. — Crime  made  respectable,  and  to  tell  the  truth  is  made  a 
crime. — "An  authentic  account." — It  is  the  weakest,  not  the  worst, 
that  goes  to  the  wall. — United  States  troops,  etc.,  etc. 


CHAPTER  XXXVI. 

The  judgment  of  the  people  and  of  the  Supreme  Court. — The 
martial  law  "mere  lawless  violence" ;  but  "  the  trail  of  the  serpent 
is  over  them  all," 


CHAPTER  XXXVII. 

A  brief,  comprehensive  and  practical  history  of  Masonry, 
Knight  Templars  of  Malta,  St.  John,  Hospitalers,  etc. — The 
Crusades  to  possess  the  Holy  Land;  Egypt,  etc. — How  Jerusalem 
and  Acre  Vt'ere  taken  and  re-taken. — Why  the  Holy  Land  was 
made  a  desert. — The  i)ractical  workings  of  the  Masonry  and 
kindred  Orders  of  to-day. 

— Mostly  the  testimony  of  others,  as  taken  from  books  and 
the  press. 


CHAPTER  I. 

striking  out  from  homo  Mlieu  a  boy. — My  object. — Ho!  For  tho  Oil 
Iteglous  ill  Puiiusylvania. — My  Chum. — Groat  Excitoment. — Oil  City 
flooilod. — "Coal  Oil  Jdhnuy." — Tools,  etc.,  UHed  iu  boring  for  oil.— 
All  al)out  finding  oil. — And  what  the  oil  is. — My  oxperieuee  for  about 
a  yoar. 

In  tlie  winter  of  1804-n5  I  concluded  to  leave  my  home  in  New 
York  for  an  indefinite  time ;  not  exactly  to  hunt  buffalo  and  kill 
Indians  on  the  plains,  for  killinfj;  was  never  sport  to  me,  and  I 
was  not  'wild,'  nor  to  seek  my  fortune  ;  for  at  that  time  this  did 
not  appear  necessary,  though  I  expected  to  earn  by  work  my 
living  and  travelling  expenses,  and  more,  if  I  run  on  to  any 
great  opportunity  to  do  so.  My  object  was  to  see  and  know 
more  of  the  living,  bustling,  wild  and  wide  world,  than  what 
transpired  in  the  drowsy  orthodox  range  in  which  I  was 
confined. 

My  parents  tried  to  dissuade  and  divert  me  from  my  pur- 
pose, but,  as  I  had  set  my  heart  on  it,  they  neither  strenuously 
opposed  me  nor  did  they  give  anj'  formal  consent ;  but  left 
the  field  clear  for  my  return  as  the  prodigal  son  of  old,  which 
they  prophesied  I  would  soon  do,  for  them  to  say  "did  I  not 
tell  you  so,  my  boy,"  and  to  lessen  the  sting  of  adieu. 

Little  did  I  then  think  I  was  never  to  see  them  any  more 
in  this  world,  or  know  the  terrible  pangs  of  grief  I  would  suffer 
when  we  really  kissed  each  other  good  bye,  and  that  the 
thought  of  that  sad  event  would  haunt  me,  and  make  me  sick 
at  times,  for  many  years  to  come. 

A  young  friend  was  to  ramble  with  me,  and  we  started 
March  13th,  1805.  The  oil  regions  in  Pennsylvania  was  our 
first  destination,  as  there  were  many  fabulous  stories  alioat, 
and  much  excitement  about  oil  at  that  time,  to  such  an  extent, 
that  poor  men  at  a  distance  were  mortgaging  their  homes  to 
buy  stock  in  oil  companies  (or  confidence  games)  then  being 
worked  and  played  to  catch  the  unwary ;  and  wages  and  em- 
ployment there  were  reputed  as  high  and  abundant. 

At  the  end  of  the  third  dav  we  arrived  by  rail  at  the  end 
of  the  track — then  about  a  mile  from  Oil  City.     AVe  jumped  off 


24 


Striking  Out  From  Home. 


1 


into  the  mud  aua  oil  a  foot  or  two  deep,  ami  waded  througli  it 
iu  the  dark  to  town  and  to  a  hotel  (could  have  ridden  for  two 
dollars). 

The  next  day  it  was  raininj^;  teams  were  stuck  in  the  street, 
loaded   with   but  a  few  hundred  pounds. 

Teaming  (hauling  oil,  coal,  lumber,  machinery,  etc.,)  was 
a  great  business  in  the  oil  regions  at  that  time.  The  price 
of  single  teams  and  wagon  with  driver  was  twenty  dollars  per 
day  or  more,  and  they  made  forty  dollars  per  day  in  handling 
flat  boats  iu  and  up  Oil  Creek.  Drivers  were  rated  at  fifty 
dollars  per  month,  and  no  one  envied  their  pay  or  position. 
The  vast  amount  of  dead  horses  lying  about  or  floating  down 
the  Creek,  the  number  of  broken  wagons  iu  sight,  together 
^vith  the  high  price  of  stable  room,  feed,  etc.,  showed  that  it 
was  not  all  profit.  Yet  there  was  big  money  in  the  business 
to  those  whom  sxxch  drawbacks  were  not  «.txScouraging,  but 
were  taken  as  a  matter  of  course. 

A  scene  on  the  road  : — A  team  loaded  with  oil  stuck  in  a 
mud  hole  full  of  big  boulders  and  blocking  the  way  for  twenty 
teams  behind  :.  the  driver  asks  the  nearest  "what  will  you  take 
to  pull  me  out?"  "Nothing  for  that,  but  two  dollars  and  fifty 
cents  for  hitching  on  iu  the  mud." 

In  time  roads  were  made,  feed,  stab^  3  room,  etc.,  got  cheap 
and  handy,  when,  as  there  was  nothing  frightful  in  the  business, 
everybody  was  will'ng  to  engage  in  it,  and  nobody  made  much 
in  the  business  any  more. 

Next  came  railroads,  and  then,  in  time,  pipe-lines  were 
added  for  conveying  oil. 

Crowds  of  disgusted  and  home-sick  men  having  failed  to 
find  employment,  and  short  of  money,  told  discouraging  stories 
to  us — they  were  discouraging  to  its  then,  to  be  sure,  because 
of  our  inexperience  in  the  wcvld,  otherwise  we  would  have 
critically  gathered  useful  and  encouraging  information  instead. 

However,  my  chum  concluded  during  the  day  that  he  had 
rambled  far  enough  from  his  good  old  home  and  that  we  were 
fibout  lost,  too,  and  having  now  been  absent  for  several  whole 
days  and  nights,  and  remembering  that  his  pet  mare  was  liable 
to  have  a  colt  with  none  to  caress  them,  and  corn  planting  time 
would  soon  be  on  hand  with  his  vacant  place  to  fill,  he  reluct* 


The  Oil  Regions. 


25 


antly  left  me  to  my  self-willed  fate  and  returned  home  to  his 
mother — and  he  was  about  right. 

As  neither  of  us  had  any  trade,  and  common  labor  appeared 
very  rugf^ed  and  abundantly  supplied,  and  not  having  any 
money,  letters  of  acquaintance,  or  other  means  by  which  we 
could  engage  in  some  one  or  another  of  the  business  opportun- 
ities, the  outlook,  indeed,  was  not  brilliant  or  strewn  with  roses. 
But  I  had  not  expected  it  would  be ;  I  had  not  counted  on 
getting  a  berth  as  conductor  as  we  travelled  along,  as  clerk  at  a 
hotel  wherever  we  happened  to  stop  for  a  few  days,  or  as  con- 
fidential agent  for  some  big  concern,  on  sight  and  application; 
nor  yet  the  gift  of  a  team,  flat-boat,  brewery  or  oil-well,  as  an 
inducement  to  stop  a  few  mouths  when  we  got  there. 

Leaving  my  cumbrous  valise  at  the  hotel  I  struck  out 
among  the  oil-wells  to  see  what  I  could  see,  learn  and  discover. 
The  rain  storm  continued,  resulting  in  a  flood ;  Oil  Creek  rose 
to  a  river  and  with  the  Alleghany  inundated  the  town  of  Oil 
Citv  to  the  extent  that  those  living  iu  the  business  and  lower 
portion  had  to  move  upstairs  in  the  night,  the  street  was  over- 
flowed, and  the  public  buildings,  churches,  etc.,  were  occupied 
with  those  who  were  entirely  drowned  out. 

Bei.urning  the  following  day,  I  found  my  valise  in  five  or 
six  :'eet  of  water — all  being  confusion  and  havoc,  as  water  was 
king,  and  he  was  mad. 

Millions  of  dollars  in  oil,  barrels,  tanks,  flat-boats,  rafts  of 
lumber,  buildings,  merchandise,  etc.,  etc.,  were  carried  away, 
destroyed,  or  damaged. 

Wlien  the  water  had  subsided,  I  rolled  oil  barrels  on  the 
dock  for  a  few  days  at  sixty  cents  per  hour,  and  then  got  a 
job  with  a  surveyor  as  chain  carrier  at  three  dollars  per  day, 
which  I  held  until  I  had  tni.velled  over  much  of  that  region. 

I  remember  seeing  old  Indian  camping  grounds  and  hear- 
ing the  stories  of  how  they  iised  to  gather  the  "Seneca  oil" 
with  blankets  on  Oil  Creek,  and  sell  it  for  medical  purposes  to 
the  pale-faced  invaders. 

These  were  days  of  jubilee  for  the  horny-handed  farmers 
anywhere  around  here,  as  they  could  now  sell  their  poor  and 
rugged  side-hill  farms  for  five,  ten  and  twenty  thousand  dollars 
to  speculators  and  companies  who  were  now  minutely  surveying 


m 


Briirann'jiaiiiai«¥iiTijirMiiai>gw 


26 


Striking  Out  Fiioii  Home. 


Ill 


\  m 


tr; 


them,  with  their  springs  and  creeks  to  map   and  paint  in  glow- 
ing  colors,  to  divide  np  and  sell  to  strangers  as  oil  lands  rich< 
in  prospects. 

Many  tricks  were  invented  and  used  to  effect  sales  of  "oil 
lands,"  such  as  burying  barrels  of  oil,  slightly  tapped,  near 
some  spring,  so  the  oil  would  run  in  and  flow  from  it,  and  as 
carrying  a  hollow  cane — with  a  valve  in  the  end  —  filled  with 
oil  to  show  an  investor,  oil  "most  anywhere  arounu  here  just 
by  pushing  a  stick  in  the  ground,  you  see." 

But  it  was  at  a  distance,  on  pasteboard  and  paper,  that 
"oil  lands"  and  "town  lots"  for  sale  appeared  the  most  enchant- 
ing, as  bluffs  and  craggy  hills  appeared  as  level  land  then,  and 
the  streams  and  springs  were  often  only  in  the  mind  and 
picture. 

However,  in  time  it  transpired  that  surface  indications 
proved  little  or  nothing  anyway,  as  wells  that  were  sunk  in,  or 
near  real  oil  springs,  seldom,  if  ever,  produced  in  paying 
quantities,  and  the  high  lands — at  first  considered  worthless — 
proved  as  good  as  any,  except  the  inconvenience  or  inaccessi- 
bility in  working  it. 

And  altogether  only  one  well  in  perhaps  a  hundred  pro- 
duced any  oil,  and  it  was  more  apt  to  yield  but  one  barrel  per 
day  than  two  or  three  hundred  ;  very  few  outside  investors  who 
kept  their  stock  or  interests  got  their  money  back. 

Manv  original  owners  of  the  land  held  on  to  it  and  allowed 
others  to  sink  wells  on  it  —  the  owner  to  receive  one-third  of 
what  oil  might  be  produced.  This  is  what  the  widow  McClintoc 
did,  and  which  made  "Coal  Oil  Johnny" — her  adopted  son — so 
rich  for  a  time  and  notorious  as  a  prodigal  son  of  fortune. 

While  he  was  scattering  his  wealth  to  the  wild  winds,  he 
declared  to  his  friends,  who  tried  lo  divert  him  from  his  down- 
ward course,  that  "he  had  driven  a  team  on  Oil  Creek  for  a 
living  and  could  do  so  again,"  and  substantially  this  he  after- 
wards had  to  do  in  other  places.  Though  he  spent  much  of 
his  fortune  in  reckless  dissipation  and  sport,  he  also  gave  away 
a  great  deal  from  a  most  noble  impulse  and  kindly  feeling. 
But  perhaps  more  than  either  or  both  amounts  was  gotten  from 
him  by  "real  nice  and  respected"  gentry,  by  chicanery  of  the 


i 


!l! 


The  Oil  Eegions. 


27 


most  contemptible  and  villainous  type, — such  as  setting  up 
banks  to  ''fail"  after  catching  his  large  deposits. 

He  knows  more  of  human  and  inhuman  characters  now ; 
Avhat  a  pity  for  him  and  his,  that  he  had  not  learned  it  in  his 
youth,  either  in  his  own  efforts  for  a  living,  or  it  had  been 
taught  to  him  by  the  -wider  and  deeper  exi)erience  of  others, 
educated  by  struggling  with  the  real  masked  and  bra/en  wijrld. 

Much  has  been  said  and  sung  about  the  prodigality  of 
"Johnny  Coal  Oil,"  but  somehow  we  never  hear  of  au}'  great 
good  flowing  from  those  who  got  two  barrels  of  oil,  whenever 
John  Steel  got  one. 

It  was  customary  in  the  oil  regions  to  keep  a  pail  of 
petroleum  in  the  house  for  making  fires,  and  in  this  way  Mrs. 
McClintoc  was  burned  to  death.       I  was  at  and  over  the  place. 

Others  lost  their  opportunity  to  gain  a  competency  by  thus 
allowing  their  places  to  be  prospected  or  tested,  instead  of  sell- 
ing on  faith  and  hope,  at  a  time  when  it  was  universal  and 
strong. 

When  the  whole  country  had  been  prospected,  it  then 
transpired  that  the  oil  lands  lay  in  narrow  belts  without  regard 
to  creeks,  hills,  or  other  surface  formation,  and  in  these,  oil 
had  not  been  always  found. 

Crude  petroleum  is  as  thick  or  heavy  as  lard  oil  ;  but  the 
color  is  a  deep  green;  it  emits  an  odor  like  the  petroleum  axle 
grease  sold  throughout  the  country.  I  shipped  a  barrel  of  it 
home,  as  a  curiosity  and  for  lubricating  machinery. 

It  appears  to  be  a  sort  of  fish  oil,  the  sand-stone  in  which 
it  is  confined  being  sometimes  the  bed  of  a  sea,  and  by  its  up- 
heaval, turned  off  the  water  and  gave  the  whale-like  animals 
their  death  in  the  sand,  this  sand  drifting  or  otherwise  re^eiv- 
iug  and  holding  from  evaporation  their  carcasses  and  oil,  when 
the  sand  hardens  into  a  strata  of  sand-stone,  retaining  and 
confining  the  oil  with  the  gases. 

My  next  employment  was  in  running  an  engine  for  a  pump- 
ing oil  well  at  four  dollars  per  day ;  board  being  from  six  to 
eight  dollars  per  week,  (the  Pennsylvania  Dutch  are  exception- 
ally good  livers);  and  then  I  worked  as  driller  in  boring  other 
wells  at  the  same  wages ;  and  at  one  of  these  employments  or 
the  other — sometimes  sharpening  and  repairing  the  tools  being 


*""""    ""    "-'"•  Tfiiiii  '■iTl  iiTa  I'Mfin 


\l 


28 


Striking  Out  From  Home. 


iucluiled — I  was  engaged  dnviug  the  most  of  my  sojourn  in  the 
Oil  Regions,  which  time  Wiis  nearly  eleven  months.  I  thus 
worked  at  different  wells  and  localities. 

At  one  place  (Franklin)  I  sunk  a  well,  with  one  helper, 
from  five  hundred  to  about  a  thousand  feet  deep ;  and  as  there 
was  but  the  two  of  us  (they  generally  run  night  and  day,  re- 
(juiriug  four  men)  we  put  in  as  much  time  as  we  desired,  which 
was  sixteen  hours  per  day  and  eighteen  on  Saturdays.  This 
well  was  sunk  four  or  five  hundred  feet  deeper  than  others,  as 
an  experiment,  but  found  no  oil.  A  humbug  oil  "smeller"  had 
traced  several  veins  of  oil  to  a  junction  at  tlie  very  spot  we 
bored  through,  he  "  could  (and  did)  give  the  depth  "  also. 

The  average  oil  well  was  five  inches  in  diameter.  The 
average  boring  tools  consist  of  a  bit,  or  drill,  two  and  a  half 
feet  long,  which  is  screwed  into  a  round  bar,  twenty-two  feet 
long  ("angor  stem  "),  which  is  screwed  into  one  end  of  a  pair 
of  heavy  links  ("Jars")  five  feet  long,  the  other  end  of  the  jars 
being  screwed  into  a  round  bar  ("sinker  bar")  eight  feet  long, 
which  is  screwed  into  the  end  of  a  rope  socket,  three  feet  long, 
all  made  of  three  inch  round  iron,  and  weigh  eleven  or  twelve 
hundred  pounds.  The  end  of  a  one  and  a  half  inch  rope  is 
wrapped  and  riveted  into  the  rope  socket ;  the  other  end  of  the 
rope  is  passed  up  over  a  pulley  at  the  top  of  the  derrick  and 
down  to  and  wound  aroimd  the  shaft  of  a  windlass-like  wheel 
("bull  wheel"),  -which  is  attached  by  a  a  rope  belt  to  a  ten 
horse  power  engine,  and  used  to  lower  and  raise  the  tools  in 
the  well  whenever  the  bit  is  dulled  or  the  sediment  (drillings) 
needs  to  be  pumped  out,  which  is  as  often  as  every  two  and 
a  half  feet  is  gone  down. 

The  tools  are  now  suspended  just  over  the  hole,  which  is 
about  full  of  water.  The  rope  belt  having  been  thrown  from 
the  bull-wheel,  the  driller,  with  a  brake  on  the  wheel,  lets  the 
tools  rim,  or  nearly  drop,  to  the  bottom  of  the  hole  (the  engine 
being  used  in  raising  them  out).  Next  the  rope  at  a  few  feet 
above  the  mouth  of  the  hole  is  clasped  tightly  to  a  screw 
arrangement  ("temper  screw"),  the  screw  itself  being  two  and 
a  half  feet  long,  the  upper  end  of  which  is  a  swivel  and  hook, 
which  is  hooked  under  the  end  of  a  walking  beam,  say  thirty  feet 
long,  the  other  end  of  it  being  attached  to  the  engine  with  a 


ru  iu  the 
I  thus 

B  helper, 
as  there 
1  (hiy,  re- 
ad, which 
ys.  This 
others,  as 
Her  "  had 
y  spot  we 
also. 

ter.     The 
lud  a  half 
y-two  feet 
\  of  a  pair 
of  the  jars 
feet  long, 
i  feet  long, 
or  twelve 
ch  rope  is 
end  of  the 
erriclc  and 
•like  wheel 
t  to  a  ten 
Ihe  tools  in 
(drillings) 
ry  two  and 

i,  which  is 
irown  from 
tel,  lets  the 
|(the  engine 
a  few  feet 
lo   a  screw 
Ig  two  and 
and  hook, 
thirty  feet 
nne  with  a 


cc 


!''n 


(29) 


jT- 


30 


Stuikino  Out  Fuom  Home. 


^ 


pitincii;  then  slack  is  given  the  ropo  iibovo  l)y  turning  the  bull- 
wlieol  back,  thus  causing  tiie  tools  to  hang  suspenclecl  to  the 
walking  beam;  when  the  engine  is  started,  the  tools  being 
fsiniply  raised  and  dropped  two  or  three  feet  at  ev(U"y  turn  of 
the  walking  beam,  which  is  made  to  go  slow  or  fast  according 
to  the  depth  of  the  iioh)  and  length  of  the  rope;  as  can  be 
imagined,  the  deeper  the  hole,  the  slower  the  stroke. 

The  weight  f)f  the  bit,  the  twenty-two  feet  "auger  stem" 
and  th(^  lower  link,  or  half  of  t]u>  "jars,"  being  the  downward 
or  drilling  force,  or  weight;  while  the  wt'ight  in  the  upper  link, 
or  half  of  the  jars,  with  the  eight  feet  "sinker  bar,"  jars  the  bit 
loose  as  it  jerks  it  up.  Little  or  much  "jar"  being  given,  ac- 
cording to  how  much  the  bit  sticks.  If  the  hole  be  deep  and 
no  "jar"  is  given,  the  walking  beam  will  i)lay  on  the  stretch  of 
the  rope,  witliout  raising  the  tools  from  the  bottom.  If  the 
hole  be  shallow  (so  that  the  rope  is  short)  and  the  jar  is  allow- 
ed to  run  entirely  out,  then  the  bit,  sticking  much,  stops  the 
engine  or  breaks  something ;  while  too  much  jar  lessens  the  fall 
of  the  bit  and  lower  part  of  the  tools,  making  it  drill  slow 
in  proportion. 

The  driller,  sitting  on  a  stool,  turns  the  screw  and  rope  on 
the  swivel  above  a  little  at  each  downward  stroke,  and  as  the 
drill  works  down,  so  the  jar  feels  slight,  indistinct,  or,  if  the  bit 
sticks,  he  unscrews  the  temper-screw,  giving  more  rope  and 
more  jar.  When  he  has  thus  unscrewed  the  length  of  the 
screw  (two  and  a  half  feet),  or  the  bit  is  sooner  dulled,  the  tools 
are  hoisted  out  and  another  tool  ("rimmer")  is  substituted  for 
the  two  and  a  half  feet  bit,  which  is  to  cut  or  rim  the  hole  one 
inch  larger  thnn  tlie  bit  (the  ciit  of  the  bit  being  but  four 
inches)  and  b.  'U'le  to  keep  the  hole  round. 

This  done,  the  tools  are  again  hoisted  oxit,  and  a  sharpened 
bit  replaces  the  rimmer  to  make  another  two  or  two  and  a  half 
feet.  But  before  the  tools  are  let  down  again,  the  sediment  or 
drillings  must  be  pumped,  out  with  the  "sand-pump."  This 
tool  is  simply  a  zinc  pipe,  five  feet  long  and  three  and  a  half  or 
four  inches  in  diameter,  with  a  valve  in  one  end  and.  a  bail  on 
the  otlier ;  to  this  bail  is  tied  the  end  of  a  half-inch  rope  which 
is  reeled  on  a  wheel ;  the  pump  is  dropped  into  the  hole,  and 
when  it  reaches  th^  bottom  the  driller  works  it  up  and  down  a 


The  Oil  Regions. 


31 


lew  times  hy  the  rope,  thus  working  the  mud  or  tlrilliiif^'s  up 
\hrf)U<;h  the  valve  into  the  pipe  or  ])UMip,  then  the  en<,'ino  reels 
':t  up  very  quickly  when  it  is  enintictl  and  the  sanio  siiaple 
process  rejwfited  three  or  four  times,  at  the  completion  of  every 
two  or  two  luul  iiiilf  feet. 

Before  (Iriliing  is  commenced  on  n  well,  heavy  seven-inch 
iron  pipe — in  seven  feet  sections  -  is  driven  with  a  ram  to  the 
])("d  rock,  or  else  an  ordinary  well  is  dug  down  to  it  and  a  ])lank 
1)()X  })ipo  set  up  in  it,  the  upper  end  IxMug  at  the  surface  and  is 
the  top  of  tlie  well.  Solid  rock  is  desii-cd  a)id  generally  had 
the  rest  of  the  Avay.  The  exceptions  lieing  in  mud  veins  and 
cavities,  which  frecpiently  cause  trouble  hy  pieces  of  rock 
working  out  and  falling  on  the  tools,  to  the  extent  sometimes 
that  tiie  tools  and  hole  are  abandoned. 

Five  or  six  feet  per  day  of  twelve  hours  -is  alx  it  the 
average  work  in  boring  a  OOl)  fe(>t  well. 

In  the  Oil  Creek  .section,  three  stratas  of  sand-stone  are 
found  and  gone  through,  each  thirty  or  forty  feet  thick,  in 
Avhich  the  oil  is.  Little  or  none  is  fotind  in  the  first  strata  (at 
about  225  feet),  more  is  apt  to  be  found  in  the  second  (at  about 
•125  feet j,  but  never,  I  believe,  in  paying  ([uautities,  so  that  little 
notice  is  given  to  any  prospects  found  here  either ;  but  when 
the  third  strata  is  reached  and  gone  through,  which  is  at  a 
depth  of  nearly  GOO  hundred  feet,  tluui  the  boring  is  finished  ;  as 
here  in  the  third  .sdiid-stoHc  is  where  oil  is  expected  to  be  found, 
if  at  all,  and  worked. 

The  kind  of  rock  between  the  stratas  of  sand-stone  is 
mostly  granite,  slate  or  soap-stone,  with  thin  stratas  of  a 
harder  nature,  sometimes  Hint. 

In  one  well,  in  say  a  thousand,  oil  is  struck  which  immedi- 
ately flows  and  spurts  out ;  but  Avhether  this  be  the  case  or  not, 
the  well  is  next  piped  to  within  a  few  feet  of  the  bottom  with  a 
two  and  a  half  inch  gas  or  water  pipe,  having  a  pump  valve  in 
the  bottom  section,  and  a  leather  bag  the  size  of  the  well  (five 
inches)  and  two  feet  long  is  tied  at  each  end  around  the  pipe 
or  tubing,  so  it  will  be  just  above  the  third  sand-stone ;  this 
'seed  bag"  having  been  filled  with  flax  seed,  Avhich,  swellin;.'., 
shuts  off  all  the  water  above  it  to  the  surface,  thus  allowing 
any  pressure  of  oil  and  wat^r  which  may  be  below  it  in  the 


lit 


'I!  i 

■ii ' 


1 

i 

i  i 

Ii 

1 , 

■■■!(! 

32 


Striking  Out  From  Home. 


third  sand-stone  to  flow  up  the  tubing  without  incumbrance 
from  the  veins  of  water  for  500  feet  or  more  above. 

But  unless  a  strong  force  of  gas  is  tapped,  neither  oil  nor 
water  is  apt  to  be  very  pressing  to  get  up.  In  any  such  case, 
however,  it  generally  flows  or  spurts  out  at  intervals,  spasmod- 
ically, with  gas  enough  to  run  an  engine  and  more. 

Usually  no  oil  has  yet  appeared  when  "sucker  rods,"  with 
a  pump  valve  at  the  end  of  the  first  section,  are  let  down  into 
the  tubing  to  the  bottom,  and  the  upper  end  attached  to  the 
walking  beam,  and  pumping  commenced  and  continued — night 
and  day  and  Sundays— for  about  six  weeks.  When  if  nothing 
but  water,  or  water  and  gas  appears,  the  well  is  abandoned, 
which,  of  course,  is  generally  the  case.  The  water  may  be  salt 
at  the  start,  or  get  to  be  such  after  pumping  a  few  days  or 
weeks.  Salt  water  is  a  favorable  sign,  it  frequently  being 
followed  by  oil,  and  oil  is  not  found  without  it.  I  believe 
petroleum  was  first  struck  in  boring  for  salt. 

The  Indians  of  the  oil  regions  had  gone  to  their  happy 
hunting  grounds,  or  had  been  removed,  or  fables  as  to  their 
supposed  knowledge  of  oil  springs,  etc.,  might  have  been  in- 
vented and  they  thus  utilized  by  rings  of  men  —with  the  aid  of 
their  press— and  the  oil  excitement  prolonged,  as  is  done  in 
other  mining  regions. 

Moreover,  it  was  too  accessible  to  the  outside  world,  by 
rail  and  the  Alleghany  River,  for,  with  slight  expense,  time  and 
inconvenience,  those  who  were  furnishing  the  cash,  for  the 
operators  to  invest  and  steal,  could  see  and  leavn  for  them- 
selves the  business  and  properties  in  which  so  many  were 
wildly  investing. 

This  is  the  reason  the  Pacific  railroads  and  Gen.  Crook 
(who  settled  the  Indians  beyond  question  for  a  time  in 
Arizona)  were  such  a  curse  to  the  mining  and  tributary  iutere>5ts 
in  the  far  west,  causing  whole  districts  to  be  abandoned,  and  so 
they  are  yet.  Many  with  money  to  invest  then  learned,  in  ad- 
vance of  investment,  not  to  expect  returns  from  investments  in 
ring  companies  on  account  of  songs  suug  of  a  comparative  few 
lucky  strikes ;  so  times  in  the  mining  and  oil  camps  became 
very  hard.  And  as  many  of  the  games  were  being  closed  for  a 
change  of  base  and  operations,  away  from  lines  of  travel,  many 


l 


Thk  Oil  Eegions. 


33 


of  the  common  herd  of  men  were  swindled  out  of  their  wages, 
deposits  or  stivings,  and  with  the  outside  investors  were  settled 
with  in  stocks  of  experience,  in  knowledge  they  should  have 
gained  in  their  youth. 

"  For  such  is  the  temper  of  men  tliat  b /?fore  they  have  had  the 
trial  of  great  afflictions,  they  do  not  understand  what  is  for  their 
advantage :  but  when  they  find  themselves  under  such  afflictions, 
txiey  then  change  their  minds,  and  what  it  had  been  better  for 
them  to  have  done  before  they  had  been  at  aU  damaged,  they 
choose  to  do,  but  not  until  after  they  have  suffered  such  damage." 

JutfCjjh  Uf!. 

A  few  months  or  years  as  a  news-boy,  or  spent  in  sweeping, 
or  doing  errands  in  offices  or  dens  of  lawyers,  ring  companies 
or  other  gangs,  so  he  hears  the  talk  that  goes  on  there,  with 
j^ractical  moral  lessons  at  home,  is  for  a  boy  the  best  bequest, 
the  best  endowment,  the  most  wise  foundation,  stock  in  trade 
and  security  for  fortune  and  favor,  and  to  keep  one  "unspotted 
in  the  world" — though  he  may  spot  others. 

I  was  present  at  the  dying  scenes  of  those  plays,  so  skill- 
fully painted  in  oil,  and  years  afterwards  at  others,  galvanized 
in  silver  and  gold. 

I  left  the  oil  regions  on  February  11th,  1866,  having  earned 
nearly  one  thousand  dollars  ;  had  many  enjoyable  times  and 
others  not  so  pleasant ;  had  been  at  all  the  towns  and  sections 
from  Franklin  and  below  to  Titusville,  and  from  Oil  Creek  to 
Pit-hole.  Had  lost  various  sums  in  loaning  and  in  simple  con- 
fidence and  folly,  had  disp<jsed  of  other  sums  in  friendship  and 
favor  and  pleasure,  and  got  away  with  about  five  hundred 
dollars  ;  had  I  remained  a  little  longer,  a  bank  would  have  got 
away  with  most  of  that,  as  it  was  near  the  time  set  to  close 
ihch'  deals,  done  in  the  name  and  guise  of  security  (?)  and  by 
the  protection  of  the  couri-s. 

Courts  grind  the  poor,  and  rings  rule  the  courts. 


^wr 


\w 


1 1 


CHAPTER  II. 

Leaving  the  oil  regions  for  a  good  time  "out  West." — A  i^eriod  of  travel, 
etc.,  of  four  and  a  half  months  to  the  Missouri  river. — Then  cro.ssiug 
the  2)laius  to  Salt  Lako  -with  wagon  train  in  .sixty  days. — Our  train. — 
My  team. — First  cam})  in  a  .storm. — Fording  the  Platte  river  Avit'  Hs 
quick-sand  bottom. — Eig  teams. — My  first  drink — Delusion  iu  dis- 
tance.— CTam(>. — Freighiing,  etc. —  Life  and  Government  on  the 
plains. — A  comprt^hensivo  account  of  the  region  from  the  Missouri 
river  to  Salt  Lake  Valley. 

vJTHEES  have  said  before  that  a  dollar's  worth  of  pure 
pleasure  is  worth  more  than  a  dollar's  worth  of  auythiiig  elsf^ 
in  the  world — that  working  is  not  living,  hut  oidy  the  mear.-;  b > 
which  we  win  a  living ;  that  money  is  good  for  nothing,  except 
for  what  it  brings  of  comfort  and  culture.  Believing  in  this 
philosophy,  I  next  starteil  out  to  live  and  to  enjoy  the  pleasure 
and  culture  I  had  wmi,  devoting  the  ensuing  four  and  a  half 
months  to  travel  by  rail,  water  and  stage  (tramping  was  not 
much  in  vogue  then),  and  in  visiting  relatives  and  others  of  my 
acquaintance,  who  had  settled  "out  West,"  iu  Ohio,  Illinois 
Michigan  and  Nebraska. 

This  was  a  season  of  enjo^'ment,  unalloyed  by  cares,  hard- 
»hips  or  perplexities  of  any  kind,  and  to  which  my  mind  often 
reverts,  and  always  with  the  utmost  pleasure  and  satisfaction. 
Of  the  pleasant  homes  and  happy  families,  of  the  genuine  hos- 
pitality, affection,  friendship  and  good  times  I  enjoyeil  on  every 
hand,  I  should  like  to  dwell  on.  And  also  of  the  cities  and 
many  places  and  objects  of  interest  I  saw  to  admire  ;  but  as 
there  was  nothing  rugged  or  strange  blended  in  my  experiences 
here,  I  must  thus  pass  them  over,  Avhich  brings  me  to  the  20th 
of  June,  1800,  Avhen  I  found  myself  at  Nebraska  City  in  charge 
of  a  four  mule  team  and  wagon,  loaded  with  improved  rifles, 
and  bound  over  the  plains  for  Salt  Lake  City. 

"Joy  bounds  through  every  throbbing  vein — 
Dear  world?  where  love  and  pleasiice  reign." 

None  of  the  Pacific  railroads  had  yet  been  built,  but  the 
U.  P.  and  Central  was  commenced  that  summer  ;  consecpiently 
all  the  freight  required  to  supply  Denver,  the  Mines,  Salt  Lake, 

|31) 


I 


Life  ox  the  Plains. 


35 


of  travel, 

1  ci'ossiug 
ir  tnviu.— 
erwit'  Hs 
ion  ill  <-^i"- 
,t  oil  tlio 
o  Missouri 


of  pure 
;liiug  els( 
meai\i?  by 
u<r,  excevl 
ius  in  tluft 
e  pleasure 
aiul  a  half 
g  was  not 
hers  of  my 
io,  Illinois, 

•ares,  liard- 
miiid  often 
i:vtisfaction. 
hmiiue  lios- 
;(.l  on  every 
cities  and 
lii'o ;  but  as 
ixperiences 
to  the  20tli 
y  in  cliarf^e 
loved  rifles, 


[\\\i,  but  the 
jusequently 
4,  SivltLake, 


the  Military  Posts  and  the  whole  region  between  the  Missouri 
river  and  the  Pacific  ocean  and  our  northern  line  and  Mexico, 
with  the  slight  exception  of  some  river  navigation  near  the 
coast,  was  tlieu  transported  in  Avagoiis  by  mule  aud  ox  teams. 
For  safety  aud  convenience  these  travelled  in  companies  or 
trains  of  say  twentj'  to  forty  wagons.  An  average  ox  team  was 
six  yoke  and  that  of  mules  run  from  four  to  fourteen  animals. 
I  think  the  Government  standard  of  six  is  the  most  practicable 
team  for  teaming;  most  any  one  can  handle  and  care  for  sucli  a 
team ;  a  load  can  be  gotten  on  one  wagon  without  the  risk  of  .sid- 
ling and  soft  roads,  and  the  loaders  of  the  team  don't  need  to 
swing  all  over  the  country  in  making  a  few  miles,  as  do  large 
teams  and  trail  or  high-loaded  wagons. 

Freighting  on  the  plains  was  an  extensive  and  usually  a 
profitable  industry,  but  the  fortunes  were  mostly  acquired  by 
ring  favorites  of  Government  officials,  on  account  of  Govern- 
nii'ut  transportation,  and  the}',  usually,  sub-letting  to  others 
wlio  did  the  work  at  half  the  cost  to  Uncle  Sam.  This  western 
region  —  marked  on  the  old  maps  as  the  "Great  American  De- 
sert," or  the  "Plains,"  as  the  unsettled  portions  are  called  in 
the  west — in  the  days  I  speak  of  Avere  miich  like  the  ocean  in 
many  respects,  and  in  this,  tliat  there  were  no  courts  and 
lawyers  to  murder  justice. 

Everybody  was  expected  to  defend  and  protect  himself  and 
his  o^Mi,  and  consequently  was  alwa}.^  more  or  less  prepared 
ami  '  I'^ay  to  do  so.  And  it  trans})ired  that  the  results  of  this 
siuple  ii  d  taxless  mode  of  Government  (anarchy)  as  practised 
a  tho  phiins  by  the  many  thousands  and  mottled  throngs 
huiii'  thoi.e  many  rears  — though  not  above  all  desirable  — yet 
that  it  ■  ??  ,  xar  superior  to  that  of  any  ring-ridden  lawyer  gang 
iufested  community. 

Bad  Indians  and  just  as  bad  white  men  would  murder  and 
plunder  to  some  extent,  to  be  sure,  but  not  to  the  extent  one 
would  imagine,  considering  the  isolation  and  the  large  and  en- 
Hciug  opportunities,  and  nothing  in  comparison  to  that  com- 
r  itted  in  the  states  in  the  name  of  one  thing  or  another. 

This  is  true,  notwithstanding  the  pretty  true  saying,  that 
'  •'  ybody  quarrels  in  crossing  the  plains."  But  the  com- 
piuuvjuship  is  often  close  in  travelling,  camping  and  working 


'  Pii 


1 


ii.' 


86 


Olit  West. 


ff 


together,  and  the  necessary  hardships  and  aggravatious  are 
often  trying,  and  test  to  the  quick  all  of  the  traits  of  the 
human  disposition. 

Be  this  as  it  may,  nobody  was  imprisoned,  but  few  ever 
killed  or  hurt,  and  losses  of  property,  or  peace  of  mind,  seldom 
occurred  there  from  trouble  with  each  other ;  and  it  was  such 
an  active  life,  too. 

Plains'  people  usually  refrained  from  practising  tricks  and 
confidence  games  in  their  dealings  with  one  another,  or  even  to 
take  the  advantage  of  ignorance,  or  necessity,  (because  there 
were  no  1-.:  v^  '  v^l  courts  to  protect  them  in  such  devilry),  there- 
fore they  sc  had  or  made  any  trouble,  and  when  any  did 
occur,  it  was  !i  ^rt  and  decisive,  instead  of  a  lingering,  never- 
ending  agony  of  suspense,  expense  and  often  of  unjust  torture, 
as  is  the  result  at  rotten  courts. 

A  New  York  business  man  with  his  family,  desiring  to 
make  a  visit  to  Utah  (his  wife  being  a  Mormon  lady,  strange 
though  it  may  seem)  and  to  increase  his  W3alth,  bought  twentj'- 
four  new  wagons,  harness,  etc.,  and  over  a  hundred  mules, 
which  were  also  mostly  new,  loaded  up  with  his  own  goods 
(general  merchandise),  and  all  for  the  Salt  Lake  City  market. 

I  Avas  to  drive  one  of  his  teams  through  at  twenty  dollars 
per  month.  Teamsters  on  the  plains  had  usually  been  getting 
from  forty  to  eighty  dollars  per  month,  but  now  so  many  were 
anxious  to  emigrate  west  to  the  mining  regions,  that  hundreds 
were  willing  to  drive  even  big  ox  teams  for  their  board  and 
passage — and  they  walked. 

On  a  Sunday  we  drove  the  band  of  mules  from  their  open 
range  -  then  but  a  few  miles  from  Nebraska  City — into  town 
and  corralled  them. 

Outside  of  the  towns  especially,  it  was  very  unusual  to  ob- 
serve the  Sabbath  anywhere  west  of  the  Missouri  river,  and  we 
church-going,  praying  puritans,  who  would  shudder  in  holy 
horror  at  such  desecration  at  home-,  now  took  to  the  ways  of  the 
country,  and  the  theory  that  "the  Sabbath  was  made  for  man, 
and  not  man  for  the  Sabbath." 

A  part  of  our  mules  were  unbroken  and  wild ;  in  order  to 
mix  them,  the  wagon-master  or  captain  of  the  train — who  by 
the  way  got  a  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  per  month— allowed  us 


Life  on  the  Pl.vixs. 


37 


drivers  to  pick  one  pair  for  our  team,  wlieu  lie  would  select 
tlie  other.  I  happened  to  get  possession  of  perhaps  the  best 
pair  in  the  band ;  observing  this,  he  said  that  "  he  reckoned,  he 
could  match  them"  (rather  ■?<»match),  and  this  he  did;  Iliad 
to  lasso  and  choke  them  to  a  wagon  wheel  to  be  harnessed,  and 
throw  them  to  be  shod.  In  the  first  half  mile  they  had  the 
end  of  the  wagon  well  splintered,  so  to  save  the  splinters  I  pnt 
them  on  the  lead,  and,  in  trying  to  get  back,  they  broke  off  the 
tongue. 

I  had  never  driven  four  animals  before,  but  thought,  by 
locating  a  few  wagons  behind  the  lead  wagon  in  the  train,  I 
could  herd  them  along  after  the  others  in  some  way,  though  they 
in  re  wild  ;  but  they  started  me  out  on  the  lead,  just  as  if  I 
knew  anything  about  leading  a  heavily  loaded  wagon  train. 
Had  on  about  4000  pounds  to  the  wagon,  i'  'hiding  four  or  five 
hundred  pounds  of  corn  for  feed,  Avhich  was  very  heavy  loading 
for  the  plains. 

Got  out  a  mile  or  two  the  first  day  and  camped ;  took  a 
week  to  make  the  first  ten  miles.  There  were  two  men  to  lierd 
the  mules  at  night,  and  one  to  drive  the  extra  stock  ;  there 
were  also  two  Avagons  belonging  to  the  wagon  master  and  his 
brother,  who  were  Mormons,  and  one  of  our  drivers  was  a 
Mormon  preacher  just  returning  from  a  foreign  "mission." 

So  there  were  about  thirty  of  us,  divided  into  four  messes, 
well  provided  with  grub  for  the  trip,  also  with  tents,  but  we 
seldom  bothered  to  use  them.  Having  bought  blankets  for 
the  trip  only,  as  I  supposed,  but  found  that  the  average  man  was 
expected  to  furnish  his  own  bed  most  anywhere  on  tlie  Pad  lie 
coast,  and  that  a  hay  mow  or  straw  stack  is  considered  first- 
class  lodging.  I  made  my  "bed"  under  my  wagon,  as  it  was 
raining,  and  turned  in  with  my  clothes  and  boots  on,  as  though 
I  had  been  used  to  camping  all  my  life  and  liked  it.  It  was 
a  pouring  rain  witli  thunder  and  forked  lightning.  When  the 
water  ran  into  my  "bed"  I  awoke,  and  took  a  stroll  around  camp 
to  see  how  others  did,  to  get  fun  out  of  this  sort  of  living ;  this 
was  simple  enough.  Those  who  were  drowned  out  had  put  up 
a  tent  in  the  mud,  and  with  "Fiddler  Jim"  were  having  a 
concert. 

After  we  got  our  corn  fed  up,  we  had  room  to  sleep  in  the 


■•!}iffT^ 


IMN* 


I 


|lii{{!i: 


f* 


38 


Out  West. 


wagons  ;  however,  it  did  not  raiu  much  more,  nor  is  there  auy 
dew  ou  the  plains.  Only  this  simple  lack  of  raiu  caixses  so 
much  desert  and  desolate  country,  and  lack  of  soil  and  timber. 

Some  freight  trains  had  been  manned  with  drivers  in  their 
necessity  without  any  wages,  and  they  had  struck  ou  the  plains 
and  compelled  the  highest  to  be  paid  them,  and  there  had  been 
other  trouble,  though  justice  prevailed.  So  now  our  proprietor 
called  us  together  to  confirm  our  understanding  and  to  sign 
some  sort  of  written  agreement.  Some  were  in  favor  of  this, 
others  against  it,  and  the  rest  did'ut  care.  The  young  black- 
smith, however,  settled  tJie  question  ;  he  was  in  favor  of  sign- 
ing a  contract,  and  a  strong  one,  "for,"  said  he :  "I  signed  one 
once,  the  only  one  in  my  life,  that  I  Avould  stay  with  a  black- 
smith three  years,  and  I  stayed  three  months." 

T lie  wagon  master  said  :  "He  would  just  as  soon  take  the 
boys'  words  for  it,  as  was  usual  with  him,  and  did  not  apprehend 
any  trouble  of  any  kind."  Then  after  the  proprietor  had  in- 
formed us  as  to  the  amount  of  work  he  could  do,  and  the 
number  of  wagons  he  himself  could  drive,  if  necessary — six,  I 
believe — the  matter  was  dropped. 

In  the  West  there  are  many  good  men  who  are  afraid  to 
put  their  names  to  any  writing  whatever,  even  to  promises  they 
are  able  and  intend  to  fulfill ;  they  having  learned  that  no  one 
could  know  what  the  meaning  might  be  construed  to  be,  and  the 
expense  of  the  same,  should  it  ever  get  into  a  court  of  justice(?). 

There  were  a  few  improved  farms  at  and  for  a  few  miles 
beyond  our  first  camp,  which,  I  believe,  was  the  last  that  we  saw 
till  we  got  to  Salt  Creek,  which  was  rudely  settled.  Now 
Lincoln,  the  State  Capital,  and  a  railroad  centre,  is  here. 
Mosquitos  were  thick  and  as  blood-thirsty  as  the  members  of 
a  "charitable"  brotherhood,  and  this  was  about  the  last  place  v/e 
were  annoyed  by  insect  pests  during  the  trip. 

The  country  from  the  Missouri  Eiver  to  this  longitude  is  a 
beautiful  and  rich  rolling  prairie,  and  is  now  about  all  in  culti- 
vation ;  but  west  of  this,  or  say  the  98th  longitude  to  the  coast 
range,  the  rainfall  is  insufficient  or  too  uncertain,  to  farm  suc- 
cessfully without  irrigation  (except  in  spots),  and  this  is  largely 
impracticable,  because  of  the  lack  of  soil  or  its  being  inacces- 
sible to  water. 


ill 


Life  on  the  Pl.\ins. 


39 


ere  auy 
uses  so 

timber, 
iu  their 
le  plaius 
lacl  beeu 
•oprietor 

to  sigu 
■  of  tliis, 
ig  bliick- 

of  si;:;!!- 
rrned  one 

a  black- 

1  take  the 
,ppreheuc^ 


We  struck  the  Platte  river  fort}'  miles  east  of  Fort 
Ker  .ey,  autl  then  travelled  up  its  sandy  bottom  about  240 
miles  to  where  at  that  time  was  Julesburgh — a  dilapidated 
military  aud  stage  station,  400  miles  from   the  Missouri  river. 

There  were  a  great  many  dead  oxen  lying  along  the  road, 
a  great  many  Antelope  were  in  sight,  and  owing  to  the  rarefied 
air,  were  apparently  close  by,  but  really  so  far,  that  with  all  the 
shooting  none  were  killed,  and  all  we  got  was  bought  ot  the 
Indians. 

My  first  experience  in  the  delusion  of  distance  in  a  dry 
atmosphere  occurred  one  afternoon  on  the  Platte  river.  "We 
having  camped  early,  three  of  us  thought  we  would  walk  out  to 
and  climb  some  hills,  apparently  half  a  mile  from  camp,  to 
enjoy  a  better  view ;  we  travelled  a  mile  or  two,  and  as  they  did 
not  appear  an}'  nearer  my  chums  turned  back.  I  continued  on 
about  as  much  further,  and  seeing  but  little  difference  yet, 
gave  it  up,  and  in  returning  in  the  dark  brought  up  at  the 
camp  fires  of  another  train,  half  a  mile  from  our  own. 

At  Julesburgh  we  forded  the  Platte;  they  called  it  half  a 
mile  Avide  here  ;  I  would  now  have  believed  them  had  they  said 
it  was  three  miles  wide.  The  river  bed  is  quick-sand,  and  there 
appears  to  be  about  as  much  sand  as  water  rolling  along  to  add 
to  the  country  in  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  It  is  dangerous  for  a 
wagon  to  get  stuck  iu  the  river,  as  it  would  sink  or  settle  in  the 
sandy  bottom,  and  so  would  a  mule  ;  therefore  our  teams  were 
doubled  up  to  twelve  animals,  and  the  Avagou  beds  were  raised 
to  keep  the  goods  dry. 

Here  they  started  me  out — or  in — with  the  first  wagon 
again.  I  declared  that  I  could  not  get  through  with  such  a 
team,  but  Avith  another  driver  Avith  me,  and  our  Moses  insisting, 
that  "I  could  as  well  as  auA'body,  if  I  only  thought  so,"  and  by 
him  leading  out  until  his  mule  floundered  in  the  treacherous 
sand,  Avhich  is  drifted  in  Avaves  and  heaps,  we  did  come  out 
on  the  opposite  side — about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  the  way 
we  took ;  but  in  returning,  having  no  wagon  to  steady  them,  the 
mules,  chains,  harness  and  doubletrees  got  iu  a  tangled  mess, 
so  it  seemed  that  half  of  the  team  was  down  or  off  their  feet 
ahout  all  the  time ;  had  all  I  could  do  to  hang  on  to  the  harness ; 
80  Ave  finally  lauded — the  Avheelers  ahead — a  quarter  of  a  mile 


.  nil] 

'''■'if 


i 

1 

ii 

: ! 

j 

J:-^ 

1 
'IS; 

m 


I  ii: 


40 


Out  West. 


from  the  right  hinding  place  in  the  dark,  as  night  had  over- 
taken us.  I  thought  I  deserved  hanging,  or  else  songs  of  glory, 
but  others  considered  it  about  the  proper  and  usual  perform- 
ance of  a  tenderfoot  —  only  a  needed  bath  for  man  and  mules. 
The  other  teams  got  along  better,  being  kept  in  the  "track" 
where  it  was  somewhat  packed  and  less  miry,  as  I  did  after- 
wards. 

An  ox  train  loaded  with  a  quartz  mill  for  Idaho  was  cross- 
ing the  same  time  we  did.  Hitched  to  one  of  the  wagous, 
loaded  with  a  large  boiler,  were  thirty-eight  yoke  of  cattle  -  they 
said  forty-eight,  but  I  am  willing  to  knock  off  the  difierence  as  I 
did  not  coimt  them.  The  boss  of  the  train  would  take  no  un- 
necessary chances,  and  could  aftbrd  to  move  slow,  as  he  would 
get  twenty  or  perhaps  thirty  cents  a  pound  freight.  However, 
it  might  have  been  a  God-send  to  the  outside  stock  holders 
had  the  whole  thing  and  business  been  sunk  in  the  sand.  As 
to  the  large  teams,  the  idea  is,  that  a  good  portion  of  the 
animals  need  not  be  pulling  at  all,  can  be  entirely  olf  their  feet, 
and  there  would  be  enough  besides  to  pull  them  up  and  along, 
and  thus  keep  the  Avagon  moving.  Some  of  the  drivers  rode 
the  cattle  while  others  were  on  horseback. 

Here,  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Platte,  I  took  my  first  drink, 
tasted  liquor  the  first  time  in  my  life.  Being  taken  with  a 
bad  chill,  they  rolled  me  up  in  blankets  by  the  camp  fire,  and 
fed  mo  on  brandy  from  a  tin  cup ;  it,  however,  did  not  prove 
fatal,  as  I  have  never  taken  a  pint  altogether  since. 

We  now  took  up  Poll  Creek,  and  travelled  the  general 
route  since  taken  by  the  U.  P.  R.  R ,  leaving  the  stage  route 
for  a  time,  as  it  went  around  by  Denver  ;  arrived  in  Salt  Lake 
City  in  sixty  days  from  the  Missouri  river  —  about  twenty  miles 
a  day,  which  was  unusual  fast  time  for  a  loaded  train. 

As  to  the  country  between  the  Platte  and  Salt  Lake,  we 
saw  a  few  moist,  contracted  bottoms,  where  wild  hay  was  being 
made  to  supply  the  overland  stage  stock ;  there  is  a  good  deal 
of  bunch  grass  country  besides,  which,  if  the  grass  was  cut, 
would  yield  about  seven  hundred  pounds  of  hay  to  the  acre,  or 
less ;  so  when  occupied  as  a  grazing  country,  as  it  has  since 
been,  it  could  easily  be  over-stocked.  There  is  much  land 
covered  with  sage  brush,  which  indicates  more  soil  and  moist- 


■i...;ii' 


Life  on  the  Plains. 


41 


urp,  and  where  it  p^rows  rank,  and  the  ground  can  be  irrigated. 
Anything  agreeabh^  to  the  climate  can  be  grown  in  profusion, 
if  not  destroyed  by  grasshoppers  or  other  insect  pests. 

There  is  timber  on  the  mountain  ranges  and  s.purs,  but 
often  so  distant  and  scrubb}-,  that  it  is  said,  in  some  localities 
telegraph  poles  cost  twenty  dollars,  or  more,  each. 

Saw  cpiite  a  number  of  wagf)n  trains  and  of  Indians  ;  met 
quite  an  emigration  from  California  and  Oregon  to  tlie  states  ; 
saw  some  prairie  dogs,  wolves,  jack-rabbits  and  sage-liens,  and 
heard  of  btaffalo  and  other  large  game. 

We  took  turns  at  cooking,  while  others  brought  the  water 
and  fuel— which  is  generally  buftaio  or  cattle  "  chips,"  or  sage 
brush.  A  couple  at  a  time  relieved  the  regular  herders,  by 
herding  the  mules  mornings  and  evenings ;  and  one  at  a  time 
guarded  the  train  at  night  — though  he  often  slept  all  the  same, 
so  that  one  of  the  boys  offered  to  take  the  whole  job,  dechiring 
"it  did  not  tire  him  any." 

The  same  degre  3  of  daring  and  low  cunning  necessary  in 
successfully  stealing  a  single  horse  in  the  states,  or  in  robbing 
a  store,  a  customer,  or  client,  if  dis]ilay('d  here  on  the  plains  by 
a  secret  gang  of  a  dozen  men,  could  have  captured  our  whole 
train  most  any  night,  notwithstanding  we  were  all  armed  with 
rifles  and  revolvers.  jNIoi'eover,  the  fact  that  train  animals  are 
seUlom  molested,  though  feeding  a  mile  or  two  from  camp,  and 
perhaps  300  from  even  a  military  post,  shows  the  Indians  to  be 
more  honest,  or  else  more  cowardly,  than  is  generally  repre- 
sented. 

Suppose  the  working  masses  in  the  states  should  i*ise  in 
their  necessity  and  might,  strip  off  their  ill-gotten  possessions, 
and  banish  to  the  plains  by  themselves  the  "charitable"  tribes 
among  them,  who  live  chiefly  by  their  wits,  tricks  and  hidden 
vices  off  of  other  men's  toil,  with  none  to  labor,  earn  produce 
for  them,  or  to  watch  and  make  tliem  afraid ;  they  thus  being 
compelled  to  work,  steal,  or  starve,  and  the  countrij  ivaa  tJieir  own! 

Could  a  train,  as  inviting  as  ours,  pass  through  their 
country  without  tribute  or  plunder?  Not  much  !  And  instead 
of  an  occasional  grave  with  a  head-board  rudely  marked,"  killed 
by  Indians,"  etc.,  whole  grave  yards  would  appear. 

The  trip  to  me  was  a  novel  and,  on  the  whole,  a  pleasant 


ss 


';1! 


42 


Out  Weht. 


one ;  au  agreeable  enough  company :  nobody  striving  for 
trouble  or  imposition,  never  a  fight,  or  even  a  hand  on  a  pistol 
for  protection  or  for  crime,  ami  I  disremember  hearing  the 
captain  or  proprietor  speak  scarcely  an  angry  or  insolent  word 
— certainly  not  to  me.  Our  journey  ended.  Mr.  "White  told 
our  Moses  (Geo.  Stringham)  to  "  take  the  boys  to  the  best  hotel 
in  town,"  where  he  boarded  us  at  three  dollars  a  day,  while  un- 
loading, etc.,  in  a  storehouse  he  had  pr(y  nirod  to  dispose  of  liis 
goods  ;  he  having  left  us  several  days  back  to  be  here  in  ad- 
vance.    This  was  also  his  first  experience  in  the  Wes  t. 


r-i 


i'l 


ill: 


Ifi  »;■ 


iJ; 


CHAPTER  III. 

SaltLako  Citj  ami  Vallpv. — Salt,  Lako. — Cliniuto  and  bathing. — Remained 
a  month. — Tlion  made  a  trip  of  a  month  on  the  phiins. — Caught  in  a 
Mi/.zai'd.— Sixtv-two  frozen  nuih's  forltrfulcfii^t,  Oct.  1-tth. — .V  rougli 
tmnip  (if  ISO  niih\s  in  tins  snow. — IJiu-k  to  Halt  Laki\ — Droimiing  of 
honu.'  ! — Ah  to  tho  hardships  ()f  trains  snow-lKUind  in  tho  mountains. 
— Work  for  a  ^lormou  dignitary. — The  "mighty  Host  of  Zion." — 
How  they  whipped  Johnson'.s  I'.  S.  Army  in  ISOI,  etc. ^Mountain- 
Meadow  massacre,  etc. — Leave  Salt  Lake  on  horseback  for  St.  (Jeorgo, 
'..oO  miles  south. — Takes  a  month. — ^lormon  farms  and  villiiges. — 
Tlieir  system  of  settlement,  etc. — Climate,  soil,  mountiuns. — A  month 
in  Sf.  (jleorgo  as  '-Dodge's  Clerk."— On  an  Inilian  raid. — Made  a  trip 
to  tho  extreme  southern  settlements. — What  for  ! — Cotton  country. 
—Mountain  of  rock  salt. — A  true,  comin-ehcnsivo  description  of  the 
Mormons. — How  they  live  and  deal  with  each  other  and  with  Centiles. 
— Their  religion  and  government,  as  they  keally  ake  in  riucxiCE. — 
Their  virtues,  crimes  and  danger. 

oALT  Luke  City,  with  its  gardens,  trees  ppliug  brooks, 

spread  out  in  a  spacions  valley,  made  fruitful  and  charming  by 
a  cheerful  climate,  water  and  industry,  presented  a  beautiful, 
pleasing  appearance  to  us,  having  seen  little  else  than  bleak, 
burnt,  craggy  desolation  for  twelve  hundred  miles  and  sixty 
days. — 

The  valley  to  the  north  extends  about  a  hundred  miiea  and 
is  aboiit  eight  or  ten  miles  wide,  on  an  average.  This  is  Avater- 
ed  mostly  by  Bear  and  Webber  rivers,  which  empty  in  Salt  Lake. 

To  the  south  the  valley  reaches  about  seventy  miles, 
averaging,  say,  two  miles  in  breadth,  is  watered  and  fertilized  by 
the  river  Jordan,  also  emptying  into  Salt  Lake,  where  the 
v/aters  of  this  and  Bear  river,  besides  other  streams,  evaporate, 
leaving  their  salts  in  the  lake  ;  it,  like  the  dead  sea,  having  no 
outlet.  The  country  is  alkaline  or  salty,  and  the  atmosphere  is 
very  light  and  dry  ;  the  former  accoimts  for  the  vast  amoiint  of 
salt  in  tho  lake,  and  the  latter  for  the  evaporation  in  excess  of 
that  in  a  moist  climate.  Is  4200  feet  above  the  sea,  90  miles 
long,  20  to  25  miles  broad,  15  to  20  feet  deep.  Six  pails  of 
water  are  said  to  make  one  of  salt.  Health  seekers  should  note 
that  here  is  a  mild,  dry  mountain  climate  with  sea  breeze,  and 
bathing  in  cold  brine  or  warm  sulphur. 


All  auolt  the  Moiimons. 


48 


I  l)iit]iO(l  in  tlio  fainoci  wiinii  .sulphur  spriiij^H,  where  Dr. 
HobiuHou  was  assiissiiiiited  for  (h-siring  to  own  them  by  the  U. 
S.  hiw.s,  when  the  Lrethron  wanted  it ;  attended  the  theatre  and 
church  raootings ;— remember  h(>aring  Vice-PreHuhMit  Kimbal 
IVdiu  the  ]n;li)it  tell  the  choir  to  "sing  something  lively,  as  he 
enjoyed  that  kind  of  music  1)est  even  at  a  tlu^'itre."  Ate  apri- 
cots, peaches  and  other  fruit  from  the  acre  gardens  that  adorn 
nearly  every  residence  in  town.  There  being  a  Ktr(>!im  of 
mountain  water  flowing  on  either  side  of  every  street  for  irri- 
gation, etc.  Talked  with  men  fiom  the  mining  and  stock 
regions  of  the  surrounding  country,  who  come  for  hundi'eils  of 
miles  on  business,  to  winter,  and  spend  their  money  in  enjoy- 
ment here,  as  a  place,  that  surely  has  nnmy  attractions,  even  as 
a  permanent  place  of  residence. 

Remained  here  about  a  month,  ])art  of  the  time  driving 
team  about  town  ;  then  for  another  month  drove  a  six  mule 
team  in  a  grain  supi)ly  train  for  the  Overland  Stage  Company 
at  forty  dollars  a  month,  until  caught,  the  18th  of  October,  in  a 
bli/zard  on  the  plains  ;  were  confined  to  our  beds  in  the  wagons 
for  two  nights  and  a  day  ;  nor  cotild  we  scarcely  move  on 
account  of  the  cold  and  the  snow  drifting  in  and  over  ns. 
When  the  storm  abated  we  crawled  out,  broke  np  feed  boxes 
for  fires,  and  Avent  to  look  for  the  stock — 124  heads;  were  in  the 
l)rush  (on  Green  river),  where  we  had  left  them,  ))ut  just  half 
of  them,  62,  were  frozen  to  death,  and  in  all  the  ghastly  attitudes 
of  cruel  agony.  Left  the  Avagons  where  we  had  camped,  drove 
the  remainder  of  the  mules  to  a  valley,  six  or  seven  miles  away, 
where  it  Avas  quite  Avarm,  but  little  snow  had  fallen,  and  left 
them  for  the  Avinter  in  care  of  providence,  Avho  never  tempers 
the  Avinds  for  an  unfortunate  and  abused  mule. 

Three  or  four  Mormon  teams  Avere  engaged  to  take  us  Avith 
them  to  Salt  Lake — 180  miles  ;  but  had  to  Avalk,  camp  and 
sleep  out  in  the  snoAV,  a  foot  or  tAvo  deep.  There  is  nothing 
terrible  about  sleeping  in  the  suoav  or  a  snoAV  storm  for  a  night 
or  two,  with  plenty  of  blankets,  no  matter  Iioav  cold  it  is  ;  but 
to  continue  doing  so  and  traA'el,  the  blankets  get  Avet  or  damp, 
so  that  one  dreams  of  home,  sweet  home! 

In  accordance  Avith  the  custom  of  the  country,  as  a  sub- 
stitute for  taxes,  prisons,  courts  and  laAvyer  gangs,   I  had  a 


Salt  Lake  City  and  Utah. 


navy-revolver  up  to  this  time  ;  but  never  having  needed  it,  and 
it  being  cumbersome,  disposed  of  it,  and  liave  never  owned  a 
fire-arm  since,  except  a  shot  gun ;  though  on  a  few  occasicms 
have  foiind  it  necessary  to  carry  a  pistol  for  protection  in  kind. 

There  is  scarcely  any  necessary  occasion  to  lose  horses  or 
mules  by  cold  or  starvation  in  the  far  "West.  If  they  are  not 
over-worked,  they  will  stand  any  one  storm.  And  there  are 
geuial  valleys  of  sunshine,  and  grass  in  sight  or  accessible  from 
most  anywhere  ;  also  rabbits  and  other  game  are  quite  plentiful 
for  parties  short  of  rations.  Therefore,  the  heroism  (?)  of  men 
in  command,  for  living  on  starved  and  frozen  mules  and  for 
other  hardships  endured  in  the  mountains,  is  a,  humbug  and  out- 
r<"je.  The  mules  should  have  been  rollicking  in  a  friendly 
vale,  and  the  party  living  on  jack-rabbits  and  venison. 

Found  the  weatlier  warm  and  pleasant  when  we  got  to  Salt 
Lake  Valley  again.  Being  acquainted  v,-ith  a  young  man 
(working  for  Gen.  D.  H.  Wells)  who  wanted  a  vacation  for  a 
week  oi  two,  I  took  his  place— hauling  lumber  from  a  saw- 
mill to  town. 

Wells  was  third  in  authority  iu  the  Mormon  Church  and 
Masonic  Order  ;  had  two  wives  (sisters),  at  this,  his  principal 
home,  where  they  lived  in  good  style,  and  several  others  in 
other  parts  of  town.  His  appearance  to  an  unadvised  outsider 
was  that  ot  a  clever  gentleman.  He  commanded  the  Mormon 
Militia,  which  were  now  having  their  annual  training.  I  had 
bought  a  horse  and  saddle — to  travel  on  my  own  hook  to  learn 
more  of  this  famed  secret  brother-  and  sisterhood  of  masons — 
loaned  it  to  one  of  the  boys  to  attend  the  training  near  town, 
and  the  saddle  bhmket  being  a  fancy  one,  the  General  himself 
did  not  disdain  the  use  of  it  from  a  wnndering  Gentile,  in  com- 
manding the  "mighty  host,"  the  same  that  "whipped  the 
United  States"  under  the  renowned  Albert  Sidney  Johnson, 
President  Buchanan  and  company,  in  1861.  Or  rather,  "God 
did  it,'  the  secret  brethren  say. 

To  an  inexperienced  outsidei*,  it  is  a  real  mystery  how 
Brigham  Young  and  secret  brethren  out-generalled,  out-dip- 
lomated,  out-witted  and  stripped  our  Government  agents,  and 
people  iu  that  squabble.  They  had  done  it  b'sfo^p,  and  have 
done  it  ever  since. 


All  ABoirr  the  Mormons. 


47 


Those  who  worship  secrecy,  tact  and  success  ah:)ue,  should 
plant  flowers  on  his  grave  and  revere  the  name  of  Brigham 
Young. 

They  had  committed  many  excesses  and  horrible  crimes 
against  outsiders  in  their  secret  order  and  tribal  ways  ;  openly, 
as  well  as  secretly,  dominated,  repudiated  and  defied  the 
Government,  while  Brigham  Young  was  made  Governor  of  the 
Gentiles  in  Utah,  (being  already  chief  of  the  Mormons),  John 
D.  Lee,  Indian  Agent,  etc.,  etc.  They  having  more  influence  at 
Washington  than  full-fletlged  American  Citizens,  because  they 
had  brother  masons  there — sent  by  thoughtless  outsiders. 

At  last  to  appease  public  sentiment,  by  throwing  dirt  in  its 
eyes,  and  to  blindly  aid  and  assist  the  secret  brethren,  an  army 
of  near  10,000  men,  richly  equipped  with  wag(ni  and  pack  trains 
ami  supplies  for  ten  j/eovs,  was  sent  out  to  Ut'ih;  witl.  the  usual 
catering  claptrap  and  out-cry  of  "enforcing  the  laws  and 
crushing  the  Mormons."  Then  all  was  turned  over  -  almost 
given  to  the  before  declared  enemy,  but  now  "repenitent  and 
industrious  citizens,"  Avho,  meanwhile,  among  other  outrages, 
butchered  in  culd  blood  l')0  men,  women  and  children,  ap[)ro- 
r-iating  entirely  the  Avealthy  emigrant  train,  stock  and  fortunes 
r .  their  victims.  All  this  Avitli  the  utmost  impunity  and  almost 
in  sight  of  a  coui't-house  of  jus  dee  (?). 

That  Avas  a  v.diite  man's  seci'et  order,  trilial  tribute,  led  by 
a  ring  favorite  of  ilic  Government— John  D.  Lee. 

Ami  right  there  to-day  is  one  of  the  "grave  yards !  " 

Wagons,  mules,  harness  and  fire-arms  were  most  needed 
by  the  brethren  at  that  time  in  their  business.  They  worked 
diplomacy,  tact  and  treachery  on  the  Kentucky-California- 
bound  emigrants,  thus  disarming  them,  but  could  not  secure 
their  property  in  peace  Avithout  killing  them,  so  they  could  not 
be  "revengeful  and  make  trouble." 

But  they  could  get  the  Government  trains  securely  by  dip- 
lomacy and  secret  intrigue,  without  killing  a  man,  woman  or 
child,  though  they  paid  a  trifle  of  the  money,  meanwhile  filched 
from  the  Government  in  the  deal. 

The  army  was  disbanded  at  Camp  Floyd  Avheu  the  sup- 
plies had  been  brought  to  their  doors,  where  they  were  "sold" 
to  the  brethren,  whom  Oflicials  are  secretly  sv/oru  to  assist 


48 


Salt  Lake  City  and  Utah. 


I    ; 


and  befriend,  and  whose  secrets  they  are  sworn  to  "ever  conceal 
and  never  reveal." 

Wagons  worth  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  tliere  then 
sold  for  fifteen  dollars.  Arms  Avorth  twenty  dollars  for  two 
dollars,  etc.,  etc. 

Brigham  "bought"  S30,000  Avorth  of  pork  at  one  cent  a 
pound,  and  then  re-sold  it  to  Gentiles  at  sixty  cents  a  pound, 
etc.,  etc. 

Much  of  the  supplies  had  just  previously  been  bought  here 
of  the  Mormons  at  fabulous  prices. 

Great  quantities  of  leather,  harness,  cavalry  equipments, 
clothing,  blankets,  small  stores,  etc.,  etc.,  etc.,  were  likewise 
turned  over  to  the  secret  brethren,  who  dominate  and  direct 
the  action  of  Government  and  Courts  within  their  influence. 

I  Avas  told  that  they  were  eveu  allowed  to  run  off  Govern- 
ment mules  by  the  band,  and  then  sell  them  back  to  the  Govern- 
ment thus  prostituted,  Avhich  then  turned  them  over  to  the 
brethren  for  a  song.  The  Mormons  were  thus  greatl}'  assisted 
in  their  business  at  the  expense  of  the  people,  and  their  era  of 
prosperity  began  at  these  fruitful  victories  over  the  Govern- 
ment. Mormons  believe  this  out-come  to  have  been  secretly 
fixed,  Avhen  the  expedition  was  gotten  up  and  sent  to  them. 

The  matter  of  the  Mountain-Meadow  massacre,  and  other 
like  tributes  to  secrecy,  they  postponed  with  secret  influence 
at  court,  for  tAventy  years,  until  Royal  Master  Lee  had  gotten 
in  bad  standing  in  the  order,  and  his  life  Avas  about  run  out 
auyhoAV,  Avhen  the  brethren  consented  to  give  Avhat  was  left  of 
him  alone  up,  as  a  sacrifice  to  appease  and  blind  the  people ; 
as  if  they  had  lost  their  secret  influence  at  court,  and  justice 
noAV  prevailed.  This  Avas  to  be  a  receipt  in  full  for  such 
coAvardly,  treacherous,  brutal  murder  for  plunder  of  hundreds 
of  disarmed  men,  Avomen  and  children  by  icdl-knoicn  masons 
under  the  shadow  of  Court-houses  of  Justice  (?)  and  the  United 
States  flag. 

That  company  of  emigrants  could  sv.  jcessfully  defend 
themselves  against  the  Indians,  but  could  not  do  so  against  a 
gang  of  secret  ring  favorites  in  the  Government.  Nor  can  any- 
body Avlien  the  courts  are  thus  subverted. 

About  NoA'ember  first,  started  on  my  traA'els,  horseback,  to 


conceal 

re  then 
for  two 

cent  a 
pound, 


nflit  here 


ipments, 
likewise 
id  direct 
nfluence. 
Goveru- 
i  Govern- 
r  to   the 
•  assisted 
jir  era  of 

Govern- 
^  secretly 

lem. 
md  other 

iuHuence 
id  gotten 

run  out 
as  left  of 
people  ; 

d  justice 

for   such 

undreds 

masons 

,ie  United 

defend 

igainst  a 

can  any- 

ieback.to 


w 


«a 


H 


H 


1 

i 

;«.! 

:  1 

1 

1 

1 

•is; 
If 

III 
■ », 


Hi 


50 


Salt  Lake  City  and  Utah. 


the  South.  Weather  in  tlie  valley  Avas  -vvarm  and  delightful, 
while  suf)w  could  be  seen  driftiiij^  and  flying  high  up  on  the 
mountain  peaks.  One  of  these,  Mt.  Nebo,  Avas  said  to  be 
over  11,000  feet  above  the  sea. 

A  hundred  miles,  and  I  was  out  of  Salt  Lake  Valley,  oA-er 
the  summit  into  a  mountainous  desert  region  (Avith  some 
Avatered  spots)  sloping  toAvards  the  Colorado  river,  some  four 
hundred  miles  to  the  South. 

Salt  Lake  Valley  is  the  only  farming  country  of  any  mag- 
nitude between  the  98th  longitude  and  California,  except  far  to 
the  North.  This  valley  is  thickly  settled  by  the  Mormons, 
Avith  a  considerable  number  of  Gentiles  at  and  to  the  North  of 
Salt  Lake  City. 

TJie  Mormons  live  in  villages  Avith  extensive  lots  for  gar- 
dens and  fruit  purposes ;  have  their  farming  and  pasture  lands 
fenced  in  common,  and  dig  and  oavu  their  Avater  ditches  like- 
Avise. 

They  adopted  this  system  of  living  in  towns  as  a  protection 
against  the  Indians  ;  but  as  they  are  confined  to  small  farms  of 
say,  tAA-enty-five  acres,  of  Avhich  there  are  ten  to  fifteen 
thousand,  the  disadvantage  in  living  apart  from  them  is  olf-set 
by  the  saving  in  fencing,  and  social  and  school  advantages 
gained. 

Wherever  a  body  or  spot  of  soil  is  susceptible  of  irrigation, 
there  is  a  Mormon  village.  The  piincipal  ones  of  these  settle- 
ments, for  some  75  miles  after  leaving  Salt  Lake  I'uUe/j,  are 
Filmore--once  the  capitol — and  Beaver,  on  Salt  Creek  and 
twenty-tive  miles  from  the  Mountain-MeadoAV  graveyard.  St. 
George  is  350  miles  from  Salt  Lake  and  on  the  Ilio  Virgin ; 
there  l)eing  some  small  settlements  betAveeu  Beaver  and 
St.  George. 

Wandering  along  leisurely,  reached  St.  George  in  about  a 
month  from  Salt  Lake  ;  found  it  a  fruitful  oasis  in  the  desert, 
nicely  situated  antl  laid  out  and  of  considerable  importance  and 
population.  Suoav  seldom  lays  on  the  ground  ;  a  climate  semi- 
tropical  and  as  salubrious  as  can  be  found  most  anyAvhere ;  en- 
joyed the  best  appetite  here  I  ever  had.  The  soil  is  mostly  a 
bed  of  sand,  cleared  oft*  sage-brush,  and  Avater  brought  on  it 
at  an  expense  in  labor  of  twenty  to  thirty  dollars  per  acre. 


All  about:  the  Mormons. 


51 


ightftil, 

ou  the 

to  be 

;y,  over 
h  some 
me  four 

ny  mag- 
pt  far  to 
lormous, 
North   of 

,  for  Har- 
are laiuls 
^hes  like- 

l^^)rotectiou 
L  farms  of 
|to  fifteen 
is  olf-set 
^dvautaj^es 

1  irrigation, 
[ese  settle- 
[vaUcij,  are 

Jreek   and 

;vari\.     St. 

fio  Yirgin ; 

iaver    and 

In  abovxt  a 
V[\e  desert, 
Irtauce  and 
liite  semi- 
|\vhere ;  eu- 
mostly  a 
lught  on  it 
|r  acre. 


Remained  liere  a  mouth  with  and  working  for  au  intelligent 
Yankee  Saint,  and  they  called  me  "  Dodge's  Clerk."  This  is 
how  I  clerked  :  Hauled  lumber  and  wood  from  a  mountain, 
twenty  to  thirty  miles  off;  went  on  au  Indian  raid  of  a  few 
diiys  Avith  a  local  company,  commanded  by  a  General ;  anyhow, 
be  was  a  clever  and  agreeable  man  for  the  occasion,  as  were  also 
tlie  others  of  the  company.  Stock  had  been  stolen  from  the 
range  by  the  Navajoes,  and  the  company  went  to  overtake  them, 
l)ut  did  not  succeed.  Took  a  load  of  grape  roots,  cuttings,  fig 
trees,  and  other  things,  to  sell  in  the  then  extreme  soiithern 
settlements  on  the  Muddy  Creek,  130  miles  away,  and  twenty 
from  the  head  of  navigation  on  the  Colorado  river.  Cotton  was 
being  raised  here. 

Sold  out  mostly  ou  Sunday,  as  the  saints  had  gathered  to 
worship  and  do  business.  Eemember  their  singing,  "  Hard 
times  come  again  no  more."  Sunday  is  the  principal  business 
or  trading  day  in  mining  camps  and  other  new  settlements  with 
tbe  Gentiles  also. 

The  religious  phase  of  the  Sabbath  or  Sunday  question,  as 
to  a  particular  da}'  or  date,  is  a  tangled  muddle  anyway. 
About  every  day  in  the  Aveek  is  claimed  as  such  by  some 
numerous  sect  or  people.  In  studying  tbe  question  Ave  find, 
that  the  changes  in  official  calendars  and  the  difference  in  time, 
on  account  of  the  motion  of  the  earth,  makes  it  too  difficult  to 
solve,  to  be  honestly  certain  as  to  time,  so  it  seems  captious, 
for  people  to  quarrel  as  to  the  same.  Let  the  geuend  goA'ern- 
meut  name  the  day,  as  one  of  rest  for  man  and  beast,  and  en- 
force its  reasonable  observance. 

An  island  and  longitude  in  the  Pacific  Ocean,  according  to 
our  official  calendar,  has  two  Sundays  together  for  any  vessel 
sailing  "West,  and  none  for  those  sailing  East.  They  must  drop 
or  gain  a  Sunday  in  passing  this  longitude. 

I  also  got  a  load  of  rock  salt  at  a  mountain,  or  mount,  of 
salt  there.  Much  of  it  is  so  clear,  one  can  read  print  through 
it  some  inches  thick.     Is  mined  Avith  drill  and  poAvder. 

•Halt:  Deposits  in  Nevada. — Vast  Fields  op  Pure  Rock  Salt  to  be 
Found  in  Lincoln  County. 

lu  Lincoln  County,  ou  the  Eio  Virgin,  is  cue  of  tlie  most  remarkable 
1  ileposita  of  rock  salt  on  tlie  contiueut.  says  the  Dayton  News  Reporter.   It 


Salt  Lake  City  and  Utah. 


m 


in  found  in  hills  500  feet  above  the  level  of  the  valley,  and  chemically  pure. 
IJIocks  of  it  over  a  foot  square  are  so  trausi)areut  that  one  may  read  a 
paper  through  tliem.  So  solid  is  this  salt  th.at  it  must  be  blasted  out  the 
same  as  if  it  were  rock.  This  deposit  of  salt  lies  about  three-tpiarters  of 
a  mile  west  of  the  Rio  Virgin  and  three  miles  soiith  of  the  Mormon  village 
of  St.  Thomas.  There  a  body  of  this  salt  is  exi)osed  for  a  length  of  nearly 
two  miles,  wiiieh  is  about  half  a  mile  wide  and  of  unknown  depth.  The 
dei)osit  runs  north  and  south  and  is  seen  on  the  surface  for  a  distance  of 
over  nine  miles.  In  places  the  canons  have  cut  through  it  to  a  dej^th  of 
sixty  feet.  At  these  points  the  Hiko  comi^any  formerly  blasted  out  tlu! 
salt  required  in  working  their  ores.  This  grjat  dejjosit  of  salt  is  situated 
at  an  altitude  of  1,100  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea.  It  is  undoubtedly 
very  ancient,  as  in  one  place  it  has  been  covered  by  a  flow  of  basaltic  rock. 
In  other  jdaci's  it  is  cii\  red  to  a  depth  of  ivoni  one  to  five  feet  with  vol- 
canic tufa.  At  Hand  Springs,  in  Churchill  County,  besides  the  salt  that 
may  be  shoveled  ujj  from  the  surface,  there  is  found  a  dejjosit  of  rock  salt 
fourteen  feet  in  di  pth.  This  salt  is  as  transparent  as  the  clearest  ice  and 
does  not  contain  a  jjarticle  of  any  foreign  or  deletcrioiis  substance.  It 
may  be  quarried  the  same  as  if  it  was  marble.  It  is  said  that  one  man 
can  (piarry  and  wheel  out  five  tons  a  d:iy  of  this  salt.  It  is  only  necessary 
to  grind  it  to  render  it  fit  for  table  or  dairy  u>e.  Sixty  or  seventy  miles 
north  of  this,  at  the  eastern  base  of  the  Dun  CUen  range  of  mountains,  is 
the  great  Humboldt  salt  field.  This  is  al)out  fifti-en  miles  long  and  six 
wide.  In  summer,  when  the  surface  water  has  evai)oiated,  salt  to  the 
deijth  of  three  or  four  inches  can  be  scraped  ujj  from  the  surface. 
Beneath  the  surface  is  a  stratum  of  pure  rock  salt  of  unknown  depth. 
This  rock  salt  is  so  hard,  that  in  order  to  get  it  out  rapidly  it  is  necessary 
to  blast  it.  Were  a  branch  railroad  to  run  to  one  of  these  deijosits,  salt 
would  soon  be  a  cheap  article  in  the  United  States.  As  there  are  in  the 
same  localities  great  quantities  of  soda,  borax  and  other  valuable  minerals, 
it  is  jjrobable  that  the  day  is  not  far  distant  when  some  of  them  will  be 
tai)pod  by  branch  railroads,  which  could  bo  cheaply  laid  down  through 
the  level  districts. " 


My  route  to  and  from  the  Muddy  settlements  and  Salt 
Bank  lay  mostly  along  the  liio  Virgin  "  river "  (as  most  any 
stream  is  called  in  sections  Avhere  water  is  scarce),  the  road 
crossing  it  in  the  quick-sand  many  times.  The  Indians  (Piutes) 
had  in  cultivation  a  few  patches  on  this  stream,  and  the  Saints 
had  started  a  settlement,  or  two.  But  the  bottom  is  too  narrow 
to  till,  except  in  garden  patches. 

With  the  exception  of  bunch-grass,  very  wide  apart,  some 
sage  and  grease  brush,  the  surrounding  country  is  a  barreu, 
dreary,  rocky  waste.     There  is  no  soil  on  the  highlands,  eveu 


In 
usual  ani 
order,  wll 


1y  pure. 

read  a 
.  out  the 
irters  of 
n  village 
of  nearlv 
th.  The 
stuuce  of 

depth  of 
i  out  the 
1  situated 
loubtedlv 
altic  rock. 

with  vol- 
eaalt  that 
jf  rock  salt 
est  it-e  and 
stauce.     It 
,t  oue  man 
y  necessary 
i-enty  miles 
DUutaiiiH,  is 
long  aud  six 

salt  to  the 

.le    surface. 

own  depth. 

is  necessary 

-posits,  salt 
are  iu  the 
le  uiiuerals, 

u'lu  vill  1'^' 

wu  through 


and  Salt 

most  any 

;),  the  road 

,us  (Pintes) 

the  Saints 

^too  narrow 

^part,  some 
a  barren, 
llands,  even 


Al.L  ABOUT  THE  MORMONS. 


53 


if  there  Avas  water. — The  principal  wagon  route  from  Salt 
Lake  to  Los  Angeles,  Cal.,  leaves  the  Rio  Virgin  by  the 
most  rugged  hill  I  have  ever  seen  to  be  travelled  over 
mucli  with  wagons.  It  is  two  or  three  miles  to  the  top, 
steep,  and  crossed  with  ledges  of  rock.  While  T  was  passing 
it,  gazing  at  one  of  a  train,  high  up  on  the  hill,  as  the 
wagon  was  being  tiiggod  along  with  a  Avell  doubled  iip 
team ;  it  broke  loose,  tumbled  back,  scattering  itself  between 
there  and  the  bottom.  I  passed  over  the  same  route  afterwards. 

The  Mormons,  as  a  people,  are  as  prosperous,  contented 
and  happy,  perhaps,  as  any  other  people,  who  have  to  earn  by 
toil  about  all  they  get,  and  their  government  is  so  administered 
that  they  come  very  near  getting,  holding  and  enjoj'ing  all  they 
make ;  unless  the  tenth  of  what  they  produce,  that  goes  for 
their  general  protection,  welfare  and  enlargement,  be  excepted. 
Inasmuch,  as  they  would  need  no  costly  protection,  if  polygamy 
was  not  openly  practiced  by  the  few,  so  long  as  similar  secret 
order  governments  of  oath-bound brothei'hoods  (called  "  masons" 
etc.,  instead  of  "church")  are  tolerated  by  the  people. 

The  most  of  the  Mormons  dislike  polygamy,  and  it  may 
die.  But  it  is  not  the  worst  feature  of  the  system  of  Mormon- 
ism,  as  to  the  general  government  and  the  full-fledged  citizens 
of  the  same,  if  the  government  is  to  be  supreme  and  un- 
controlled by  secret  alien  kingly  governments  within. 

There  are  but  few  salaried  officials  in  the  Mormon  govern- 
ment— even  the  bishops  draw  no  pay.  The  more  able  and  am- 
hitious  frequently  acquire  considerable  and  exceptional  fortune, 
but  it  is  made  by  rugged  industry,  or  filched  from  Gentiles. 
They  are  not  permitted  to  trick  or  rob  c...:.  other  of  their 
property,  under  any  pretext.  Lawyers  are  kept  from  power 
entirely —they  are  treated  as  pests,  as  grass-hoppers  and  chine- 
bugs  ;  except  sometimes  in  dealing  with  oiitsiders.  It  is  the 
business  of  the  officials  and  dignitaries  of  the  order  to  counsel, 
advise  and  protect  any  faithful  brother  in  ordinary  business 
pursuits  and  in  their  troubles  with  each  other  and  with  out- 
siders. 

In  case  of  trouble  with  outsiders,  assistance  is  extended  in 
usual  and  natural  ways,  and  also  by  machinery  of  the  secret 
order,  winch  is  worked  in  the  dark. 


p 
p 


54 


Salt  Lake  (Jity  and  Utah. 


They  are  a  secret  masonic  order  of  various  degrees,  aud 
bound  together  with  masonic  oaths,  although  there  is  nothing 
secret,  sly,  or  mj'sterious  in  the  first  degree,  whereby  any  per- 
son, and  Indians  in  large  numbers,  are  taken  into  the  "church" 
or  order  Avithout  hesitation.  They  constitute  a  secret,  mystic 
and  complete  government  within,  and  distinct  from  that  of  the 
state  ;  an  irresponsible  aud  foreign  government,  to  ivldch  ihcy 
mcear,  irt/h  masonic  oaths,  supreme  allegiance. 

But  yet  they  are  allowed  to  join  in  maintaining  the  forms 
and  pomp  of  courts  and  government  of  the  Gentiles,  for  use  in 
dealing  with  and  filching  the  outsider,  aud  as  a  fortress  of  pro- 
tection against  them.  Making  of  it  a  cat's-paw,  a  tool,  a  trap, 
a  blind,  a  handy  machine,  worked  and  controlled  by  their 
secret,  f)ath-bound  obligations  in  the  dark,  where  five  men  may 
overcome  and  override  five  thousand  true  citizens,  Avhich  is 
ver}'  fine  for  the  secret  brethren.  But  the  Gentile,  or  outsider, 
must  suffer  accordingly,  for  he  has  no  assurance  of  security  or 
justice,  when  treated  or  done  for  by  either  of  the  courts  and 
governments  thus  managed  and  controlled  iu  the  dark.  The}- 
are  the  power  behind  the  throne,  though  it  may  be  played  so 
fine  that,  if  the  victim  be  ignorant,  he  does  not  understand  it, 
aud  Avill  blindly  vote  to  sustain  it. 

About  the  only  verdicts  rendered  by  the  courts  of  Utah 
against  Mormons  in  good  standing  and  influence  in  the  order, 
are  secured  by  special  legislation  of  Congress,  which  would  be 
overridden  were  Utah  a  state;  and  even  in  these  comparative  few 
cases,  they  have  frequently  beaten  the  cases  against  them  by 
their  secret  influence  in  appeals,  just  as  other  masons  do. 

Polygamy  is  but  a  red  rag  of  masonry,  the  spears  and 
knives  to  stab  the  government  are  hid  behind  it. 

The  Chinese,  Jews  and  Indians,  in  the  United  States,  also 
cherish,  maintain,  and  are  governed  by,  a  distinct  alien  govern- 
ment of  their  owu;  a  state  within  the  state.  But  they  have  the 
modesty  to  refrain,  at  least  openly,  from  taking  part  in  the 
government  of  the  Republic.  They  do  not  intrigue  and  scheme 
for  ofHce  under  it,  or  to  judge  and  govern  anybody  but  them- 
selves, which  they  do  by  their  own  alien  governments.  They 
love  their  big  sun-flower  titles,  and  pagan  pomp  and  "mysteries" 
of  idolatry,  and  worship  the  shades  of  Mogul  Kings. 


I* 


All  auout  the  Mormons. 


s,  and 
otliiuj^ 
ly  per- 
Uurcli" 
mystic 
,  of  the 
k'h  they 

e  forms 
r  use  in 
of  pvo- 
,  a  trap, 
)y   tlieir 
lien  may 
rt'hicli  is 
outsider, 
3iirity  or 
urts  and 
k.     They 
jlayed  so 
rstand  it, 

,  of  Utah 
he  order, 
rt-ould  be 
•ative  few 

them  by 

do. 
lears  and 

^tes,  also 
govern- 
Ihave  the 
L-t  in  the 
Jd  scheme 
lut  them- 
k     They 
lysteries" 


Though  such  people  be  naturalized  or  born  in  this  country, 
they  are  not  real  citizens  at  heart  of  the  Republic,  but  are 
jiractically  foreigners,  aliens,  (nviug  first  allegiance  and  belong- 
ing to  their  own  peculiar,  sedret,  class  and  tribal  governments, 
tv/iereui  is  (heir  supreme  autliorilij  and  law,  whieh  they  are  fiirorn 
hy  horrible,  blood-curdling,  masonic  oaths  and  penalties,  to  cherish 
and  obey! 

What  then  becomes  of  our  Government  with  these  masons 
in  office  ? 

Where  is  there  any  standing  room  for  it  with  them  in 
command  ? 

They  cut  it  up  and  prostitute  it  as  the}'  do  the  marriage 
relation,  and  wave  it  as  another  red  rag — in  another  jjliase  of 
their  play  —to  divert  the  sight  and  sense  of  the  people,  where- 
by they  are  thus  shaded  to  get  in  their  deadly  work  in  the 
dark,  thus  working  for  universal  conquest. 

The  religious  phase  and  the  polygamy  rag  of  Mormonism 
is  but  lightly  considered  by  the  more  intelligent  Mormons.  It 
is  their  Government  that  interests  and  attaches  them.  They  do 
not  conceal  this  in  individual  discussion.  They  know  the  cor- 
ruption and  prostitution  of  our  Government  so  well,  that, 
instead  of  joining  to  reform  and  clean  it,  they  declare  it  an 
"ignominious  and  hopeless  failure." 

And  we  must  honestly  concede  that  this  is  partly  true. 
For,  with  the  boundless  natural  wealth  from  ocean  to  ocean, 
the  country  even  already-  stocked  with  buffalo,  elk,  deer,  fish 
and  turkey,— the  mass  of  the  people  ought  not  to  be  mere 
slaves  to  unrequited  toil,  corruption  and  tyranny.  And  could 
not  have  been  much  less  prosperous  under  any  other  form  of 
government. 

The  Mormons,  indeed,  even  under  their  masonic-pagan 
theocracy  or  kingdom,  have  been  more  prosperous  than  the 
mass  of  real  American  citizens  that  have  surrounded  them. 

This  is  also  true  of  other  secret  masonic  gangs  elsewhere, 
and  among  the  p'^ople  surrounding  them. 

But  they  have  stabbed,  drawn,  sucked  and  fattened  on  the 
heart's  blood  of  the  Government  and  the  people. 

Indeed,  the  prosperity  of  many  an  individual  of  the  gang 


^^. 


56 


Salt  Lake  City  and  Utah. 


m 


roproseuts  the  aowufall,  ravage  aiul  misery  of  hundreds  of  the 
people, — men,  women  and  little  children. 

Such  "prosperity''  (?)  need  not  be  boasted  of  to  be  be- 
lieved. There  are  too  many  victims  who  too  keenly /«'?  and 
fiu(fcr  tlic/dct  of  such  "prosperity"  continually 

At  lieart  they  do  not  like  or  respect  even  the  form,  or  the 
groat  and  beautiful  sentiment  of  our  government,  which  is  the 
religion  of  real  liberty  loving  Americans,  who,  in  the  face  of 
all  history  and  suffering,  will  fight  to  maintain  it,  work  and 
vote  to  reform  it,  as  their  only  hope  for  liberty  and  justice, 
and  ^yill  never  give  it  iip  for  any  gang,  though  they  irrigate  the 
ground  with  their  blood ! 

Disdaining  and  detesting  both  the  spirit  and  form  of  our 
government,  as  not  secret,  selfish,  pagan  and  kingly  enough 
for  them,  therefore,  whenever  they  take  part  in  it,  it  is  not  for 
it  to  Avork  evenly,  or  to  reform  it,  or  clean  it  of  the  gang ;  but 
to  secretly  conspire  to  corrupt,  debauch  and  use  it  for  a  cat's- 
paw  to  filch  the  people,  and  for  a  fortress  to  shield  them  against 
their  victims. 

But  while  scheming  and  playing  for  place  find  power  in  it, 
with  brazen  sarcasm,  they  sing  patriotic  songs  and  wave  the 
American  flag. 

k.  strong,  centralized  government  like  England  or  Germany 
might,  if  any,  safely  tolerate  various  foreign  secret  government 
rings  Avithin  their  own,  as  they  cannot  exert  as  much  influence 
and  power  there  as  in  a  republic.  Yet  these  governments 
have  had  to  watch  and  keep  down  all  secret,  alien  govern- 
ments and  rings  within  their  own,  in  order  to  keep  their  own 
power  supreme  and  from  being  defietl  and  overthrown. 

I  believe,  that  belonging  to  any  secret  sworn  brotherhood, 
disqualifies  a  person  for  the  holding  of  any  public  ofiice  in 
Germany  and  other  governments  in  Europe,  Central  and  South 
America.  Consequently  Jews  and  other  masons  belonging  to 
secret  alien  governments,  are  punished  for  their  crimes  like 
other  people. 

This  has  to  he  so  in  republics  if  they  are  to  endure. 

All  who  vote  or  hold  office  under  the  general  or  state  govern- 
ments, should  be  dependent  on  that  government  alone  for 
protection,    justice    and  government ;   so  that  all  would  be 


All  about  the  Mormons. 


57 


if  the 

le  bc- 

"l  and 

:)Y  the 
is  the 
ace  of 
•k  and 
lustice, 
ate  the 

of  ovxr 
enough 
not  for 


»g: 


Init 


a  cut  s- 
agaiust 

'er  in  it, 
ave  the 


rermany 
irnmeut 
iiflixence 
•uments 
igovern- 
>ir  own 

lerhood, 
pffice  in 
i\  South 
jgiug  to 
les  like 


Igovern- 
nie  ior 
tuld  be 


interested  in  its  reform  and  purity;  making  the  one  govorn- 
meut   simple,  safe,  supreme  and  (•vnili/JKsf  (o  all  alike 

Let  those  Avho  are  so  Hellish,  clannish,  crafty,  sly-snoaking 
in  the  dark,  grasping  pagan  and  kingly  as  to  not  be  satisfied 
Avith  this,  live  and  do  as  other  and  legal  aliens  do.  For,  al'ens 
and  often  traitors  tlioy  are. 

"When  had  men  combine  [even  by  blood-curdling  oaths 
in  the  dark],  the  good  must  associate,  else  tliey  will  fall  one 
by  one,  an  unpiticd  sacrifice  in  a  contemptihle  struggle." 

"A  monarchy  may  be  free,  whilst  a  republic  may  be  a 
tyranny."  "When  "  servile  millions  kiss  the  spoilers'  rod,  crouch 
at  their  feet  and  tremble  at  their  nod." 

As  to  the  Mcn-mon  wing  or  phase  of  this  vital  subject,  let 
us  not  forget  that,  like  other  communities,  multitudes  and 
orders,  there  are  good,  bad  and  indifterent  people  among  them. 
A  Gentile  might  live  and  deal  with  them  for  years  without  any 
trouble,  if  himself  be  just,  and  he  does  not  oyipose  their  system. 
Being  friendly  towards  them,  should  he  get  into  trouble  with 
another  Gentile  or  a  Mormon ;  the  Mormon  courts,  as  well  as 
the  other,  are  open  to  them.  As  they  are  both  controlled  by 
the  masons,  they  stand  a  better  show  for  justice  in  the  more 
simple  Mormon  coiirt,  and  if  justice  is  what  they  want,  both 
being  Gentiles,  they  are  cpaite  surely  satisfied  with  the  result^ 
therein,  which  is  not  delayed,  and  they  do  not  have  to  hiii/  it ' 
there  being  no  "bar." 

But  if  one  is  outspoken,  or  otherwise  earnestly  opposes 
their  secret  order  system  of  government,  he  does  not  stand  the 
ghost  of  a  show  for  justice  in  Utah. 

In  the  case  of  a  Gentile  against  a  Mormon,  or  a  Mormon 
against  a  Gentile,  the  outsider  stands  just  the  same  show  for 
justice  that  he  does  outside  of  Utah  in  a  court  or  courts  con- 
trolled by  members  of  secret  order  brotherhood  governments. 

Any  observer  can  know,  and  all  voters  should  know,  the 
kind  of  a  show  that  is,  without  learning  by  hard  and  miserable 
experience. 

"  The  whole  machinery  of  the  state,  all  the  apparatus  of 

the  system  of  government,  and  its  varied  workings,  end  in 

simply  bringing  twelve  good  men  into  a  box." 

As  a  rule,  the  Mormons  deal  honestly  among  themselves  ; 


■'% 


)  w 


^mm 


I 


68 


Salt  Lake  City  andUtah. 


somctimoa,  howevor,  tlioy  have  to  kill  or  imprison  ono  of  their 
numl)or  for  liorso  stoaling,  betrayal,  or  other  crimes  aj^ainst  a 
brotlier.  They  trausact  thoir  business  and  run  their  courts 
without  lawyers  or  other  vermin,  to  -vvhich  they  owe  much  of 
their  prosperity  anil  peace.  Itul  this  could  he  iloneju.st  as  well  by 
(he  ]>r(>j>le  under  our  ftjriH  of  (jocernment.  No  honest  court  re- 
(juires  a  lawyer  in  or  about  it.  And  the  same  price  paid  for 
tlieiv  scalps  by  the  state,  as  that  now  paid  for  more  human  and 
less  destructive  vermin,  would  make  them  harmless. 

Tlio  Mormons  have  no  orthodox  or  salaried  preachers. 
Everybody  is  expected  to  be  able  to  render  somethii.-;  of  a 
moral  speech  in  meeting,  and,  being  raised  to  it,  they  are  more 
apt  and  able  in  that  way  than  other  congregations.  They  ab- 
hor profanity,  and  think  about  all  Geutilet;  to  be  immoral  and 
profane.  It  was  said  by  some,  that  I  was  the  only  Gentile  they 
knew,  who  was  not  profane.  They  toll  of  mules,  gotten  of 
Gentiles,  that  could  not  be  managed,  or  made  to  pull,  unless 
swore  at  by  note. 

Their  poor  and  disti  essed  are  liberally  provided  for  f)  om 
a  general  fund  ;  there  are  none  of  them  beggars. 

A  large  portion  of  them  are  emigrants  from  other  countries 
and  their  children  ;  there  are  some  from  every  section  of  the 
United  States  and  Canada.  The  fm-eigners  are  principally 
English,  Dunes,  Welsh,  Norwegians,  etc.  As  the  MoniKms 
settled  in  Utau  in  18i8,  and  were  quite  a  body  before  in  Mis- 
souri and  Illinois,  a  majority  of  them  were  "  born  in  the  church" 
or  order,  and  on  American  soil.  They  are  masons  therefore 
more  of  necessity  than  of  choice, —which  cannot  be  said  of 
Gentile   masons,   etc.     They   are  now  about  300,000  strong. 

The  founders, chiefs,  etc.,  were  and  ar<  Yi.tni  'ree-raasons. 
They  can  pay  to  their  brethren  in  (  nff;.;ss,  courts  and  army 
big  sums  of    money  for  bribery  ses   and  t^eir  mutual 

masonic  obligations,  and  death  i  ities  for  beti  .yal  insures 
secrecy  and  safety ;  and  they  are  buu  1  to  -sist  their  brethren 
without  pay. 

The  Mormon  endowment  house  ceremonies,  oaths,  oblig  - 
tions,  penalties,  etc.,  etc.,  are  masonic. 

The  founders  of  the  church-order  set  themselves  up  as  an- 
other Moses  or  Mohammed,    and  their  Sunday  school  books 


as  an- 
kl  books 


/,M     'K' 


^  fl. 


mm  h 


W¥0  % 


i 

& 


•< 

tJ 


^'  /■' 


m 


60 


Salt  Lake  City  and  Utah. 


teaoli  it  as  truth  as  to  Moses.  Their  secret  order  "  church  "  is, 
like  other  specriative  or  spurious  masonry,  fouucled  on  hum- 
bug pagan  "riysteries."  Their  bible  being  discovered  and 
attached  with  about  the  same  silly  legend  as  that  of  the  "Great- 
est j?wel  and  mystery"  of  speculative  masonry. 

They  have  the  "mystery"  bible  of  their  own,  but  use  ours 
J.  rincipally,  in  which  they  are  well  versed.  They  have  much 
of  it  memorized.  Thoy  are  much  given  to  prayer,  and  always 
pray  for  salvation  througii  Jesus.  Not  all  of  their  dignitaries 
practice  polygamy,  and,  according  to  the  records  of  the  "courts 
of  justice,"  there  are  but  few  cases  of  polygamy  in  Utah.  But 
according  to  my  observations  and  more  reliable  information 
than  ring-ridden  courts,  about  one  married  man  in  ten  of  them 
is  a  polygamist.  Though,  for  saying  this  of  any  one  of  them, 
he  could  prosectite  me  for  libel  at  the  people's  expense,  and 
say,  "  Dami\  you,  prove  it,"  and  I  could  not  establish  the  plain 
fact  in  the  courts.  Such  is  their  secret  influence  and  power  at 
court.     And  it  is  as  wide  and  extensive  as  masonry. 

The  greatest  comfort  and  protection  a  polygamist's  wife  has 
is  in  her  children  (they  call  the  other  wives  of  their  father 
"aunt").  A  boy  will  not  see  his  mother  abused  or  discarded 
if  ha  can  help  it,  Avhich  they  often  do.  Still  several  sisters  will 
frequently  marry  one  man,  one  after  the  other,  and  the  latter 
ones  ought  to  know  pretty  near  what  they  are  about— as  near 
a?  you  or  I  could  tell  them. 

Those  of  the  saints  who  have  travelled  about  and  abroad, 
preach  of  the  immorality  and  depravity,  and  dangers  of  the 
outside  world,  and — like  in  other  secret  lodges — picture  Utah 
and  the  folds  of  the  order  as  the  only  place  where  virtue  and 
truth  is  regarded  and  protected. 

They  also  make  it  appear,  that  all  those  who  have  taken  an 
active  part  against  them  at  any  time,  have  been  accursed  by 
God  and  man ;  that  many  of  them  have  repented,  and  beg  of 
them  in  humility  and  tears  for  mercy  and  forgiveness. 

If  according  to  the  courts  there  is  so  little  polygamy  in 
Utah,  or  if  it  be  no  crime  ;  nor  a  crime  to  make  fin  occasional 
killing  and  tribute  against  outsiders — as  is  done  by  the  gang 
everywhere  with  impunity— then  the  Mormons  are  an  except- 
ionally moral,  virtuous,  civil,  cheerful,  industrious  and  prosper- 


li  "i 


All  about  the  Mormons. 


01 


n'oad, 

)f  the 

XJtali 

le  and 

ten  an 
k\  by 
)eg  of 

aiy  in 
Isional 
gang 
icept- 
losper- 


ous  people.  By  the  court  records  they  are  most  exception- 
ally virtuous.  And  if  these  questionable  deeds  are  the 
work  of  a  small  element  only,  •which  I  believe  to  be  the  case, 
then  they  are  that  anyway,  and  in  truth. 

Ill  four  respects  the  Mormons  are  as  far  in  advance  of 
the  Gentiles,  as  John  BroAvn  Avas  of  the  republican  party. 

First. — In  that  they  permit  no  gaugs  of  parasites  or  artful 
tricksters  to  practice  among  them,  so  they  all  know  and 
understand  their  laws  alike  ;  cases  are  judged  and  decided  on 
their  merits  ;  and  not  being  so  many  middlemen,  they  get  the 
jjrofit  of  their  labor. 

Second.— They  first  made  woman  suffrage  universal,  and 
they  were  no  more  "insulted"  at  the  polls  in  Utah  than  at  the 
post-offices.  Those  who  would  keep  politics  too  secret,  corrupt 
and  unclean  for  their  wives,  sisters  and  daughters  to  know  or 
touch,  when  their  welfare  and  happiness  is  so  greatly  depend- 
ent on  its  purity,  and  who  think  it  more  out  of  place  for  an 
American  woman  to  vote,  than  for  an  English  woman  to  be 
chief  ruler  and  make  political  speeches,  should  not  complain 
when  they  reap  the  result. 

Third. — They  carry  out  and  enforce  their  temperance 
principles  and  laws,  without  flaws,  quir^is  or  foolishness. 
There  are  hardly  any  saloons,  gambling,  or  prostitution  known 
in  their  community. 

Fourth. — In  their  management  of  the  Indians. 

And  yet,  an  outsider  really  has  not  equal  security  or  even 
justice  anywhere  where  their  alien  government  or  secret  in- 
fluence controls  the  government  or  courts,  as  could  be  vividly 
shown  by  the  miserable  experience  of  many  falsely  imprisoned, 
or  robbed  of  their  property,  and  by  the  bleached  bones  of  so 
many  others  that  have  been  "  run  over  the  ridge." 

Having,  by  secret  intrigue,  conquered  the  United  States 
Army,  etc.,  Avhen  in  their  infancy,  and  Congress  and  the  courts 
ever  sincC;  they  have  strong  hopes  of  complete  control  and  of 
universal  conquest.     Polygamy  is  their  vol  rag  in  the  conflict. 


a'  *''') 


1:1 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Travellers  I  met  in  I' tali. — Leave  Utah  for  the  Los  Angeles,  Cal.,  country. 
— The  company  I  travel  -with. — Danites. — Tlif  luiliaus  on  the  road. — 
A  Mormon  "miracle." — Indian  dialect. — Sand  storm. — A  mine  in  the 
desert. — The  region  from  St.  George  to  California. — Arizona. — San 
Bernardino. — Los  Angeles,  and  tlmt  country. — Climate,  soil,  people 
and  business  in  18G7  and  1S8A. — Laud,  titles,  etc. 

On  the  I'oads,  or  hj  the  ways  in  Utah,  I  met,  or  fell  in  with — 
besides  the  local  travel — wandering  Gentiles  like  myself,  army 
deserters — who  were  aided  hy  the  Mormons,  as  they  hate  and 
detest  the  Government  they  prostitnte — companies  of  miners 
on  horse-  and  mnle-back,  with  camping  outfits,  from  Montana, 
Idaho,  Arizona,  Mexico  and  other  sections,  hound  for  other 
fields  abounding  in  riches  for  them,  in  tlieir  imaginations  and 
faith.  Years  afterwards  I  again  met  some  of  the  very  same  in 
other  places,  they  were  still  prospecting. 

Soon  aft(n'  returning  to  St.  George  with  my  load  of  salt,  in 
January  18(57,  I  left  the  Mormon  country  for  Los  Angeles, 
Southern  California,  450  miles  distant  from  St.  George,  and  800 
miles  from  Salt  Lake  City,  much  of  which  is  wagon-wheel 
measurement. 

The  company  I  travelled  with  was  composed  of  three 
Mormons  with  their  families,  going  to  join  another  wing  of  the 
church  which  is  presided  over  by  a  son  of  the  prophet  Jf)seph 
Smith,  and  is  gathered  principally  at  St.  Cernardino,  Cal., — 
they  do  not  practice  polygamy,  which,  I  may  here  state,  is  not 
taught  in  the  teachings  of  Joseph  Smith,  tlieir  founder.  They 
considered  it  prudent  to  call  their  departure  "  a  visit,"  until 
they  got  well  on  their  journey,  on  account  of  the  Danites  of 
masonry.  Also  a  wandering  Canadian;  a  mining  expert — on 
his  way  to  report  to  his  company  at  San  Francisco  as  to  the 
mines  recently  discovered  in  south-eastern  Nevada ;  and  Mr. 
Clark,  with  a  hand,  as  he  had  two  wagons  with  six-horse  teams. 
He  was  chief  of  the  party  :  a  Mormon  and  polygamist,  a  clever 
man  of  exceptional  large  and  wide  practical  intelligence  and 
experience  in  the  West  and  the  Avorld.  Was  going  to  L(js 
Angeles  for  some  stores  and  general  store-goods  for  himself 

m 


California. 


('):3 


salt,  in 
Vngeles, 
ami  800 


aud  neighbors.  Had  made  the  round  trip  to  Los  Angeles  from 
Salt  Lake  or  other  settlements  over  this  route  twenty  times  ou 
the  same  kind  of  business. 

The  Lulians  living  on  the  road,  knowing  him  as  their  friend 
aud  customer,  were  glad  to  see  him  and  called  him  "Dan." 
He  left  corn  with  them — giving  them  a  portion  — to  feed  on  his 
v.Hi.rn;  as  we  were  now  travelling  over  a  vast  mountainous, 
never  to  be  reclaimed  desert  waste,  destitute  of  soil,  grass  and 
even  sage-brush  in  large  jiortions  of  it  for  250  miles,  and  very- 
destitute  of  water,  so  each  wagon  was  provided  with  a  barrel 
for  carrying  water,  and  the  animals  had  sometimes  to  do  with 
corn  or  barley,  without  water  or  grass. 

At  the  springs  and  camping  places  are  living  or  camping 
little  bands  of  the  most  destitute  and  degraded  Indians  I  had 
or  have  ever  seen.  They  live  mostly  on  a  species  of  cactus, 
roots,  snakes,  lizards,  etc.  The  shelled  corn  we  gave  them 
they  woiild  but  slightly  roast  in  the  ashes,  and  Hour  they 
would  make  into  a  half  cooked  mush,  and  the  whole  group,  big 
aud  little,  eat  it  hot  out  of  the  kettle  with  their  delicate  tiiigers, 
which  they  apparently  never  wash.  Are  composed  lai'gely  of 
renegades  from  dillereut  regular  tribes,  they  being  in  bad 
standing  aud  more  or  less  out-lawed. 

"Whenever  we  made  a  camp  where  there  was  some  grass 
anywhere  near,  "Dan"  would  have  the  Indians  turn  over  their 
bows  (backed  with  sinew)  and  arrows  (their  only  weapons)  to 
him,  and  then  turn  our  stock  over  to  them  to  take  out  to  grass, 
herd,  and  bring  them  in  in  the  morning,  saying,  that  if  they 
wanted  to  run  them  off,  they  would  do  so  anyway,  and  were  more 
apt  to  steal  them  if  he  acted  more  distrixstful  towards  them  by 
the  little  guarding  that  we  coiild  do  in  a  part  of  us  going  with 
them  ;  besides,  they  valued  him  as  an  old  friend  and  regular 
customer.  He  had  always  thus  trusted  even  these  renegades, 
and  they  had  never  betrayed  him.  And  it  was  their  country — 
all  they  had  in  the  world. 

After  leaving  St.  George  we  forded  the  Eio  Virgin  river 
twenty-eight  times— sometimes  following  in  the  qiiick-sand 
bed  of  it  for  a  road  — before  we  left  it  to  climb  the  big  hill  to 
the  west.  This  done,  we  had  to  return  the  stock  way  down 
back  to  the  river  for  grass  and  water,  as  it  was  twenty-five  miles 


64 


Utah  to  Arizona. 


W^Sm 


to  the  next  water  and  grass,  over  a  rocky  waste,  which  camp  was 
on  the  stream  Muddy,  that  was  settled  on  far  to  the  south-east 
by  the  Mormons.  Forty  or  fifty  hard  looking  and  nearly  naked 
Indians  gathered  about  us  here,  as  was  the  case  at  the  camping 
places  beyond. 

The  next  stretch  to  water  was  about  seventy  miles  to  Vagas 
creek.  Then  water  got  so  plenty  that  there  was  a  little  spring 
every  twenty  or  thirty  miles,  till  we  got  to  a  forty-five  mile 
stretch,  and  there  was  no  feed  for  three  or  four  miles  around 
the  end  of  it. 

The  next  dry  stretch  was  fifty  miles,  followed  by  one  of 
only  thirty-five,  which  brought  us  down  to  the  Mohave  creek, 
where  it  was  called  the  "fork  of  the  road."  (1(50  miles  from  Los 
Angeles).  One  fork  leading  south  into  Arizona  to  Camp 
Cada,  Prescot,  etc.  It  being  travelled  by  big  freight  teams, 
with  five  hundred  dollar  wagons,  having  high  wheels  and  tires 
four  or  five  inc^^es  wide  for  the  burning  sands  of  this  Colorado 
desert,  and  often  loaded  with  even  hay  for  government  stock 
hundreds  of  miles  away  in  Arizona;  government  trains  and 
troops,  to  rob  the  Indians  out  of  such  a  country,  and  to  enrich 
the  gang ;  a  stage-coach  and  the  mail,  prospectors'  outfits,  etc. 

We  took  the  other  fork  leading  to  the  sea  shore. 

We  passed — aliout  a  hundred  miles  back  in  the  desert— an 
abandoned  barren  quartz  mine,  that  had  been  extensively 
prospected  with  shafts,  tunnels,  etc. ;  and  this  without  an 
expensive  quartz  mill.  In  order  to  sell  mining  stock,  it  is 
usually  necessary  to  buy  and  be  at  work  on  a  big  mill — the 
bigger  the  better — as  an  assurance  that  the  thing  will  pay  to 
work. 

While  the  Sheriff  was  returning  to  San  Bernardino  from 
attaching  the  mine  (?)  for  labor  and  supplies  -  as  is  also  the 
usual  thing — he  was  killed  by  the  Indiaus. 

A  child  in  our  party  was  taken  sick  so  bad,  Ave  thought  it 
would  die  on  the  road ;  so  the  brethren  gathered  around  it 
and  perforni(>d  their  sacred  rite  of  "  Laying  on  of  hands  "  with 
praj^er ;  and  as  in  a  day  or  two  the  little  saint  Avas  running 
about,  their  faith  was  kept  whole.  This  "miracle"  maybe  in 
their  Sunday-school  books  now,  and  highly  colored,  to 
strengthen  the  faith  of  future  generations. 


California. 


65 


p  was 
i-east 
laked 
aping 

Vaj:;as 
spring 
i  mile 
i,round 

oue  of 

creek, 
)in  Los 

Camp 

teams, 
1(1  tives 
dorado 
it  stock 
ins  aud 
:>  enricli 
its,  etc. 

ert— an 
eusivelv 
lout  an 
k,  it  is 
lill— tlie 
pay  to 

luo  from 
ilso  tlie 


louglit  it 
found  it 
■  witli 
1  riinuiu^ 
lay  1)6  iu 
lored,  to 


One  of  the  party  had  an  iron  ex-wagon,  and  of  course  on  a 
rough  road  an  axle  was  broken  off  at  the  shoulder.  But  these 
western  mountaineers  are  never  put  back  much  by  a  mishap  of 
that  kind.  In  this  case  an  unnecessary  bar  of  iron  was  soon 
taken  off  the  wagon,  run  through  the  wheel,  and  lashed  to  the 
axle.  These  people  will  set  wagon  tires  on  the  road,  shoe 
stock,  make  and  fit  most  any  part  of  a  wagon  without  tools, 
except  an  ax,  bit,  chisel  and  monkey-wrench. 

Some  Piute  Indian  words :— crovio — horse;  murat — mule ; 
nepute  or  ninuie — little  ;  kawit— not  any ;  tu-wich — very  much; 
tiri- -tired ;  sco-ri — cold ;  shangry — hungry ;  pe-up — big ;  wino 
— good ;  spits — spring ;  congaroo — run  or  go  fast ;  shot-cup — 
food ;  muggi — give  me  ;  pe-nacka — mineral ;  camusha — another; 
napeas — money ;  oma— you. 

The  bottom  of  the  Mohave  (moharvey),  along  which  we 
travelled  for  many  miles,  was  settled  in  a  rude  way  by  hard 
looking  citizens,  who  kept  some  little  accommodations,  canned 
fruits  and  other  goods  for  sale,  as  are  usually  found  at 
frequented  camping  places  on  the  much  travelled  roads  in  the 
West. 

The  atmosphere  was  now  more  humid,  mellow,  and  on  ac- 
count of  the  change,  which  in  itself  is  invigorating,  it  was  more 
bracing,  and  was  so  delightful  and  spring-like  from  here  on  to 
the  coast,  that  I  have  often  regretted  that  my  lot  was  not  cast 
iu  such  a  lovely  clime  and  country. 

"Wild  budding  grape  vines,  green  grass, — in  places  all 
over  the  ground, — flowers,  trees,  and  even  flowing  water  aud 
singing  birds  could  now  be  appreciated  by  us  and  enjoyed. 

No  wonder  Mohammed  had  the  Moslem  heaven  well  sup- 
plied with  beautiful  shaded  rivers,  green  grass  and  flowers. 

A  sand  storm  on  the  Mohave  clouded  the  picture  for  a 
day,  so  we  had  to  lay  over  on  account  of  it. 

A  few  days  travel  now  and  we  had  reached  and  passed 
over  the  Sierra  Nevada  mountain  range,  ind  were  iu  San 
Bernardino,  where  we  tarried  a  day  or  two. 

This  place  contained  (18G7)  about  four  thousand  inhabit- 
ants, of  Mormons,  Gentiles  and  Mexicans,  the  latter  being 
Gentiles  also.  It  is  in  a  valley  made  fertile  and  enjoyable  by 
a  semi-tropical  climate  and  a  good  supply  of  water.  Wood  and 
6 


I  1       'f-^i 


*j     m 


I'         ' 


66 


Utah  to  Arizona. 


saw  timber  is  also  plentiful  on  the  mountain  near  by,  which  is 
a  raro  advantage  over  most  other  places  in  this  climate.  It  has 
the  "  wood  water  and  grass,"  that  the  miner  and  camping 
traveller  so  often  inquires  about,  also  the  soil  necessary  for 
independent  homes. 

This  site  w<as  included  in  a  Mexican  grant,  and  was  bought 
by  the  Mormons  in  early  days,  for  a  settlement  of  their  own. 
But  at  the  time  the  army  entered  Utah  to  fight  the  Mormons 
and  enforce  the  United  States  laws, — as  was  supposed  by  out- 
siders—and the  Mountain-Meadow  massacre,  and  other  tributes 
were  levied  against  outsiders  by  the  secret  government,  of 
which  these  Mormons  were  subjects,  the  anger  of  the  Gentiles 
here-abouts,  together  with  a  call  or  order  from  the  Grand 
Worthy  head  of  their  government,  made  them  abandon  their 
homes  here  and  travel  in  haste  to  join  their  brother  subjects  in 
arms,  at  Salt  Lake  and  beyond. 

Notwithstanding  the  great  disparity  in  numbers,  arms  and 
equipments  at  that  time,  they  say  "  we  thought  that  v/e  might 
have  to  tvJiip  the  United  States  Army."  However,  the  Mormons 
would  fight,  if  diplomacy,  secret  influence  and  intrigue  failed  in 
securing  their  enlargement ;  which  is  not  probable,  so  long  as 
they  can  meet  on  their  level  so  many  secret  brethren  in  the 
United  States  Government  and  courts,  who  are  secretly  sworn 
to  befriend  them. 

I  met  and  talked  with  parties  on  the  road,  here,  and  at  Los 
Angeles,  who  had  had  experience  in  Arizona.  Many  of  them 
would  praise  that  country  as  rich  in  minerals  (and  perhaps  it 
is  in  a  few  little  spots)  and  in  fertile  valleys,  saying,  they  would 
soon  return  to  their  valuable  prospects  or  interests  there,  etc. 
But  on  close  acquaintance  they  would  curse  and  swear  and 
paw  the  ground,  declaring  that  any  one  who  could  be  deluded 
to  tJiinJc  of  living,  or  making  anything  legitimately  in  such  a  God- 
forsaken, howling,  burning  wilderness — "  where  it  rains  only 
sand,  and  the  only  vegetation  is  thorns  and  thistles,  which 
differ  only  in  variety" — should  be  assisted  in  their  going,  and 
learn  their  folly  as  they  had  done.  And  the  phrase  "Arizona 
liar"  was  a  common  one.  Instead  of  giving  the  lie  direct,  one 
need  only  ask  the  gentleman  "if  he  had  been  to  Arizona." 

I  now  comprehended  the  enticing  tales  like  that  of  the 


of  the 


i*!"      ' 


f  ^-4 


H     ,/ 


68 


California. 


'I- 


"bullets  of  gold  shot  by  the  Apaches," — the  "rich  mines 
worked  and  left  by  the  Aztecs,"  or  later  by  others  "  driven  out 
by  Indians,"  etc.,  etc.  Afterwards  I  knew  different  parties, 
well  equipped  with  animals,  arms,  provisions,  money,  etc.,  to 
spend  many  months  in  prospecting  there,  but  they  always  left 
it,  dead-broke,  disgusted  and  often  on  foot. 

It  seemed  there  was  no  way  to  learn  the  truth  of  that 
section,  except  by  experience  or  instinct  alone.  How  would  I 
know  that  the  army  officers,  other  officials,  editors,  judges,  and 
other  prominent  and  respected  men  in  the  West,  were  "Arizona 
liars."  Our  parents  and  books  did  not  teach  it ;  our  lecturers 
and  preachers  did  not  preach  it,  and  the  papers  would 
deny  it.  It  seems  there  should  be  somebody,  to  write  plain, 
l)iuctical  and  truthful  accounts  of  places,  men  and  things,  even 
if  they  are  ridiculed  and  stabbed  and  nobody  care. 
"  Truth  ever  lovely  since  the  world  began, 
The  foe  of  tyrants  and  the  friend  of  man." 

I  noticed  much  good  country  between  San  Bernardino  and 
Los  Angeles — sixty  miles — but  little  of  it  was  then  in  cultiva- 
tion. Much  of  this  land  could  then  be  bought  for  ten,  fifteen  or 
twenty  dollars  per  acre,  now  it  is  from  one  to  two  hundred  dollars 
an  acre.  The  soil  is  mostly  a  bed  of  sand,  but  with  water  it  can 
be  made  to  blossom  as  a  Moslem  paradise.  There  are  some 
spots,  however,  where  corn  and  other  grain  and  fruits  are  grown 
in  great  abundance  without  irrigation.  A  few  miles  East  of 
Los  Angeles  I  remember  riding  over  a  level  sage-brush  and 
cactus  stretch  of  several  miles  in  extent,  and  also  over  the  roll- 
ing hills  between  town  and  the  sea,  which  were  thickly  covered 
with  a  kind  of  wild  rank  clover  '  up  to  my  knees,'  which,  how- 
ever, would  be  dried  up  in  April  or  May. 

The  streets  of  Los  Angeles  (Lost  Angels)  follow  the  wind- 
ings of  old  stock  trails,  but  there  were  some  fine  brick  buildings 
and  residences  with  tropical  trees  and  gardens,  that  are  lovely, 
indeed. 

Los  Angeles  was  an  old  Mexican  town  of  six  or  seven 
thousand  inhabitants.  I  think  a  majority  in  the  county  was 
then  (1867)  Mexicans,  Indians,  Chinamen,  etc.,  and  that  the 
sheriff  was  a  Mexican.  The  moneyed  men  were  Jews  and 
secret-ring  army  contractors,  who  were  making  big   fortunes 


?  -^' 


< 


uautmrnmuioiitaiiam 


Bines 
n  out 
irties, 

be,  to 
'9  left 

E  that 

3UldI 

58,  and 
Li'i/ona 
cturers 
would 
>  plain, 
8,  even 


ino  and 
cultiva- 
ifteen  or 
I  dollars 
er  it  can 
re  some 
grown 
last  of 
sh  and 
the  roll- 
covered 
n,  how- 

Bie  wind- 

uildings 

lovely, 

,r   seven 

nty  was 

that   the 

5W8  and 

[fortunes 


pa 
o 


ti 


CALIFOnNIA. 


out  of  the  people  in  their  contracts  for  cavahy  ho  .'Sfts  and  all 
kinds  of  supplies,  and  the  freighting  of  it  into  Arizona  and  else- 
where (the  government  spent  about  4,000,000  dollars  in  this 
way,  at  this  point,  each  year) ;  and  they  acquired  large  bodies 
of  land  and  other  valuable  properties  accordingly. 

Common  labor  was  twenty-five  dollars  a  month.  At  some 
out-of-the-way  places  and  at  the  saw-mills  near  San  Bernardino 
labor  was  from  fovty  to  fifty  dollars  a  month,  and  the  favored 
contractors  woitld  sometimes  allow  outside  freighters  to  make 
a  few  dollars  by  sab-contract  and  doing  the  work. 

The  Mexican  population  were  mostly  engaged  in  cattle, 
horses  and  sheep. 

Mustangs — the  common  horses  of  the  country — were  sold 
by  the  band  for  about  seven  dollars  a  head.  Large  droves  were 
being  driven  to  the  territories  and  the  states ;  were  worked  in- 
to the  government  service  at  round  prices,  and  stage  companies 
all  over  the  coast  were  using  them  largely. 

In  exceptional  dry  seasons  the  poorest  of  the  horses  have 
been  driven  ovev  bluffs  into  the  sea  by  the  thousand,  to  save 
the  feed  for  other  stock.  At  such  times,  where  the  ranges  are 
over-stocked,  cattle,  horses  and  sheep  die  by  the  many  thou- 
sand in  summer ;  the  same  as  they  more  frequently  do  in 
winter  on  the  ranges  of  the  north-west. 

"  Los  Angeles,  January  11th,  1884. 
Southern  Cahfornia,  owing  to  its  climatic  position,  being 
midway  between  the  temperate  and  tropical,  is  known  as  Semi- 
Tropic  California.  It  has  about  280  miles  of  sea  coast,  with  an 
average  of  40  miles  in  width.  This  city  is  the  commercial  center 
of  Southern  California There  are  three  things  that  soon  at- 
tract the  attention  of  new  comers.  They  are,  the  mild,  salubrious 
climate,  the  wonderful  productions  of  the  soil  and  the  beauty  of 
the  scenery.  In  si)eaking  of  the  first,  we  notice  from  the  signal 
service  record  that  the  average  temperature  of  winter  for  six 
years  was  52  degrees;  for  summer  G7  degrees.  The  average 
difference  between  winter  and  summer  is  but  15  degrees.  The 
temperature  seldom  gets  to  the  freezing  point  in  winter,  or  to  100 
m  summer.  The  cool  sea  breeze  in  summer  gives  an  eveness  to 
the  temperature.  There  is  really  neither  winter  nor  summer  here 
but  year  in  and  year  out  is  one  continual  season,  similar  to  the 


being 
IS  Semi- 
with  an 
center 
soon  at- 
ubrious 
lauty  of 
signal 
for  six 
laverage 
IS.    The 
|r  to  100 
eness  to 
tier  here 
Li-  to  the 


< 


a 

O 
EC 

c 

^^ 

c 

s 

I— I 

(1. 

f- 

K 


H 


I        III 


I. 


\  41 : 


Mi 


72 


Ca  1,1  FORM  A. 


Indian  siunmor  of  thn  Eastern  Staffs.  Flowers  bloom  in  i)ro- 
fiision  all  the  year;  and,  as  an  evidence  that  bnt  little  cold 
weather  is  experienced,  we  see  sub-tropical  plants  growing  out 
doors  in  the  yards  and  hedges;  geraniunu  and  French  roses  bud 
and  bloom  all  through  the  year.  Tonuitoes  bear  all  tin;  year  and 
for  two  or  three  years  on  the  same  vines.  Castor  Ix^ans  continue 
to  gi'ow  and  bloom  from  y(!ar  to  year,  until  the  stocks  get  to  be 
as  much  as  six  inc^hes  in  diameter.  Sorghum  continues  to  grow 
from  the  same  stock  for  years.  Kip(i  strawbtjrrys  are  gathered 
every  month  in  the  year.  All  kinds  of  garden  vegetaldes  grow  all 
the  yeai'.  "  Spring  chickens"  are  a  misnomer  here,  for  they  are 
raised  all  the  year  round. 

The  lawns,  fields  and  bluffs  are  greenest  in  the  wintermonths, 
and  more  hay  is  fed  in  the  summer,  when  the  earth  is  dry  and 

parched,  than  in  the  winter The  larger  tracts  of  land  are 

being  subdivided  into  five,  ten  and  twenty  acre  lots,  and  sold  to 
settlers  for  fruit  raising  purposes.  In  this  way  the  country  is 
settling  up  vt-ry  thickly.  The  lands  within  five  miles  of  the  city 
sell,  unimproved,  for  ]  00  to  300  dollars  per  acre ;  when  improved 
and  set  in  trees  or  vines,  and  having  had  five  or  six  years'  cultiva- 
tion, with  good  dwelling  and  nice  surroundings,  they  will  sell  at 

f rf>m  800  to  1000  dollars  per  acre Evergreen  trees  grow  here 

all  the  year.  The  range  of  I'ugged  mountains  to  the  north  or 
northeast,  with  tlieir  peaks  covered  with  snow,  and  the  blue  ocean 
and  magnificent  sunsets  to  the  south  and  southwest,  is  a  fitting 
margin  to  the  intervening  picture.  Upon  a  high  eminence  in  the 
city  we  get  a  ■^'iew  of  the  surrounding  country.  A  circle  of  three 
miles  in  each  direction  from  the  court  house  will  almost  take  in 
the  (;ity  limits, — not  all  built  up  yet,  but  witliin  that  radius  are 
25,000  inhabitants.  The  sight  is  a  lovely  one.  Many  fine,  palatial 
residences,  with  surroundings  lovely  as  an  idea,  and  thousands  of 
acres  stretching  far  away,  thickly  studded  with  orange,  lemon, 
lime,  olive,  palm,  cedar  and  cypress  trees,  with  numerous  semi- 
tropical  plants,  flowers  and  vines,  make  the  scene  one  of  rare 

beaixty Large  orchards  of  the  English  walnut,  almond  and 

other  nut-bearing  trees  are  quite  common.  A  part  of  the  city  is 
built  upon  the  bluffs,  from  whence  a  grand  view  of  the  surround- 
ing country  can  be  had.  The  transfers  of  real  estate  within  the 
city  and  county  for  the  last  two  years  foot  up  about  20,000,000 
dollars. 

J.  S.  F." 


th  or 
ocean 
fitting 
in  the 
three 
ake  in 
us  are 
alatial 
nds  of 
em  on, 
semi- 
f  rare 
d  and 
city  is 
ound- 
in  the 
100,000 


1 


|i   J 


(73) 


WTT^ 


^ 

i^'^: 


74 


California. 


There  are  now  many  smaller  towns,  bnt  similar  to  Iios 
Angeles,  throughout  this  section.  Wells  are  bored  and  dug, 
find  wind  mills  largely  used  in  irrigating  the  land.  And  all  the 
running  \;'ater  is  appropriated  for  the  same  purj)ose. 

Notwithstanding  the  a])parent  and  real  natural  advantages 
of  this  section  of  country,  the  people,  as  a  rule,  were  not  pros- 
porous  and  conleuted.  Secret  gangs  of  lawyers  in  conjunction 
with  brethren  in  office  in  the  State  and  at  Washington,  had  con- 
spired to  cloud,  mix,  disturb  and  shatter  the  regular  and  legal 
titles  to  the  greater  part  of  the  lands  in  the  State;  and  to  then, 
with  the  courts  (composed  of  themselves),  wring  tribute  on  tri- 
bute from  every  man,  woman  and  child  who  Avould  own  and  till 
the  soil. 

"Yes,"  some  said  to  me,  "  one  can  buy  land  here,  but  he 
never  knows  when  he  is  done  buying  it,  or  when  the  title  is 
settled  for  certain ;  tliat  is  all  with  the  lawyers  and  courts,  and 
is  never  really  settled."  "  Doubt,  inseciirity,  retarded  progress, 
litigation  without  end,  hatred,  destruction  of  property,  expendi- 
ture of  money,  blood-shed,  all  these  have  resulted." 

If  ever  is  truly  written  a  complete  history  of  but  the  land 
troubles  in  California  alone,  it  will  be  wondered  that 
lawyers  are  not  outlawed  and  destroyed — not  as  men  but  as 
snakes,  wolves  and  pests  to  society. 

"  The  man  of  law 

Cunningly  could  he  quibble  out  a  liaw, 
And  scratch  men's  scabs  to  idccrs." 


HHtrr   Miiti  fnOM  lOS   ANGCLtS.'OtlNff  9  !T'« 


_  Mum?  Sf<f  ft.  iM  A^tfl».  P^UiCCP  '^P6 


^■l5SlON  S*N  ,UAU  C'4»i5IltAU5.  JOMIlEI  1 


:,'.;;iri6.  s*N  LOUIS  H£ir  MissiONHO  Miies  sourM,  rcu^tao  I'si 


TttOPicAL  PLA^^^s  and  Hihtorical  Buildings. 


;  \ 


(7.-)) 


•'    V 


.lliv. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Ijeave  Loh  Augclos  for  a  now  mining  caniii  in  Nevada. — Tlio  stock  of  a 
train  caiitnred  1iy  Indians. — "  Death  Yallev. " — Eighty-seven  families, 
stock,  etc.,  perish. — The  surrounding  region  and  its  i^roducts. — How 
teamsters  are  revenged.-— Comprehensive  description  of  the  mining 
cami).^ — "  Hnrrah  !  linrrah  !  we  liave  .struck  it,  hurrah!!" — A  big 
Indian. — How  Mining  Co.  officials  st(>al. — Indian  and  Avhite  men 
hung. — The  mode  of  government  and  trial. — Wages,  living,  business. 
etc. — The  geological  formation  of  mineral  lodes,  veins,  fi.ssures,  etc., 
and  placer  mines. — Prospecting  for  and  locating  claims. — The  right 
time  to  sell,  etc. — Why  mines  are  guarded  with  rifles. — Huw  stock 
companies  oi)erate. — Why  newsjiaper  accounts  of  mines  are  not  re- 
liable.— The  real  i)rices  jiaid  for  mines. — How  stock,  etc.,  is  made  to 
sell. — One  and  a  half  year's  experience. 

At  Los  Angeles  I  formed  the  acquaintance  of  an  agent  of  a 
mining  company ;  he  was  forwarding  by  freiglit  wagons  a 
quartz-mill  and  supplies  to  their  "rich  and  extensive  mines  ' 
at  Pah  Ranagat  in  south-eastern  Nevada.  This  was  a  new  and 
glowing  mining  district  then — at  a  distance,  and  he  easily  in- 
duced me  to  go  to  the  mines  with  the  train  having  the 
machinery.  I  was  to  run  the  engine  of  the  mill  at  eight  dollars 
a  day. 

Mr.  Agent  remained  behind  a  few  days  to  start  and  ac- 
company an  outfit  of  four  wagons,  four  men,  and  thirty -five  or 
forty  mules  and  horses,  with  mining  supplies.  When  on  their 
journey,  having  camped  for  the  night  at  an  alkali  spring  on  the 
desert,  about  250  miles  out  from  Los  Angeles,  two  of  the  men 
being  out  Avith  the  stock,  some  Indians  swooped  in  on  them 
and  run  them  off,  to  eat  them  ;  except  two  that  struck  for 
camp  (as  is  quite  usual),  and  one  that  was  tied  to  a  wagon. 

Then  three  of  the  party  stayed  with  the  wagons,  while  the 
ether  two  returned  and  procured  other  animals. 

"  Yet  happier  those  we  name  (nor  name  we  wrong), 
Who  the  rough  seas  of  stormy  life  along 
Have  sailed  contented ;  by  experience  taught 
Those  ills  to  suffer,  whicli  their  errors  (or  their  fate) 

had  brought. 
W^ith  placid  hopes  each  torturing  pang  ln'guile, 
AjuI  welcome  every  sorrow  with  a  smile.'' 

(76J 


Mining  Camps. 


77 


We  travelled  a  diflfereut  road  part  of  the  way  to  San  Ber- 
nardino, then  took  the  same  I  have  described,  for  abont  250 
miles,  when  Ave  turned  north  for  about  200  miles  (wagon  wheel 
measurement),  to  the  mining  camp  of  "great  possiliilities." 

After  leaving  the  Mormon  road,  we  found  water  at  from 
twenty -five  to  forty-five  miles  travel — one  of  the  stretches  being 
tliirty-five  miles.  Passed  along  the  border  of  Death  Valley, 
said  to  be  below  the  sea  level. 

*'The  Valley  of  Death. — A  spot  almost  as  tei-ribh;  as  tlie 
prophet's  '  valley  of  dry  Ijones,'  lies  just  nortli  of  the  old  Mormon 
road  to  ('alifornia  -  a  region  thirty  miles  long  l>y  thirty  broad, 
and  surrounded,  except  at  two  points,  by  ina(!cessible  mountains. 
It  is  totally  devoid  of  water  and  vegetation,  and  the  shadow  of  a 
bird  or  wild  beast  never  darkejis  its  white,  glaring  sands.  The 
Kansas  Pacific  railroad  engineers  discovered  |?]  it,  and  some 
jiajicrs,  which  show  the  fate  of  the  "lost  Montgomery  train," 
wlii(;h  came  south  from  Salt  Lake  in  IS.")!),  guided  by  a  Mormon. 
When  near  Death  Valley,  some  came  to  the  conclusion  that  the 
3Iornion  knew  nothing  of  the  country,  so  they  appointed  one  of 
their  nximber  a  leader,  and  broke  off  from  their  party.  The  leader 
turned  due  west,  and  so,  with  the  people  and  wagons  and  the 
fl'K'ks,  lie  travelled  three  days  and  tlien  descended  into  the  broad 
valley,  whose  treacliei'ous  mirage  promised  water.  They  reached 
tin  centei',  biit  oidy  the  white  sands,  bounded  l)y  scorching  peaks, 
met  theJT  gaze.  And  around  the  valley  they  wandered,  and  one 
by  one  the  men  died.  And  the  jianting  Hocks  stre^  lieu  them- 
selves in  death  under  the  hot  sun.  The  childi'en,  crying  for 
water,  di»^d  at  their  mothers'  breasts,  and,  with  swollen  tongues 
and  ourniug  vitals,  the  mothers  followed.  Wagon  after  wagon 
was  abandoned,  and  strong  men  tottered  and  raved  and  died. 
After  a  week's  wandering,  a  dozen  survivors  found  some  water  in 
ihc  hollow  of  a  mountain.  It  busted  but  a  short  time,  Avlieii  all 
pei'ished  but  two,  who  escaped  out  of  the  valley  and  folh.wed  tlu- 
trail  of  their  former  companions.  Eighty-seven  families,  with 
hundreds  of  animals,  jierished  here ;  and  now,  after  twenty-two 
years,  the  wagons  stand  .still,  complete,  the  iron-works  and  tires 
are  bright,  and  the  shrivelled  skeletons  lie  side  l»y  side.'' 

This  region  produces  many  varieties  of  cactus  ;  some  being 
a  foot  in  diameter  and  about  twenty  feet  high,  and  in  spots 
like  a  thick  forest.     The  dead  trunks  made  good  camp  tires. 


"    !'-." 


ill 


■'« 


}  I 


78 


California  to  Nevada. 


There  is  alkali  and  soda  in  extensive  banks  and  quite  pure, 
so  that,  when  it  rains,  the  Avater  running  from  it  looks  like 
milk.  There  is  also  petrified  wood,  chalk  hills,  vulcano  craters 
and  lava  flows,  and  dry  lakes,  five  to  ten  miles  in  extent,  smooth 
and  hard  as  a  floor. 

Lizards,  centipedes  and  Indians  bask  in  the  sunshine,  each 
apparently  contented  with  his  lot,  and  sometimes  there  are  vast 
swarms  of  grasshoppers,  but  they  fly  away. 

It  was  said,  that  the  freighter  Avho  brought  the  mill,  had 
the  faculty  of  tricking  his  men  out  of  their  wages,  so  that  on 
reaching  Salt  Lake  they  stole  the  burrs  from  his  wagons  in 
revenge. 

I  found  a  mining  district,  and  a  county  (Lincoln)  had  been 
organized,  embracing  the  mountain  spur,  containug  the  mineral 
bearing  quartz  rock, — the  highest  peak  (which  was  composed 
ol  barren  quartz)  being  some  9000  feet  above  the  sea—  a  small 
watered  valley,  fit  for  farming  and  stock  raising,  ten  or  twelve 
miles  away,  having  large  flowing  hot  sulphur  springs,  and 
enough  of  the  adjacent  country  for  an  extensive  grasshopper 
and  lizard  range,  and  to  show  big  on  a  map. 

There  were  five  little  camps ;  three  being  in  the  mountain, 
and  two  in  the  valley, — one  of  which  was  the  county  seat 
and  the  other  had  Avanted  to  be.  They  each  having  water — 
both  hot  and  cold.  One  of  the  three  camps  in  the  mountain 
was  supplied  with  water  from  a  spring,  three  or  four  miles 
away,  at  ten  cents  a  gallon ;  each  of  the  other  two  had  small 
springs. 

There  was  some  timber  (pine)  on  the  mountain,  and  lum- 
ber was  Avhip-sawed  for  $150  a  thousand  feet,  also  a  good  deal 
of  scrub-nut-pine  for  fuel  and  producing  food  for  the  Indians. 

The  district  contained  a  migratory,  ever  changing  popu- 
lation of  about  250  men,  from  every  quarter  and  station ;  less 
than  a  dozen  women  and  children,  and  the  usual  complement 
of  Indians. 

These  Indians  are  simple  as  children,  and  degraded  in 
their  habits,  but  as  proud,  patriotic  and  jealous  of  their  posses- 
sions and  fame,  as  a  suV)ject  of  the  white  Mormon  secret  state. 
Their  chief  had  recently  met  the  Governor  of  the  State 
(Nevada),  and  to  impress  him  with  their  equal  importance, 


% 


H 
P 


79 


..   ^ 


.  1     \ 

\                         1 

1                     .^ 

fit' 


.<    iliiil 


80 


Caufornia  to  Nevada. 


aclclressed  liim  thus: — "Yoi;  big  chief:  3Ie  big  chief  too; 
You  OAVu  Yirgiuia  City,  Austin,  Carson,  etc.,  etc, :  Me  own  all 
of  this,  that,  anil  the  other  mountain,  and  all  of  these  valleys, 
waterSj  etc.,  etc. ;  You  heap  big  sou  of  a  b — h  :  3fe  all  the  same." 

There  were  now  three  quartz  mills  in  the  district,  with 
more  to  follow,  and  most  everybody  had  "feet"  in  mining 
claims.  One  had  sold  for  $50,000,  and  they  were  singing, 
"Irarrah!  hurrah!!  Ave  have  struck  it,  hurrah!!!  the  Gentiles 
have  struck  it  in  southern  Utah."  It  was  at  first  thought  to 
be  in  Utah. 

Miners'  Avages  Avere  six  dollars  a  day,  mechanics'  eight 
dollars,  and  boss  mill  builders'  tAventy  dollars.  But  there  Avas 
not  much  employment  to  be  had ;  there  being  ahvays  an  oa'O" 
supply  of  men,  and  the  pay  Avas  mighty  uncertain. 

Merchants  charged,  on  an  average,  about  300  per  cent. 
profit  on  their  goods,  expecting  this  to  be  somewhat  reduced 
by  bad  debts,  as  credit  is  stddom  I'efused. 

There  Avas  no  smaller  change  than  tAventy-five  cents,  Avhich 
was  the  price  of  drinks,  etc.  Board,  fourteen  dollars  a  Aveek, 
though ''baching"  Avas  the  rule  at  an  expense  of  about  one  dollar 
a  day.  Flour,  thirteen  dollars  a  hundred  pounds.  Sugar, 
butter,  coifee,  at  seventy-five  cents  a  pound.  Boots,  thirteen 
dollars  a  pah*.  Grain  and  potatoes,  ten  cents  a  pound.  Hay, 
fifty  dollars  a  ton.  Wagon  spokes  and  ax  handles,  one  dollar 
to  one  dollar  and  a  half  each.  Hard  lumber,  one  dollar  and  a 
half  per  square  foot.  There  Avere  similar  mining  camps,  l;")ii 
miles  and  more  away  ;  and  Mormon  settlements  as  near  as  175 
miles,  Avhich  sent  in  their  produce.  The  Mormons  like  to  have 
mining  camps  spring  up  around  them,  for  the  market  they 
afford  them.  They  thus  got  six  dollars  a  bushel  for  all  their 
surplus  wheat  for  seA'eral  years,  other  produce  in  pro- 
poi-tioi\>  The  mines,  and  the  California  and  Oregon  bound 
emigration  trains,  and  United  States  troops  constituted  their 
market!^. 

The  Moi'mous  uev^r  mine  themselves,  except  for  Avages. 
The  counsi4  ot  the  order  being  against  investing  any  money  in 
i»mes  *,  kuoA\  uig,  that  as  a  business  it  does  not  begin  to  pay, 
<*jtce]>4i  Mith  other  people's  money. 

^here  being  no  home  influences   or  comforts  in  mining 


Mixing  Camps. 


81 


camps,  the  saloons  are  the  iiuiversal  place  of  resort,  for  com- 
pauy,  business  and  pleasure.  Stores  and  saloons  are  frequently 
connected.  And  all  men  are  expected,  as  good  citizens,  to  con- 
tribute towards  making  things  lively  and  times  good  for  those 
^vho  do  not  work,  by  spending  their  money  for  whiskey,  in 
giiinbling,  and  at  the  stores.  Those  who  woiild  do  so  freely, 
Hud  iu  advance,  stood  the  first  show  for  employment, — as  good 
as  those  who  were  secret  ring  brethren.  An  employer  could 
thus  throw  money  into  the  pockets  of  brethren  behind  the 
counters  and  tables.  Men  seeking  employment,  on  going  to 
such  places,  should  be  broke  and  forthwith  run  saloon  and 
hoard  bills,  and  let  them  hustle  up  jobs  for  them. 

Mining  superintendents  get  a  salary  of  about  §5000  a  year, 
and  what  they  can  safely  steal ;  Avhich  is  in  proportion  to  the 
amount  of  business  done  and  money  handled.  They  are  usually 
ring  brethren  of  the  chief  men  of  the  company,  with  no  business 
ability  or  character  necessary  for  legitimate  success  ;  but  they 
must  be  cunning  in  their  stealing  and  trustworthy  in  dividing. 
Expenses  incurred  are  largely  increased  in  the  books,  this  is 
one  of  their  ways.  I  knew  the  bookkeeper  of  a  management 
that  had  him  add  one  hundred  per  cent,  to  all  expenses,  or  so 
it  would  average  that.  $100,000  expended  in  a  quartz  mill,  can 
be  made  to  blossom  into  $370,911.09  in  the  books  to  the  out- 
side stock  hohlers  ;  other  expenses  likewise. 

Tliere  were  state  and  county  ring  machines  of  government 
here,  but  they  were  discarded  b}-  the  people  for  the  government 
of  the  plains — ^carried  in  every  man's  pocket,  or  swung  to  his 
belt.  For  exami)le  : — an  Indian  having  killed  a  white  man, 
was,  with  others,  captured,  tried  without  lawbooks  or  laAvyers, 
and  hung  ;  the  others  l)eing  acquitted. 

A  white  man,  of  considerable  eminence  in  the  states, 
murdered  another  for  his  money ;  he  was  likewise  given  a  fair, 
open  trial  and  hung. 

An  employer  undertakes  to  trick  his  men  out  of  their 
money;  knowing  that  he  has  it,  one  of  them  presents  a  pistol  at 
bis  head,  with  the  j^ropositiou  to  pay  or  die — he  pays. 

A  boisteroias  desperado  undertakes  to  "run  the  town," 
runs  against  some  quiet  little  man,  who  kills  him  in  his  disgust 
at  the  cowardice  of  the  famed  bullies  and  toughs  of  the  camp. 
6 


!i 


rl 


,      5 


i 


8-i 


California  to  Nkvada. 


The  people  were  not  afraid  of,  or  prejiidiced  against  the 
professional  gambler  and  sharp,  bnt  they  had  no  nse  for 
the  mysterious  midnight  trickster  and  confidence  man. 

I  have  noticed  that  the  more  frank,  generous  and  honorable 
of  men,  who  have  had  experience  with  the  different  govern- 
ments, prefer  this  government  "  by  the  people,  for  the  people," 
to  tlint  of  gangs  of  lawyers  ;  because  secret  gangs  do  not  protect 
what  honest  industry  procui'es. 

While  the  selfish,  grasping,  criminal  natures,  who  would 
get  on  by  secret  intrigue  and  the  misery  they  make,  are  wed- 
ded to  the  lawyer  gang  system. 

''Tlicy  aiv  never  happy,  except  when  they  destroy 
The  comfort  and  blessing  which  others  enjoy." 

As  to  the  geological  f(n'mation  of  mineral  lodes,  veins  or 
deposits,  let  the  curious,  as  to  this,  imagine  a  mountain  in  a 
molten  state ;  then  towards  and  at  the  surface  it  has  become 
cool  and  hardened,  with  a  seething,  blubbering  mass  of  molten 
quartz,  mingled  with  mineral,  shaken,  settled  or  run  together, 
still  in  a  state  of  volcanic  action  underneath  in  the  bowels  of 
the  mountain  ;  the  volcanic  action,  being  now  more  confined, 
becomes  more  violent,  and  the  mountain  above  cracks  open,  in 
one  or  more  fissures  or  cracks  ;  the  seething,  blubbering  mass 
of  quartz-rock  and  mineral  boils  and  spiirts  up  into  the  fissures 
or  cracks,  till  their  sides  ( "  wall  rock  ")  are  smooth  as  glass  ;  it 
finally  cools  and  hardens  there  into  solid  mineral-bearing 
quartz-rock.  If  it  is  pressed,  spurted,  or  flows  out  at  the  sur- 
face of  the  cracks,  then  out-croppings  are  formed,  and  bowlders 
and  bodies  of  this  mineral-mixed  lava  are  mingled  Avith  the 
surrounding  surface  of  the  mountain  ;  perhaps,  in  time,  this  is 
parti}'  or  completely  covered  with  other  rock,  soil  and  vegeta- 
tion. Usually  it  appears  that  nearly,  or  all  of  the  minei'al-bear- 
ing  rock  had  thus  flowed  out  and  scattered  about,  and  the 
fissures  or  cracks  had  then  settled  back  or  closed  from  beneath, 
or  else  filled  up  with  ordinary  rock  or  lava,  which  may  crop 
out  and  be  scattered  about  also.  Or  the  fissures,  cracks,  may 
be  filled  with  quartz,  barren  of  mineral ;  nearly  so,  or  except  in 
spots  (called  "  bonanzas  "  or  "  pockets  "),  or  except  in  perpen- 
dicidar  streaks  (called  "chimneys").  There  are  plent}'  of  ledges, 
fissixres,  etc.,  in  quartz  and  mining  districts  that  are  not  loded 


MiNiNO  CvMrf=i. 


83 


i-eius  or 
ain  in  a 
becoiue 
molten 
ogetlier, 
owels  of 
3onfineil, 
open,  in 
\\(f  mass 
fissures 
[glass;  it 
bearing 
the  sur- 
bowlders 
Iwitli  tlie 
,  tliis  is 
vegeta- 
Iral-bear- 
and  tlie 
beneath, 
ay  crop 
,cks,  may 
ijLcept  ill 
perpen- 
if  ledges, 
ot  loded 


witli  metal.  Bnt  gold  and  silver  is  iis\ially  formed  or  mixed 
with  the  character  of  rock,  called  cpiurtz. 

These  cracks,  fissures  or  lodes  may  bo  very  deep,  farther 
down  than  has  over  been  readied  by  man,  (abont -4000  foot). 
When  deep,  they  are  called  friip  fissure  veins,  and  trond  in 
direction  with  the  range  of  mountain  -  usually  northerly  and 
southerly.  But  they  usuall}'  contract  witli  depth,  "  pinoh  "  or 
"peter  out"  at  a  short  distance  below  the  surface  ;  this  is  most 
always  the  case,  if  rich  in  tlie  precious  metals,  otherwise  they 
would  not  be  preoious.  If  there  is  no  out-cropping  to  a  ledge 
or  lode,  and  it  is  covered  with  the  country  or  common  rook,  or 
with  ground,  it  is  called  a  "  blind  lodge  "  or  lode.  Imagine 
again,  that  the  mountain,  ou  cooling,  had  many  surface  cracks 
or  seams  (which,  when  loading  to  or  springing  from  a  main  or 
larger  one,  are  called  "spurs")  and  also  cavities,  cavos  and 
pockt'ts,  and  that  a  portion  of  these  are  filled  with  the  flowing 
iuul  rolling  cpiart/,  more  or  less  mixed  with  mineral. 

In  lead  districts,  molten  lead  and  rock  seems  to  have  flow- 
ed for  many  miles,  filling  up  the  holes  and  low  places  in  the 
way.  Afterwards,  other  flows  of  lava  have  more  or  less  covered 
these  deposits  and  formed  stratas  of  rock  ov(>r  them.  After- 
wards, earth-quakes  and  the  wear  oi  Avatiu'  may  have  changed 
the  lay  of  the  land. 

In  a  mineral  district,  the  ledges  (u-  veins  of  quartz-rock — 
either  barren  or  containing  valuable  mineral,  such  as  gold, 
silver,  copper,  lead,  etc., — also  all  of  the  bowlders,  scattered 
bodies,  filled  cracks,  holes,  deposits,  etc.,  showing  signs  of 
iiuuoral,  are,  when  discovered,  each  located  as  a  mining  claim 
and  recorded.  A  mining  claim  may  (in  late  years)  embrace  as 
much  as  twenty  acres  of  ground. 

The  richest  rock  is,  as  a  rule,  foimd  at  or  near  the  siirface 
of  the  ledge  ;  though  richer  pockets  may  be  fcnind  deeper  down. 
The  rich  rock  of  the  "bonanzas  "  struck  deep  in  the  groat  com- 
stock,  was  very  low  grade,  compared  with  that  found  at  the 
surface  of  the  ledge. 

When  one  has  a  quartz  claim  and  can  find  a  man  with 
money,  who  thinks  the  rock  will  improve,  or  that  the  ledge  will 
widen  out  as  depth  is  attained,  .sell  it  to  hhn,  quick. 

However,  it  the  rock  will  pay  to  work,  he  and  his  partner 


\i      '■. 


I  ti 


ilk 


i  I 


84 


Califokn'ia  to  Nkvada. 


can  blast  it  out  and  sell  it  on  the  tlninp ;  have  it  worked  by 
some  one  of  the  mills  that  are  already,  or  will  be,  bnilt,  if  there 
is  a  prospect  of  innch  pa}'  rock  anywhere  around.  Or,  if  it  is 
rock  that  is  not  difficult  to  work,  they  can  ])nt  up  an  erasta, 
hitch  their  horses  to  it,  and  work  a  ton  or  two  of  rock  a  day 
themselves.  But  a  claim  tJiat  has  really  good  prospects  in 
sight,  can  be  sold,  for  more  tlian  it  is  worth  to  work,  to  some 
gang  of  mining  sharps  who  will  work  it  off  iov  a  yet  larger 
sum,  with  a  "half  interest"  or  stock  ganu^,  to  "  raise  money  to 
develop  or  work  it,"  etc.  A  good  mine,  or  a  good  prospect 
even,  does  not  need  to  be  advertised  or  puffed  in  newspapers  to 
find  a  customer.  It  woithl  be  foolish  to  put  np  ten  (JoJlars  on  oinj- 
iliiiKj  that  mujht  he  xcrlttcn  in  a  vncsjmper  alxnif  <i  ininf.  If  it  is  a 
big  bargain,  do  not  think  that  the  owner  will  hunt  uj)  strangers 
to  favor  with  it,  or  permit  them  to  enjoy  it  at  all. 

If  a  mine  is  really  rich  and  is  to  be  honestly  worked,  it  is 
to  the  interest  of  the  owners,  in  various  ways,  to  keep  its  value 
hid  as  much  as  possible,  and  t/u'i/  never/ail  to  do  m. 

Persons  that  have  never  owned  enticing  ])roperty,  have  no 
idea  of  the  midnight  conspiracies,  that  set  to  work  to  rob 
the  owner  of  such  properties.  The  gang  conspires  to  have  the 
courts  in  the  hands  of  secret  brethren,  with  whom  they  can 
secretly  and  safely  deal,  and  then,  by  hook  or  crook,  some 
little  technical  error  (?),  done  for  the  purpose  to  get  the  pro- 
perty iu  the  hands  of  the  courts.  Or  the  gang  may  "jump  "  it, 
when,  if  they  are  not  killed,  the  court  comes  to  their  assistance, 
by  taking  and  keeping  the  case  in  court  until  the  mine  is  work- 
ed out— twenty  or  thirty  j-ears,  if  necessary.  For  example,  a 
clerical  error  (?)  of,  I  believe,  but  a  single  word,  done  in  the 
patent  to  McGarahan,  was  excuse  enough  for  the  courts  to  take 
his  mine,  giye  it  to  some  brethren,  and  keep  it  in  court  as  long 
as  the  owner  lived — about  thirty-five  years.  Besides,  taking  all 
the  means  he  could  raise  meanwhile.  So  that  it  is  necessary 
to  defend  such  property  with  rifles  and  shotguns,  which  is 
often  expensive.  And  there  are  other  reasons,  as  can  be 
imagined,  why  rich  strikes  are  concealed  and  not  advertised. 

In  prospecting  a  new  locality  for  quartz  mines,  one  rides 
through  the  gulches  and  ravines,  looks  for  pieces  of  quartz  or 
"float"' rock,  which  may  have  been  washed  by  the  elements 


MiNixo  Camps. 


8fi 


from  ledf^es  or  other  hotlies  of  it  above.  If  any  promising 
pieces  of  rock  uro  found,  the  hills  and  moiintaius  above  where 
it  was  found  are  carefully  lookiul  over,  to  find  where  or  what 
the  "  float "  Avas  detach(>d  from.  The  distance  it  has  travelled  in 
judged  by  the  amount  it  is  worn. 

Frequently  the  out-croppiugs,  bowlders  and  other  surface 
quartz,  as  heretofore  dt^scjribed,  have  decomposed  and  been 
washedjwith  their  gold,  down  into  the  gulches  aud  streams,  with 
gravel,  andother  dirt  washed  over  ii-tlntxf<>riii!itij  Ihc.  Phiccr  mines. 

There  were,  perhaps,  one  thousand  mining  claims  located 
and  recorded  in  thePah-Ranagat  district.  I  had  first  seen  speci- 
mens from  some  of  them  at  Salt  Lake  ;  they  Avere  highly 
colored,  and  enticing  to  look  at.  This  is  one  way  of  advertising 
a  mining  camp  aud  particular  mines  :  I  mean,  to  exhibit  rich 
pieces  of  ore. 

But  the  ore  in  this  district  was  base  ;  that  is,  it  contained 
besides  silver,  sulphur,  antimony,  copper,  iron,  lead,  etc.;  it 
being  therefore  refractory  and  costly  to  mill,  st^parate  aud 
work.  It  was  also  very  hard  to  drill  and  blast.  Tlieu  it  was 
alow  grade  ore,  say  ten  dollars  to  thirty  dollars  in  silver  to  the 
ton  of  rock.  Pieces  could  be  selected  that  would  assay  very 
high,  while  much  of  it  was  quite  barren. 

There  is  generally  one  principal  or  main  ledge  in  a  mining 
district,  and  one  only  ;  the  rest  being  smaller  cracks,  spurs, 
bowlders  and  other  little  Inmches  f)f  qiiartz.  The  principal 
ledge  in  this  district  cropped  out  boldly,  ten  or  fifteen  feet 
high  in  places,  Avas  tAvo  to  ten  feet  thick,  and  was  traced  more 
than  half  a  mile  in  length,  certainly  a  fine  prospect  for  a  true 
fissure  vein ;  but  it  did  not  prove  to  be  so.  The  country  or 
common  rock  was  limestone,  in  Avhich  formation  I  believe  there 
is  hardly,  if  ever,  any  true  fissxire  veins.  Granite  is  the  most 
favorable  formation,  it  being  composed,  in  part,  of  quartz. 
Still  this  ledge  had  depth  enough  to  produce  a  great  deal  of 
ore,  and  so  had  A'arious  others.  But  the  distance  to  Avater,  to 
Avhich  the  ore  and  wood  had  to  be  hauled,  the  high  price  of 
freight  and  labor,  and  the  incompetent  and  sAvindling  manage- 
ment Avould  not  alloAV  such  rock  to  be  Avorked  at  a  profit. 

The  discoverer  of  the  main  ledge  secured  the  greater  part 
of  it,  and   sold  it  to  a  stock  company  for  $50,000,  which  did 


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i 


86 


Califouxia  to  Nevada. 


'  i 


*l 


the  usual  thiuj:;  iu  expending  perhaj^s  §1,000  a  day,  for  two 
years,  in  salaries,  etc.,  building  mills  and  furnaces,  blasting 
tunnels  and  shafts,  producing  a  few  hundred  dollars  in  bullion 
and  seUing  stock.  Suppose  the  management  sold  three  and  a 
half  tons  of  stock  to  outsiders  for  $1,500,000,  and  their  actual 
expenditure  to  have  been  8500,000,  then  they  made  $1,000,000 
in  two  years.  Moreover,  had  they  developed  a  A-aluable  mine, 
or  struck  it  rich,  they  would  have  shuf;  down  just  the  same  so 
as  to  buy  the  three  and  a  half  tons  of  stock  back  for  about  the  cost 
of  the  paper  and  printing,  and  would  not  allow  the  mine  to  pay 
until  this  was  accomplished.  This  done,  the  "bonanza"  would 
be  uncovered,  bullion  produced,  and  so  magnified  and  adver- 
tised as  to  re-sell  the  stock  for  ten  times  the  real  value  of  the 
bonanza.  Think  not,  that  thev  would  sell  the  stock  or  mine  or 
any  portion  of  it  at  a  good  bargain  to  strangers !  Much  less 
that  they  would  spend  money  like  water  in  advertising  and 
hunting  up  strangers  to  favor  thus. 

A  smaller  claim  (-lOO  feet  long),  supposed  to  be  of  the  same 
vein,  was  discovered  to  a  man  l)y  an  Indian  for  about  fifty  dol- 
lars, who  sold  it  for  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  which  then 
went  into  a  stock  or  share  company.  Don't  know,  how  many  "ten 
thousand"  dollars  were  written  in  the  deed,  nor  does  Ji  seller 
care.  Another  cliiim,  located  as  an  extension  to  this,  was  sold 
by  an  intelligent  and  practical  miner  for  a  saddle  horse  ;  wliich 
claim  also  went  into  an  eastern  stock  or  share  company,  with 
its  big-salaried  officers — ignorant  as  Indians  as  to  legitimate 
business  and  management.  They  each  bought  mills,  etc.,  the 
first  thing,  as  though  their  rock  would  pay  to  work  and  their 
saddle  horse  claims  had  been  developed  into  true  fissure  veins. 
One  of  them  produced  three  or  four  hundrenl  dollars  in  bullion. 

How  much  these  masons  made  by  selling  stock,  shares, 
"half,  quarter  or  tenth  interest,"  depended  on  how  man}'  idiots 
of  outsiders  they  found  willing  to  trust  their  money  to  secret 
gentry  of  a  charitable  (?)  order,  thus  leaping  into  the  dark, — 
and  how  well  they  were  fixed  with  money. 

It  was  the  agent  of  one  of  these  latter  companies  that  I 
met  at  Los  Angeles,  and  one  or  the  other  of  them  I  worked 
for  the  greater  part  of  my  stay  of  about  a  year  and  a  half  in 
the  district. 


MiMxa  Camps. 


87 


liaves, 
iiliots 
Recret 
irk,- 

Ihat  I 
jrked 
lilf  iu 


I  aud  another  mau  had  a  coutract  to  furnish  the  greater 
part  of  the  timl  un*  and  joice  for  the  buik^.iug  of  their  quartz- 
mills  aud  furnaces.  It  had  to  be  sawed  or  squared  with  whip- 
saws.  The  price  was  one  hundred  dollars  per  1000  feet  in  the 
woods.  We  could  saw  about  300  feet  a  day.  Gave  a  man  with 
three  yoke  of  oxen  thirty  dollars  a  day  to  snake  the  logs 
together. 

Then  I  worked  in  the  mines  at  six  dollars  a  day,  aud  for 
two  or  three  mouths  was  night  watchman  at  the  n)ill,  etc.,  at 
seven  dollars  a  night. 

The  mills,  etc.,  being  completed,  spoiled  the  sale  of  stock, 
as  the  rock  would  not  pay  to  work,  and  the  companies,  beiug 
iu  debt  for  labor  aud  supplies,  let  the  property  go,  aud  the 
agents  skipped  out.  They  owed  me  about  one  thousand 
dollars,  for  which  I  had  their  notes,  which  I  placed  iu  the 
hands  of  an  ex-Chief  Justice  of  Utah  for  collection  from  the 
company  in  New  York.  I  also  correspouded  with  its  president 
aud  agent ;  got  some  encouragement  for  several  years,  but  never 
got  any  money. 

There  were  other  companies  besides  those  noted,  that 
operated,  more  or  less,  on  other  ledges  iu  tliis  district ;  but 
what  I  have  given  is  a  fair  illustration  of  the  others  and  of 
quai'tz  luiuing  generally  iu  the  many  other  (piartz  districts. 

A  few  other  persons  besides  those  alluded  to,  made 
some  monej'  by  selling  their  claims,  aud  some  others  got  away 
with  a  few  hundred  dollars,  made  by  working  for  wages  or  on 
contracts.  But  the  most  of  the  money,  made  l)y  selling  claims, 
working  for  wages,  or  otherwise,  that  was  not  spend  for  whis- 
key, etc.,  was  squandered  in  prospecting,  iu  one  way  or  another, 
as  I  did. 

There  were  prospecting  jiarties  out  for  hundreds  of  miles 
in  all  directions  all  the  time,  in  some  of  which  I  was  always  in- 
terested. One  of  these  went  into  Death  Valley  and  beyond, 
thinking  that  it  ought  to  contain  lots  of  mineral,  if  it  was  "very 
good"  for  anything,  as  it  lacked  iu  everything  else  but  sun- 
shine and  sand.  They  found  but  slight  prospects  and  returned, 
riding  and  packing  the  shadows  of  death.  If  artesian  water 
can  be  got,  and  it  is  not  salt,  this  valley  can  be  made  very 
productive,  there  being  plenty  of  sand  and  climate. 


I 
ill 


88 


Califohnia  to  Nevada. 


>f:    It' 


The  Pah-Ranagat  miuin}^  campa  were  entirely  deserted 
(the  population  going  to  White  Pine),  and  the  county  organiza- 
tion was  abandoned,  when  the  taxable  properties  would  no 
longer  sell  for  the  salaries.  It  was  never  of  any  use  to  the 
people.  The  little  watered  valley  now  supports  a  small 
Mormon   settlement. 

Yet  there  is  much  silver-bearing  quartz  in  the  mountain, 
which,  with  improved  facilities  in  working  the  oi*e  and  in  trans- 
portation, with  honest  and  intelligent  management,  will  pay  to 
work,  as  a  legitimate  business,  and  pay  well. 

This  is  a  fair  sample  and  example  of  many  other  districts 
with  which  I  became  acquainted ;  so  to  describe  them  would 
be  but  to  substantially  repeat,  what  I  have  written  as  to  this 
one.  But  as  White  Pine  was  "  heap  big "  c-h-i-e-f,  as  to 
fame,  excitement,  population,  richness  of  its  ore,  big  swindles, 
fond  hopes  and  regret,  and  as  I  was  there  from  its  rise  till  it 
tumbled  down,  I  will  give  my  information  and  experience  briefly, 
concerning  the  same. 


I'i 


CHAPTER  VI. 

The  mines,  cnndnunl. — Exciting  reports  from  a  distant  mountain — Outfit 
one  of  a  party  to  go. — What  he  wrote  me.  —"'Ho  !  for  White  Pine  !  " — 
The  richest  silver  mine  ever  discovered. — The  pure  atuff. — I  go,  too. 
—Visit  another  camp  on  the  way. — 'Sly  horse  and  saddh^  "borrowed." 
— A  big  cami)  ablaze  with  excitement. — lielief  that  the  stuil'  could  be 
found  anywhere  by  digging. — The  many  thousand  "mines." — "  IJril- 
liant  schemes." — Ulubbering  investors  from  the  states. — Life:  gamb- 
ling, drinking,  business  and  damnation. — A'aking  big  sales,  ete. ;  the 
outcome. — Another  year  and  a  half  of  lively  practical  experience  in 
thymines. — Tlio  many  smaller  camps  in  thi>  surrounding  region. — 
Virginia  City  and  (rold  Hill. — The  great  Comstock  lode. — The 
IJouauza  and  other  great  stock  gambling  mines  tiiat  we  read  of. 


When  stories,  that  the  since  fanunis  Eberharcit  miue  (^theu, 
aiul  yet  tlechired,  aud  perhaps  truly,  to  be,  and  to  liave  been 
the  richest  in  silver  ever  discovered  in  the  world)  had  been 
struck  at  White  Pine,  I  outfitted  one  of  a  party  to  go  aud 
prospect  the  mountain  in  its  vicinity. 

It  succeeded  in  locating  a  claim  as  near  as  one  hundred 
feet  of  the  Eberhsirdt  itself,  besides  others,  as  enticing  ;  and 
with  glowing  prospects  or  faith,  forthwith  blasted  a  hole  forty 
foet  deep  into  the  former.  Somehow  it  was  believe  I,  that  the 
stuff  could  be  struck,  as  lead  is  often  found,  with  little  or  no 
surface  indications,  most  anywhere  in  that  vicinity. 

My  partner  embraced  an  opportunity  to  send  me  a  letter ; 
he  wrote,  "We  have  one  first-rate  lead  and  continue  to  work 
on  our  shaft.  Shall  know  this  week  whether  we  are  in  or  out 
of  luck.  They  are  striking  it  all  around  us.  If  we  do  raise  the 
color  it  will  be  rich,  sure." 

On  my  way  to  White  Pine — 150  or  200  miles  distant — I 
stopped  a  few  days  in  "Grant  district,"  with  a  prospecting 
party,  with  whom  I  was  likewise  interested.  They  had  formed 
this  district.  Had  discovered  and  were  prospecting  some 
quartz  ledges,  and  the  prospects  and  outlook  were  such,  as  to 
induce  parties  owning  a  ten-stamp  quartz  mill  to  contract  to 
move  it  there,  set  it  up,  and  give  and  take  a  half  interest  in 
each.  The  mill  was  then  on  the  way,  one  of  our  party  having 
gone  out  on  the  trackless  desert  to  meet  the  train  and  pilot 

(89) 


1  i 


90 


The  Mixes  of  Nevada. 


them  iuto  the  mines.  The  rock,  however,  was  refractory  to 
work  and  not  rich  enouf^li  to  pa}-^  at  that  time — or  so  it  was 
made  to  appear.  But  some  years  afterwards  J.  read  that  these 
mines  were  bein<^  worked.  I  was  ridinj^  a  horse  and  saddle, 
for  which  I  had  paid  $150,  (havin^^  other  animals  with  pros- 
pecting parties)  and  on  approaching  White  Pine  loft  them  in 
tilt!  care  of  an  old  friendh'  acquaintance,  who  was  then  keeping 
a  horse  ranch, — that  is,  herding  horses  for  the  miners  and  others 
who  were  stojjping  up  in  the  mountains,  where  there  was  no 
grass  or  water — where  the  winds  beat  against  the  bleak  and 
barren  cliffs,  and  the  birds  never  sing.  I  told  him,  as  a  friend, 
to  use  my  outtit  as  his  own,  on  any  needful  occasion.  He  after- 
wards did  so ;  having  sold  out,  he  rode  it  out  of  the  country — not 
even  calling  around  or  sending  word  to  thank  me,  or  say 
good-bye. 

Found  White  Pine  ablaze  with  excitement.  The  hills  and 
mountains  (^9000  feet  high),  quite  thronged  with  men,  eagerly 
and  contidently  at  work  with  pick  and  drill,  hunting  for  the 
precious  ore. 

The  Eberhardt  mine  was  at  its  best,  turning  out,  with 
common  rock,  nearly  pure  virgin  and  horn  silver  by  the  ton. 
Bowlders  of  which  one  could  bore  an  auger  through.  A  guard 
of  several  men,  armed  Avith  rifles,  guardcul  the  mine  at  ten 
dollars  a  night  each,  to  keep  it  out  of  the  courts, 

A  Governor  of  Colorado  was  killed  by  mistake,  by  his  own 
men,  who  were  thus  guarding  a  mine  of  his.  And  Uncle  Sam 
likewise  guards  his  silver  at  the  treasury',  and  with  grape  and 
canister,  wherein  he  decides  not  to  be  robbed — having  no  con- 
fidence in  his  own  courts.  I  note  these  only  as  prominent 
examples  of  a  common  custom  and  necessity,  to  stand  ready 
to  kill  men  in  defence  of  mer«  property.  Why  should  not 
other  classes  of  robbers,  those  who  pillage  by  secret  intrigue 
and  treason,  be  likewise  killed  in  the  act  ? 

Deposits  or  bodies  of  ore,  more  or  less  rich  in  silver,  were 
found  in  various  places,  some  of  which  lay  flat  like  coal. 
This,  with  the  magnified  flaming  stories  and  rich  strikes,  that 
were  continually  flying  in  the  air,  increased  the  excitement  to 
siich  a  pitch,  and  as  the  Eberhardt  itself  was  but  an  irregular 
body  of  ore  at  or  near  the  surface,  that  it  was  the  general  im- 


■!' 


TirniLLiNr,  Expekiexce  in  the  Mines. 


91 


()ressiou  that  this  district  was  nature's  freak,  so  that  silver 
foulil  be  fouutl  for  a  mile  or  two  of  the  Eberhardt,  as  readily 
as  lead  is  fouud  iu  ^aleua  districts ;  and  that  it  was  "  rich,  sure." 
Moreover,  there  were  mauy  siuall  lead  deposits  iu  the 
*'  base  mettle  rau^e,"  iu  the  district  clcjse  l)v,  which  always 
carried  silver.  There  were  also  mauy  well  defiued  ltHl{:jcs  of 
ijuart/.  (but  which  were  prospected  iu  vaiu).  So  tuumds  ami 
s(piare  holes  were  beiug  blasted  by  the  luuidnHl.  In  mauy 
cases  without  auy  surface  indications  whatever,  or  other  pros- 
pects, except  that  had  by  some  other  claim  iu  the  vicinity. 

Shafts  Avere  so  thick  on  "Chloride  Flat,"  and  iuthe  vicinity 
of  the  Eberhardt,  that  the  flyiuj^  rock,  from  the  numerou-^' 
blasts  iu  the  lime-stone,  made  it  dangerous  to  be  about  them ; 
this  with  labor  at  five  dollars  coin  a  day,  or  by  contract  at 
twenty  dollars  per  foot. 

Thousands  of  such  claims  were  located  by  private  parties 
aud  companies  such  as  ours,  who  would  lar<,'ely  bond  and  sell 
to  speculating  mining  sharps,  who  are  expert  business  men. 
As  "  great  successful  lawyers "  win  with  their  secret  p»)wer  iu 
packing  juries  and  buying  judges,  so  the  expert  business 
miuer  effects  his  sales  by  selling  stock  aud  Iniying  other  experts 
aud  agents.  They  making  the  most  of  the  far  reaching,  wide 
spread  excitement ;  newspaper  articles  (often  iu  editorials,  as 
though  the  editor  was  a  practical  man,  had  made  a  personal 
examination,  had  written  the  thing  himself  and  was  telling  the 
truth)  aud  iu  various  devices  of  the  profession,  often  succeeded 
iu  efl'ecting  fabulous  sales  to  the  good  people  iu  the  states  and 
iu  Europe. 

As  it  is  easier  to  get  a  big  swindle  through  Cougress  or  a 
legislature  than  a  little  one,  so  it  is  easier  to  sell  a  worthless 
mine  for  a  big  sum,  than  a  small  sum,  as  enough  is  thus  atlbrd- 
ed  to  buy  the  thing  through,  aud  leave  a  surplus. 

Such  were  the  "  mines,"  iu  Avhich  so  many,  at  a  distance, 
hopefully  invested  (and  so  did  we  avIio  were  there).  Sometimes 
mining  companies,  forming  at  a  distance,  Avould  not  bother 
a1)out  the  little  matter  of  any  claim  at  all,  excejit  in  the  mind, 
as  not  needing  them  in  their  business  ;  to  the  great  surprise  of 
ail  occasional  troublesome  investor,  who  happened  to  come  out 
to  visit  the  famed  (at  a  distance )  "  silver  king,"  etc.,  the  idol  of 


!] 


92 


The  Mines  of  Nevada. 


I 


III 

:!l 


\ 


his  heart  and  purse,  autl  could  not  find  or  even  hear  of  it  in  the 
district. 

These  men  made  a  great  deal  of  trouble  now,  since  they 
could  travel  mostly  by  rail ;  when  in  former  times  they  were 
just  as  useful  in  "  developing  the  country  "  and  were  not  in  the 
way.  I  was  told  of  such  imaginary  claims,  and  others  of  mere 
bowlders  or  holes  in  the  limestone,  that  were  stf)cked  for  from 
!<oOO,000  to  l?2,500,000,  and  that  by  working  famed  and 
titled  gentlemen's  names  as  directors,  etc.,  and  have  them  and 
editors  pull'  up  the  scheme,  the  stock  would  sell  at  a  "  discount " 
so  as  to  leave  a  large  surplus. 

If  the  expert  business  men  in  Nevada  and  their  brethren 
in  the  big  cities  had  had  their  way,  these  meddlesome,  wailing 
lambs  would  have  been  snatched  up  and  buried  in  prison,  a 
censorship  placed  over  their  correspondence,  and  the  railroad 
ripped  up. 

But  they  were  somewhat  off-set  and  put  down  by  other 
visitors,  such  as  a  famous  "select  party  of  Chicago  merchants." 
They  travelled  in  a  special  train  and  stage  coaches,  were  met 
with  a  brazen  band ;  made  enticing,  flaming  reports  as  to  the 
general  richness  of  the  mines,  predicted  that  "  the  world  would 
be  amazed  at  the  wonderful  and  immense  streams  of  silver  that 
would  flow  from  White  Pine  to  enrich  the  people  of  the  earth," 
and,  no  doubt,  made  money  in  the  business. 

Of  course,  the  entire  press  in  the  U.  S.  would  gladly  publish, 
unquestioned,  the  reports  from  such  "  good  authority "  and 
attend  them  with  flattering  editorials ;  when  they  would  spurn 
to  notice,  except  to  kick  and  condemn,  the  stories  of  the  bank- 
rupt, "blubbering,  revengeful  investors,  who  would  make 
trouble  and  injure  gentlemen  in  their  business."  Yet  some- 
how they  would  get  in  their  work,  so  that  foreign  capital  had 
to  be  invited,  and  even  it  ^ot  too  shy  and  expensive  to  leave 
any  profit. 

Besides  quartz-mills,  furnaces,  etc.,  that  were  building, 
there  was  Shermantown,  Treasure  City  and  Hamilton,  populous 
mining  towns,  that  were  springing  up  rapidly,  with  lumber  $400 
or  $500  per  1000  feet,  etc.,  carpenter  wages  eight  dollars  a  day, 
(board  fourteen  dollars  a  week),  and  lots  selling  for  four,  five 
and  six  thousand  dollars,  and  often  with  titles  badly  clouded, 


THUIU.lXli   Exi'KKIKXCE  IN  THE  MiNES. 


'.13 


3Ieii  were  j)ouriug  in  from  every  camp,  section,  state  ami  clime. 
Every  store  included  a  bar,  to  graciously  assisi,  men  in  their 
joy  at  selling  a  claim  or  town  lot,  and  in  their  many  disappoint- 
ments and  sorrows— for  two  bits  (twenty-tivo  cents)  a  drink. 
Sl)acious  gambling  houses,  etc.,  with  all  sorts  of  games  and  en- 
ticing coin  stacked  high  on  the  tables,  to  accommodate  the  lucky 
iiud  the  luckless  in  breaking  them  both,  llich  strikes  and  big 
sales  were  daily  reported,  most  everybody  was  in  high  s})irits 
and  expectations,  many  being  wild  and  some  crazed  with  the 
llaming  excitement  with  which  the  very  air  seemed  charged. 

Many  who  had  sold  claims  were  wildly  spending  the  money, 
always  expecting  to  sell  others  for  a  stake  to  go  away  with  and 
keep.  One  who  was  a  card-sharp,  gambled  off  $30,000  in  a 
little  while. 

The  mine  recorder  and  assistants  were  kept  busy  filing  the 
15,000  or  more  claims  that  were  recorded,  and  business  generally 
went  on  the  jump.  Yet  hundreds  were  hunting  for  employment 
or  to  boiTow  a  few  dollars.  Two  or  three  daily  and  weekly 
papers  were  soon  being  published.  All  the  water  at  Treasure 
City  and  the  mines  cost  ten  cents  a  gallon,  while  works  were 
being  constructed  to  bring  it  up  from  a  small  stream  three 
miles  away,  at  a  cost  of  8250,000,  only  to  be  abandoned  or  torn 
up  soon  after  its  completion. 

In  about  a  year  and  a  half  all  this  faith,  bustle,  business 
and  surging  wave  of  eager  men  had  changed  to  disappointment, 
disgust  and  desertion.  The  prevailing  question  was  now,  how 
to  get  out  of  the  country  and  where  to  go  to,  as  this  state  was 
now  blistered  by  the  light  of  the  outside  world,  and  a  railroad 
was  running  as  near  as  120  miles,  and  wires  were  stretched  into 
the  camp. 

Not  a  single  extensive  paying  mine  or  fissure  vein  of  ore 
had  been  discovered,  and  but  a  few  small  i)aying  deposits,  not 
any  containing  a  fortune,  except  the  cause  of  all  the  flattering 
tales,  rush  and  conflict  of  men, — the  Eberhardt.  And  it  was 
now  virtually  worked  out,  sold,  and  incorporated  to  sell  again 
and  again  to  Englishmen,  by  its  fame. 

Shermantown,  from  a  population  of  4000,  Treasure  City  of 
7000,  besides  the  many  hundreds  of  outside  cabins  and  small 


\\\ 


yi 


The  Mineh  of  Nevada. 


\ 


camps  for  many  miles  arouml,  wore  now,  in  a  few  months,  al- 
most entirely  deserteil.  But  Hamilton  with  its  oOOO  inhabitants, 
beinf^  the  comity  seat  and  capital  of  a  region  extensive  enough 
for  a  state,  held  on  to  a  f(>w  hundred.  This  district  and  the  sur- 
rounding regions  are  strangely  marked  with  nunierou.s  deserted 
(juart/  mills,  roasting  and  smelting  furnaces,  shafts,  tunnels 
and  habitations, — lasting  monuments  of  ill-speut  time  and 
wealth. 

Still  there  is  a  great  deal  of  mineral-bearing  rock  in  the 
mountains  of  Nevada,  that  will  be  worked  in  the  future. 

Having  accpiired  interests  in  difl'erent  claims  at  White  Pine, 
some  of  which  appeared  quite  promising,  which  were  bonded 
to  sell  for  various  largo  sums  (the  poorest  one— near  the  Eber- 
hardt — for  enough  to  make  us  each  a  fortune)  and  being  still 
at  work  in  prospecting  others,  I  felt,  like  so  many  others, 
greatly  encouraged  as  to  the  outcome. 

Once  a  telegram  came  from  San  Francisco  that  a  big  sale 
had  been  accomplished,  and  our  money  would  be  deposited 
that  day.  But  it  transpired  that  in  a  succession  of  agents,  ex- 
perts, etc.,  sent  by  different  members  of  the  company  formed 
to  buy,  there  was  one,  and  only  one,  and  the  last  one  to  report, 
that  was  not  convinced  by  those  in  charge  of  the  business  at  the 
mine.  His  unexpected  adverse  telegram  meanwhile,  was  a  fatal 
blister  on  the  mine  and  sale. 

If  he  had  given  them  any  warning,  they  could  have  cut  the 
wire  and  secured  the  coin.  And  as  the  reaction  and  collapse 
of  the  camp  came  almost  as  sudden  as  the  blaze  was  kindled, 
none  of  our  big  sales  were  effected.  I  therefore  shared  with 
the  thousands  of  others  in  the  general  disappointment.  Way 
back  in  the  wild,  cannibal  infested,  fever-stricken  jungles  of 
South  America  or  Africa,  is  the  best  place  to  locate  gold  and 
silver  mines. 

However,  I  made  some  money  by  small  sales,  by  sinking 
shafts  and  running  tunnels  at  twenty  dollars  a  foot.  In  one 
claim  we  had  a  body  of  ore  that  appeared  to  be  quite  extensive, 
it  being  solid  ore  fifteen  feet  deep,  as  far  as  we  sunk  in  it.  But 
on  having  a  few  tons  of  it  milled,  it  produced  but  about  thirty 
dollars  a  ton,  which  would  not  pay  at  that  time.     Some  of  it 


TlIUlLUNO   ExPEItlKNCK   IN   TIIK   Ml.NKS. 


!>.') 


assayod  iit  tho  rate  of  ouo  Imnclreil  dollars  a  ton.  Ah  it  Imd  not 
the  apix'uriuu'o  of  a  ro<,'ular  vnin  wo  abaiidonful  it.  Douhtloss 
it  was  afterwards  worked  out  by  others.  This  was  the  "I'liiou 
Standard,"  at  tlie  base  of  a  hif^h  rocU  blufV,  about  three-(|uartera 
of  a  mile  north  of  the  Eberhardt. 

Virginia  City  ami  Gold  Hill  wer<>  Ijuilt  up  durin;:^  a  similar 
excitement  ten  years  before  AVhite  Pine.  Dut  there  proved  to 
be  there  one  mammoth,  true  tissure  vein — -400  or  500  feet  thick 
and  more  than  two  miles  long — the  Comstock  lodt». 

In  this  are  the  "Bonanza"  and  other  famous  stock  gambling 
mines  of  Neva(bi,  some  of  which  are  being  or  have  been  pros- 
pected to  a  d(!pth  of  ;{,5()0  feet,  and  to  drain  it  to  about  11)00 
feet  down,  the  Sutro  tunnel  was  run  20,178  feet. 

But  even  in  this  great  fissnre  lode — the  greatest  gold  and 
silver  vein  in  the  world — there  are  many  mines  that  have  never 
payed  to  work  as  a  legitimate  business.  One  of  these  has  ex- 
pended millions  of  dollars  in  prospecting,  without  finding  any 
pay  rock.  I  believe  it  has  never  produced  a  dollars  worth  of 
bullion,  though  "Bullion"  is  its  name. 


''Record  of  Assessments  and  Dividends  of  the  Comstock 

Mines. 

Fifty  mines  have  each  collect(Hl  [18S1]  more  than  .$100,000 
ill  a.ssessments,  and  eighteen  more  together  have  collected 
$7or),000.  In  this  estimate  is  not  included  the  assessment  by 
companies  which  have  been  dissolved  or  incorporated  in  othens. 
These  fifty  mines  have  levied  $.'38,723,000  in  assessments. 
Of  these  Yellow  Jacket  leads  off  with  $4,878,000;  Savage 
with  $4,809,000  ;  Sierra  Nevada,  $4,200,000 ;  Bullion,  $3,850,000 ; 
Hale  and  Norcross,  $3,409,000;  Belcher,  $2,268,000;  Ophir, 
$2,988,000;  Gould  and  Curry,  $3,200,000;  Crown  Point, 
$2,423,000;  and  so  on  through  the  list,  there  being  seven- 
toou  mines  which  have  gathered  in  over  $1,000,000  in 
assessments. 

Of  the  seventy-one  mines  on  the  Comstock,  seventy  have 
levied  assessments,   amounting  in  all  to  $59,458,000,  and  only 


4' 


t^ 


'!!     '    ,   I 


1)1) 


The  Minks  of  Nkvaua. 


fourteen  Imvc  paid  JUiy  diviJemls.     These  fourteen  are  us  follows, 
with  their  dividends : 

Con.   Virj^'iniji, $42,9.10,000 

California, ,'{0,9r)0,000 

Beleher, ir),;j07,200 

Crown  Point, 1 1,GSS.0(K) 

Savn^'e, 4,460,000 

Uould  and  Curry, .'VS^.nOOO 

Yellow  .Jacket, 2,LS4,000 

Kale  iind  Norcross, 1,598,000 

Oidiir, 1,594,000 

Kentuek l,2:)2.O00 

Con.  Imperial, 1,12:),000 

Sierra  Nevada, 1()'!,200 

Confldenee, 78,(X)0 

Darney, 57,(H)0 

Succor, 22,800 

Total,  $117,173,200 

An  examination  of  thin  Hat  will  sliow,  that  only  six  mines  have 
paid  their  stockholders  more  than  lliey  have  taken  frojn  them. 
These  are  lieh^her,  California,  Consolidated  Virginia,  Crown  Point, 
Gould  and  Curry,  and  Kentuek.  One  who  is  familiar  with  the 
Comstoek,  will  see  at  a  glance  that  all  these  mines  have  been 
largely  owned  and  controlled  by  the  Bonanza  firm.  So,  when 
you  say  Consolidated  Virginia,  California  and  Belcher  hav(! 
paid  $89,277,200  in  dividends,  you  may  also  add,  that  three- 
quarters  of  this  amount  has  gone  (^'.rectly  into  the  pockets  of 
Flood,  ]\Ia(^kay  and  Fair.  The  outsit  .  investors  have  always  come 
in  just  as  the  dividends  ceased,  and  have  invariably  been  ou  hand 
to  pay  assessments.  California  never  levied  an  assessment.  Con- 
solidated Virginia  only  $411,000.  The  bulk  of  this  stock  has 
always  been  held  by  the  Bonanza  firm,  and  its  $74,000,000 
of  dividends  represent  a  good  part  of  their  colossal  wealth, 
gained  in  the  last  ten  years. 

The  army  of  small  speculators  have  put  their  money  into 
other  mines,  and  have  been  allowed  the  privilege  of  paying  for 
working  ore,  whose  chief  value  lay  in  the  elaborate  analysis  of 
well-paid  (experts. 

An  illustration  of  the  methods  employed  on  the  Stock  Ex- 
change is  furnished  in  the  recent  rise  and  decline  of  ^Vlta.    It  was 


TlIKILIJNO   ExrEUIENCE   IN  THE  MiNKS. 


J»7 


s  have 
I  tlvem. 
Point, 
ith  the 
le  been 
-wln'ii 

three- 

;ets  of 

|s  come 

[1  hand 

Cou- 
■k  lias 
100,000 

ealtli, 

J-y  into 
pg  f  or 

,rsis  of 

jk  Ex- 
It  was 


selling  at  one  dollar  and  sixty  cents,  and  was  a  coniinirativoly 
(lead  stock.  Suddenly  mysterious  rumors  sprcjid  around,  that  the 
tliuiHond  (IriUinijfi  liud  sliowu  )i  rich  ore  body.  Soon  these  rumors 
were  coiiflrmedby  the  superintendentand  others  in  control,  and  they 
privately  advised  their  friends  to  buy  up  all  the  Alta  they  could 
lay  hands  on.  Of  course,  this  reached  the  street  in  a  few  hours. 
Alta  bounded  up  to  five  dollars,  then  on  to  ten,  and,  within  a 
week,  twenty  dollars,  and  afterwards  to  twenty  dollars  and  fifty 
cents.  A  vast  anu)unt  of  stock  was  bought.  Suddenly  it  was 
hinted,  that  a  gigantic  'deal'  had  been  made  by  the  managemeut 
wlio,  in  turn,  tried  to  make  it  appear  that  the  sui)eriuti"'  lent  had 
'salted 'the  drillings  and  thus  got  good  indications.  Ccj  ndeuco 
was  shattered ;  then;  was  a  wild  rout,  and  the  stock  fell  rapidly 
from  twenty  dolhirs  to  three  dollars  and  fifte«'u  c  its.  When 
there  was  talk  of  an  official  investigation  of  ...n  mine,  the 
lower  levels  were  conveniently  flooded  with  water.  This  is  but 
au  example     J  .    jiy  other  swindles. 

^  short  time  before  a  very  bad  '  deal ' 'vas  nmde  in  lielcher, 
and  it  was  found  necessary  to  flood  the  mine,  when  the  outsiders 
biul  all  been  fleeced. 

There  is  a  growing  sentiment  among  the  peoj)!*',  Avliich 
demands  that  some  check  be  placed  upon  the  lawless  scheuM's  of 
those  who,  for  vears,  have  fleeced  the  credulous  bv  swindles  that 
would  make  a  faro-dealer  blush,  and  have  driven  thousands  to 
suicide  and  crime. 

"  1882.  —  We  [committee]  consider  the  management  [of 
Bullion]  recklessly  extravagant-  and  (diaracterized  by  a  total  dis- 
regard of  the  rights  of  stockholdei-s.  With  reference  to  the 
Belcher  and  Crown  Point  mines,  the  Belcher  mine  has  produced 
from  May,  1881,  to  December,  1882,  28,154  tons  of  ore,  the  value 
of  which  we  are  unable  to  determine  [it  being  a  ring  secret]. 
Such  evidence  as  we  coxdd  obtain  placing  the  value  at  from  tJiirty 
to  forty  dollars  per  ton.  This  ore  was  sold  in  the  mine  for  fifty 
cents  per  ton,  and  the  parties  [brethren]  buying  said  ore  were 
allowed  to  use  the  company's  shaft  and  works  to  raise  the  ore  to 
the  surface.  We  find,  the  CroAvn  Point  mine  produced  from 
March,  1881,  to  December,  1882,  (58,457  ton''  under  similar  con- 
ditions, and  it  was  also  sold  for  fifty  cents  per  ton  [to  brethren]. 
These  mines  are  still  pi'oducing  about  5000  tons  per  nior+h  on  the 
terms  as  before  stated.  These  two  mines  are  managed  badly  and 
with  a  total  disregard  of  the  rights  of  stockholders. 
7 


\ 


■!i' 


98 


The  Mines  of  Nevada. 


The  proxy  system  enables  people  who  do  not  own  any  stock, 
to  control  mines  and  run  them  in  their  own  interest. 

"'TiA  sail,  but 'tis  loell. — 1883. — There  is  something  peculiarly 
sad  about  the  decline  of  Virginia  City.  The  story  of  its  rise  and 
its  character  in  prosperous  days,  reads  like  a  brilliant  flight  of 
imagination.  No  other  city  in  the  world  was  ever  like  it.  Its 
business,  its  wealtli,  its  prodigality,  its  wickedness— each,  in  its 
way,  was  peculiar.  And  the  desolation  which  now  so  contrasts 
with  the  rush  and  glitter  of  the  palmy  time,  is  a  desolation  the  like 
of  which  has  never  before  been  seen  on  the  American  continent. 
Eight  years  ago  Virginia  City  and  Gold  Hill,  adjoining  each  other, 
had  35,000  population.  It  was  the  largest  connnunity  between 
Denver  and  San  Francisco.  There  were  merchants  doing  business 
with  a  million  capital.  There  were  private  houses  that  cost 
$100,000.  There  were  stamp  mills  and  mining  structures  that  cost 
$500,000  each.  There  were  three  daily  newspapers,  and  a 
hotel  that  cost  $300,000.  Among  the  people  were  a  score  or 
more  men,  worth  from  $300,000  to  $30,000,000.  Mackay  and 
Fair  both  lived  there.  There  were  three  banks,  a  gas  company, 
a  water  company,  a  splendid  theatre  and  a  costly  court  house. 
Eight  years  have  passed  and  the  town  is  a  wreck.  The  35,000 
people  have  dwindled  to  5000.  The  banks  have  retired.  The 
merchants  have  closed  up  and  left ;  the  hotel  is  abandoned ;  the 
gas  company  is  bankrupt,  and  scores  of  costly  residences  have 
either  been  taken  to  pieces  and  moved  away,  or  given  over  to  bats. 
Real  estate  cannot  be  given  away  for  taxes.  Nothing  can  be  sold 
that  will  cost  its  worth  to  move  away.  The  rich  men  have  all 
gone.  Those  who  remain  are  the  miners,  their  superintendents, 
and  the  saloon  men  and  gamblers.  The  latter  are  usually  the  first 
to  come  to  a  mining  town  and  the  last  to  leave.  The  caiise  of 
this  decadence,  which  has  swallowed  up  millions  of  capital  and 
wrecked  the  worldly  ambition  of  thousands  of  persons,  is  the 
failure  of  the  Comstock  mines  to  turn  out  additional  wealth. 

Since  its  discovery,  in  1860,  there  have  been  taken  from  that 
single  vein,  in  a  space  of  less  than  3,000  lineal  feet,  no  less  than 
$285,000,000  of  gold  and  silver,  and  of  this  about  $110,000,000 
came  from  the  Bonanza  mines  alone.  Exclude  Flood,  Mackay, 
Fair  and  Sharon  from  the  list,  and  those  who  have  preserved 
the  fortunes,  made  on  the  Comstock,  may  be  counted  on 
one's  fingers.  But  the  millions  upon  millions  that  have  been  sunk 
in  the  whirlpool  of  speculation  are  almost  incalculable.    San  Fran- 


i ;  I 


Thrilling  Experiences  in  the  Mines. 


99 


Cisco  is  to-day  full  of  financial,  physical  and  moral  wrecks,  by  the 
treachery  of  the  great  Comstock  and  the  illusive  hopes  of  the 
gambling  multitude." 

And  the  Comstock  was  the  great  gold  and  silver  lode  of  the 
known  world,  having  yielded,  it  is  said,  about  $500,000,000 
to  date. 


!  "I 


1  i'i 


1 


I.i 


CHAPTER  VII. 

Building  the  U.  P.  and  Central  railroads.  — A  general  rugged  prosjiecting 
tour  of  seven  mouths  in  Nevada,  Idaho  aud  Montana.  — On  to  Wash- 
ington Territory. — The  country,  climate,  soil,  scenery,  fishing,  hunt- 
ing, incidents,  etc.,  etc. — Finding  the  ti'ue  source  of  the  fine  gold  in 
the  Suiike  and  Columbia  rivers. — The  more  famous  of  the  Idaho 
Placer  mines. 

It  was  February,  1870.  The  U.  P.  and  Central  Pacific  Kail- 
roads  were  completed  a  few  months  previously.  As  the 
Government  had  given  these  companies  more  money  and  other 
means  than  was  required  to  build  the  roads,  they  could  afford 
to,  and  they  did  spent  it  with  an  open  hand  in  rushing  them 
through.  This  made  times  good  and  lively  along  the  route,  so 
that  money  was  made  rapidly  in  various  ways  and  channels  of 
trade,  by  live  men,  with  but  little  money  capital.  For  example: 
one  with  a  few  pony  teams  could  make  a  stake  in  a  short  time, 
in  grading  or  teaming  on  or  along  the  road.  The  wages  paid 
were  high — five  dollars  or  more  per  day  for  a  fifty  or  sixty 
dollar  team,  and  drivei',  to  scrape,  etc.,  and  the  wages  were 
doubled  for  night  aud  Sunday  work. 

Several  of  my  acquaintances  had  left  the  mines  for  the 
railroad,  and  had  done  far  better  than  we,  who  remained  to  dig 
it  out  of  the  ground. 

The  Northern  Pacific  railroad  had  now  been  chartered  by 
Congress,  with  a  land  grant  more  than  sxifficient  to  build  and 
equip  it,  with  a  provision,  that  the  road  had  to  be  built  immedi- 
ately, or  the  Empire  of  land  would  revert  to  the  people.  There- 
fore, it  was  the  talk  and  general  belief  that  it  would  be  pushed 
through  at  once,  and  that  the  opportunities  for  earning  money 
on  the  N.  P.  would  be  good,  if  not  equal,  to  that  on  the  U.  P. 
and  Central. 

The  glittering  prospects  in  the  mining  regions  were  blasted 
since  the  railroad  was  built,  but  I  was  not  yet  quite  satisfied  to 
give  up  the  chase ;  mainly,  because  of  my  love  of  travel  and 
adventure,  and  I  would  now  have  the  advantage  of  my  previous 
three  years'  active  experience  in  quartz,  making  me  somewhat 
expert  in  the  business. 

(100) 


ii 


kted 

to 

md 

lous 

[hat 


A  Canyon. 


Pacific  N.W.  History  Dept 

PROVINCIAL   LIBRARY 
VICTOHIA,  B.  G. 


102 


Idaho  and  Montana. 


I 


M'^     i 


I  "' 


So  I  coucludecl  to  now  make  an  extensive,  general  prospect- 
ing tour  through  the  wild  mountain  ranges  io  the  north,  for 
both  quartz  and  placer  diggings,  and  for  the  pleasure  of  travel; 
and  if  unsuccessful  in  finding  any  ground  enticing  enough  to 
cling  to,  would  terminate  my  travels  at  Puget  Sound,  or  else 
where  near  the  proposed  route  of  the  Northern  Pacific  railroad. 

Accordingly,  during  the  succeeding  seven  months,  I  visited 
several  mining  districts  and  camjis  in  Nevada,  Idaho  and 
Montana,  and  prospected,  more  or  less,  the  mountain  ranges 
intervening.  Was  in  the  Owyhee,  Upper  Snake  and  Salmon 
river  regions,  and  in  the  mountains  at  the  source  of  the  Jeffer- 
son Fork  of  the  Missouri  river. 

I  noticed  some  spots  of  pretty  good  farming  land  on  the 
Humboldt  river  in  Nevada,  about  the  northern  line  of  the 
state,  and  in  Idaho,  also  in  Lemhi  and  Bitter-root  valleys,  near 
the  summit  of  the  Rockies  in  Montana,  also  much  good  grazing 
country.  But  I  saw  far  more  that  is  i  agged,  shaggy,  barren 
and  forbidding.  I  talked  with  immigrants  from  good  localities 
in  the  Western  States,  and  on  asking  one  why  they  chose  to 
leave  what  I  considered  fairer  sections  of  country  to  live  in,  to 
settle  in  such  a  wild  region,  he  answered :  that  these  valleys 
were  like  the  places  they  had  left — very  enticing  at  a  distance  ; 
or  in  his  own  words,  "they  are  hell  a  good  ways  off."  Neither 
had  filled  the  pictures  of  their  imaginations. 

Was  at  the  two  great  falls  of  Snake  river,  175  and  260  feet 
fall,  and  enjoyed  some  beautiful  scenery,  but  the  most  of  it  is 
dreary  and  distressing.  Had  good  fishing  sometimes, — in  the 
upper  Snake  there  were  plenty  of  salmon  trout,  weighing  ten 
or  fifteen  pounds,  and  very  fat.  Game — including  bear,  wild- 
cat, etc., — was  likewise  quite  plentiful,  though  not  by  any 
means  as  much  so  as  we  usually  read  about,  and  is  generally 
supposed. 

Climbed  over  snow-clad  mountains— wading  and  plunging 
in  the  snow  in  July,  and  the  next  day  or  two  would  be  sufler- 
ing  with  heat  in  some  valley  below. 

Generally  found  plenty  of  company  in  various  prospecting 
parties.  Many  of  these  men  were  highly  learned  and  experi- 
enced in  the  world,  and  of  fine  feelings,  while  even  the  others 


5 


,uce ; 
itlier 


feet 

lit  is 

the 

teu 

Ivvild- 

auy 

IviiUy 


Iffer- 


Ictiug 


tliera 


(103) 


104 


Idaho  and  Montana. 


IH 


i  t  ■  1 


are  agreeable  companions  for  a  time,  to  one  who  knows  how  to 
take  them. 

I  will  note  a  little  incident  of  many,  I  would  like  to  give, 
in  illustration  of  the  generous  traits  possessed  by  many  who 
despise  the  selfish,  sign-  and  grisp-niachine  charity  (?). 

Meeting  a  party  of  miners  with  their  pack  animals  on  their 
way  to  a  settlement  and  store  for  supplies,  (they  being  settled 
and  working  a  Placer  claim)  I  borrowed  a  pocket  knife  of  one 
of  them,  as  we  stopped  for  a  moment  to  talk,  as  I  had  lost  my 
own.  He  would  not  receive  it  back  or  any  pay  for  it,  "  as  he 
would  soon  be  where  he  could  get  another,"  he  said.  It  was  a 
fancy  one,  worth  three  dollars.  They  also  furnished  some  of  our 
party  with  provisions  in  the  same  way.  We  had  never  met 
before,  and  never  expected  to  again.  If  we  should  go  with 
them  to  their  rough  cabin  home,  we  could  see  gold  dust  in  a 
segar  box  on  a  shelf,  or  in  a  powder  keg,  and  as  long  as  it  lasted 
no  one  would  be  allowed  to  pass  them  by  in  need. 

Those  who  experience  in  themselves  and  appreciate  in 
others  the  pure  pleasure  in  these  unguilded,  unselfish,  genial 
traits,  should  be  judged  in  kind  whenever  they  fall  among  pro- 
fessional "  charitable  "  brethren,  as  they  are  pretty  sure  to  do 
sometime,  being  neither  cunning  nor  cruel. 

Having  a  good  outfit,  permitting  nothing  to  worry  me,  and 
having  no  great  expectations  to  be  shattered,  that  season  of 
travel  was  mostly  a  picnic.  The  rugged  side  was  in  fording 
rapid  and  rocky  streams,  and  others  having  deceitful  bottoms 
of  mire ;  crossing  steep,  rocky  gorges,  and  through  African 
jungles,  woven  with  fallen  timber. 

My  horses  became  so  accustomed  to  climbing,  jumping 
and  sliding,  that  they  were  so  reckless  of  danger,  that  their 
often  superior  judgment  could  not  be  trusted.  Sometimes, 
however,  they  would  pick  their  way  and  somehow  get  over  or 
through  places,  where  one  could  not  see  any  possible  way, 
when  often  a  mis-step  would  send  them  tumbling  to  roaring 
waters  in  the  rocky  gorges,  hundreds  of  feet  below,  and  when 
weary,  would  jump  at  the  opposite  side  of  a  ditch  or  against  a 
ledge,  or  fallen  trees,  when  they  knew  they  must  fall  back. 

Sometimes  flies  and  r'osquitoes  were  so  thick  and  masonic, 
that  we  had  to  blanket  our  horses  for  a  slight  protection ;  so  it 


The  Idaho  Placeu  ]Ml^Ks. 


luo 


was  no  wonder  they  would  leave  us  alone  with  strange  Indians, 
to  take  up  with  their  horses  that  were  free.  But  a  snuiU 
number  of  horses,  if  their  leaders  are  kindly  treated,  are  not 
apt  to  leave  a  camp  unless  they  know  of  better  company  near  by. 
And  a  s'ugle  animal  will  hardly  ever  leave  its  rider  in  a  stmnge 
and  lonely  place.  My  pack-horse  was  no  more  trouble  in 
travelling,  than  a  dog — being  as  sure  to  follow.  Once  on  the 
side  of  a  deep  gorge  he  fell,  rolled  over  a  time  or  two  and 
landed  against  a  log.  After  he  had  climbed  back,  I,  with  my 
foot,  started  the  log  tumbling  to  the  bottom,  which  I  could  not 
see.  While  more  lost  and  separated  than  usual,  I  was  tweuty- 
four  hours  without  water ;  the  day  was  hot,  got  past  being 
tliirsty  and  became  sick,  so  the  water  did  not  taste  good  when 
I  found  it,  which  I  did  by  my  horses  scenting  it  at  a  distance. 

Found  beaver  quite  plentiful  in  places.  In  their  work  is 
displayed  a  reasoning  faculty  equal  to  that  of  some  men.  In 
felling  trees  for  dams,  they  cut  them  so  as  to  fall  where  they 
want  them. 

One  night  we  were  all  awoke  by  the  rumbling  sound  and 
three  distinct  shocks  of  an  earthquake,  but  could  hear  nothing 
about  it  on  reaching  habitations. 

Ice  sometimes  formed  at  night  at  our  camps,  in  July  and 
August. 

My  whereabouts  that  season  were  so  uncertain,  that  I  re- 
ceived letters  which  had  been  re-mailed  half  a  dozen  times. 

As  to  the  golden  object  in  that  season's  prospecting: — 
Found  several  prospects  in  quartz,  about  equal  to  that  1  had 
left  in  Nevada,  and  in  placer  diggings  many  places  that  would 
yield  one  to  two  dollars  a  day,  but  none  that  would  probably 
pay  to  work  at  that  time.  Tlie  whole  country  had  been  pretty 
closely  prospected,  and  the  paying  ground  worked.  I  was 
now  satisfied  as  to  this,  and  tired  of  the  business,  of  the 
mountains,  and  of  rambling  about  in  this  way. 

I  learned,  that  times  were  pretty  good  in  Washington 
Territory,  and  horses  were  cheap  in  the  Walla  Walla  section. 
So  I  decided  to  go  there  and  work  at  whatever  I  found  to  do, 
and  buy  as  many  horses  as  I  was  able,  to  work  with  on  the  N. 
P.  railroad,  whenever  its  construction  was  commenced  in 
earnest. 


106 


Idaho  and  Montana, 


1^1 


ill 


Arriving  at  Fort  Owens,  in  Bitter-root  valley,  Montana — 
which  valley  was  then  being  settled  and  improved — I  found 
myself  on  one  of  the  proposed  routes  of  the  N.  P.  R.  R. 

With  a  single  companion  struck  West  through  the 
mountains  by  the  Lo  Lo  Indian  trail  for  Lewiston,  Idaho,  and 
the  Walla  Walla,  Washington  Territory  country,  fifty  or  one 
hundred  miles  beyond  it.  Lewiston  being  situated  on  the 
western  verge  of  the  pan-handle  of  Idaho,  near  the  head  of 
navigation  on  Snake  river,  400  miles  from  Portland,  Oregon,  and 
495  miles  by  water  from  the  mouth  of  the  Columbia  river. 

On  the  way  to  Lewiston,  we  fell  in  with  a  couple  of  rail- 
road surveying  p.'irties,  who  were  hunting  for  a  route ;  also 
numerous  Nez-Perce  Indians,  on  their  way  home  from  hunting 
buffalo  and  fighting  the  Sioux  on  their  own  or  neutral  hunting 
grounds  in  the  Yellowstone  country. 

The  Grouse,  or  "fool  hen,"  is  a  bird  of  the  same  family, 
it  appears  to  me,  as  the  partridge  and  pheasant.  They  differ 
from  each  other  in  about  the  same  degree  as  do  the  Chinamen, 
Esquimaux  and  Indians.  Inhabiting  different  climates,  and 
compelled  to  live  by  different  modes  and  food,  may  account  for 
all  the  difference  found  in  them.  As  to  the  difference  in  dialect, 
this  can  be  comprehended  and  accounted  for  by  observing  the 
same  in  different  local  districts  among  the  same  race  of 
white  men — in  those  of  the  East,  South  and  West— after  so 
short  a  time  and  with  such  comparative  free  and  frequent 
communication  and  mingling  with  each  other.  We  found  this 
bird  so  plentiful  and  tame  at  many  places  on  this  trip,  that  we 
could  kill  most  any  amount  of  them  with  sticks,  as  we  rode 
along. 

Camped  by  a  hot  sulphur  flowing  spring  on  this  Lo  Lo 
trail,  and  enjoyed  a  bath  in  its  blue  waters  where  it  formed  a 
pond,  cool  enough  for  comfort. 

These  mountains  are  craggy,  but  thickly  wooded  with  much 
good  timber  of  fir,  tamerack,  spruce,  cedar  and  pine. 

On  the  western  slope  are  some  fertile  prairie  valleys,  ami 
on  approaching  Lewiston  (twenty-four  miles  east  from  where 
I  finally  settled  to  make  a  home)  found  ourselves  in  a  good 
prairie  farming  country,  though  not  inhabited,  except  by 
Indians.     Here  we  found  a  Government  Indian  Agency,  also  a 


The  Idaho  Placer  Mines. 


107 


military  post  and  the  Americau  flag.  We  called  at  the  post  for 
information  as  to  our  whereabouts.  Afterwards  I  sold  grain 
here  that  I  had  raised. 

There  is  fine,  light  gold  in  the  bars  of  Snake  river,  any- 
where from  near  its  source  to  its  confluenco  with  the  Columbia 
(150  miles  below  Lewiston),  also  in  the  Columbia  and  Salmon 
rivers,  which  v»  as  supposed  by  many  to  come  from  some  fabu- 
lous rich  fountain  or  quartz  deposits  in  the  rugged  mountains 
at  the  rivers'  source.  But  we  had  found  this  not  to  be  the 
case,  but  that  the  rivers  flowing,  as  they  do,  through  a  gold- 
bearing  country,  where  a  color  can  be  found  most  anywhere, 
got  their  supply  from  the  natural  washes  and  streams  tributary 
to  them,  with  the  annual  wash  of  sand,  gravel,  mud  and  drift. 
Hundreds  of  Chinamen  and  some  white  men  mine,  Avith  rockers, 
on  the  bars  of  these  rivers,  during  the  low  stage  of  water,  mak- 
ing one  or  two  dollars  per  day. 

Orofino,  Warrens,  and  other  rich  placer  camps,  Avhich 
created  such  excitement  and  brought  Idaho  into  notice  in  the 
states,  in  18G0,  are  in  these  Salmon  river  and  Clearwater  moun- 
tains. Lewiston  being  their  point  of  supply  and  wintering 
place.  Its  climate  nearly  equals  that  of  the  valleys  of  Cali- 
fornia. 

For  a  year  or  two  the  lowest  price  for  supplies  was  one 
(lollar  a  pound  at  the  mines,  and  they  created  a  splendid 
market  for  many  years  ;  which  started  many  into  farming  in  the 
Walla  Walla  country,  and  gave  it  and  them  a  good  start  in  the 
world.  The  old  Indian  and  packing  trails  to  Walla  Walla  and 
beyond  are  ten  or  fifteen  in  width,  and  tramped  deep  in  the 
fertile  soil ;  and  mining  is  still  going  on  at  those  famous  camps, 
and  pack  trains  are  still  trailing  to  and  from  Lewiston.  I  had 
been  acquainted  with  different  ones  in  Nevada,  who  had 
travelled  through  this  country  from  California  and  Oregon, 
and  dug  gold  in  these  mines,  so  I  had  in  advance  quite  an 
accurate  idea  as  to  each. 


I 


ii 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

A  comprehensive  description  of  the  Walla  "Walla  country;  soil,  climate 
and  productions,  and  the  lay  of  the  land. — Hire  out  on  a  farm  for  two 
months. --The  secret  of  succoas  and  failure  in  government  and  corpo- 
ration contracts — Secret  intrigue  at  military  posts,  etc. — Experience 
in  work  in  the  mountain. — Locate  a  land  claim  and  get  married. — 
A  year's  experience. 

Arrived  in  Lewiston  about  the  midclle  of  September,  1870. 
Crossed  the  river  into  Washington  Territory,  and  travelled 
north-west  for  eight  miles  over  a  somewhat  sterile  grazing 
country  near  the  river ;  when  I  came  onto  a  wooded  creek  with 
narrow  bottom  (the  Alpowa),  inhabited  and  farmed  somewhat 
by  Indians,  for  a  few  miles,  and  by  an  old  Yankee  bachelor  who 
kept  a  hotel  and  stage  station,  and  raised  cattle.  Said,  he  had 
found  it  to  be  the  best  economy  to  provide  flour,  instead  of 
other  feed,  for  his  stock,  when  the  weather  was  such  that  they 
needed  feeding.  (It  was  at  the  head  of  this  creek,  to  the  south- 
west, that  I  afterwards  built  my  home).  Leaving  this  creek  by 
a  big  hill,  .tkI  riding  for  ten  miles  over  a  level  bunch-grass 
prairie  (destitute  of  water  and  wood,  but  a  belt  of  timber  was 
plainly  to  be  seen  twelve  to  fifteen  miles  to  the  south),  when  I 
went  down  another  big  hill  on  to  another  creek  (the  Pataha), 
having  a  bottom  quite  destitute  of  wood,  and  about  a  quarter 
of  a  mile  wide  for  twenty-five  miles  to  Snake  river. 

The  upper  portion,  reaching  back  into  the  Blue  mountain 
about  thirty  miles,  being  still  more  contracted  and  more 
wooded.  All  of  it,  from  its  source  to  its  mouth,  is  quite  fenced 
in  by  high,  abrupt  hills  on  either  side,  and  so  is  the  Alpowa. 

From  the  top  of  these  hills,  vast,  thickly-planted  bunch 
grass  prairies  extend  north  to  Snake  river  some  fifteen  miles, 
and  south  to  the  timber  of  the  Blue  mountains  about  the  same 
distance  away.  These  prairies,  however,  are  more  or  less  cut 
up  with  ravines  and  gulches,  are  scantily  watered  and  com- 
pletely destitute  of  wood.  I  found  this  creek  bottom,  or  the 
most  of  it  that  was  fit  for  cultivation  (the  lower  portion"), 
settled  up  and  farmed,  but  the  adjoining  prairies  were  entirely 
unoccupied,  except  by  a  few  bands  of  cattle  and  horses  belong- 

(108) 


H 

'■';' 
:    ,. 

Locate  a  Land  Claim  and  get  Married. 


109 


iu{^  to  the  creek  settlers.  The  farmers  here  were  threshing 
their  grain  with  a  ten  or  twelve  horse  power  machine.  They 
hull  to  collect  and  change  work  with  each  other  for  a  distance 
of  ten  or  fifteen  miles  to  form  a  threshing  crew.  They  being 
short  of  help,  and  I  having  but  a  few  dollars  left,  stopped  and 
worked  for  them  a  few  days,  at  two  dollars  a  day,  which  seemed 
very  small  wages  to  me  then. 

The  yield  of  wheat,  oats  and  barley  was  thirty  to  sixty 
bushels  to  the  acre,  and  the  up-prairie  land  appeared  equally 
as  fertile.  The  nights  being  always  cool,  this  is  not  a  good 
corn  country. 

Following  this  creek  for  eleven  miles,  it  changed  its  course 
to  the  north,  while  the  road  and  old  Indian  and  pack  trails  left 
it  by  winding  up  a  hill  700  or  800  feet  high,  thence  over  a 
level  prairie  for  a  mile,  when  I  looked  down  into  a  Cau3'on 
(Tu-Canyon)  1200  to  1500  feet  deep,  having  a  stream  with 
wooded  bottom,  a  few  hundred  yards  wide.  The  wood  on 
these  streams  is  mostly  cotton-wood,  birch,  alder  and  pine. 

A  few  spots  on  this  s*'*eam  were  being  farmed  for  hay,  by 
ineu  with  stock,  as  a  safe  winter  retreat. 

Crossing  this  Canyon,  I  found,  spread  out  as  far  as  I  could 
see,  another  similar  vast  rolling  fertile  prairie  country,  with 
richer  hollows,  coves  or  bottoms,  and  blessed  with  an  occasion- 
al spring  or  stream  of  good  water;  but  wood  still  to  be  seen  only 
in  the  one  direction — many  miles  away  to  the  south.  After 
about  eight  miles  of  unbroken  prairie,  I  found  the  hollows  and 
choice  spots  by  the  road  settled,  and  more  or  less  farmed, 
according  to  the  time,  means  and  energy  of  the  settler  in  haul- 
ing fencing  and  other  wood,  fifteen  to  twenty  miles — there 
being  no  barbed  wire  then. 

On  approaching  Walla  Walla,  the  country  was  more 
thickly  settled  and  improved,  there  being  streams  with  more 
extensive  bottoms,  bordered  by  less  abrupt  hills,  and  wooded 
sufficient  for  immediate  fencing  and  domestic  use.  Though 
much  of  the  soil  along  these  streams  was  not  as  productive  as 
that  of  the  hollows,  or  even  the  extreme  upland  prairies,  until 
made  so  by  irrigation. 

Near  Walla  Walla  the  lay  of  the  land  becomes  less  broken 
by  ravines;  but  to  speak  of  this  Walla  Walla  country  as  a 


I 


110 


The  Walla  Walia  Counthy. 


\ 


'■'^  i: 


vallri/,  in  inisloailiu}^-.  The  stream  Wftlla  Walla  has  a  little 
narrow  valley  to  be  sure,  but  it  don't  amotmt  to  much,  except 
in  rare  spots.  The  same  is  true  of  even  the  Columbia,  Snake 
and  other  rivers  at  a  distance  from  the  coast.  They  might 
have  had  broad  fertile  valleys  or  bottoms,  like  the  Sacramento, 
MisHissii)pi,  Ohio  and  the  Mohawk,  but  they  hav'nt.  I  mean 
to  give  a  triie  and  comprehensive,  though  brief  description  of 
Eastern  Washington,  and  the  settling  thereof,  such  as  may 
also  give  an  accurate  idea  of  that  north  of  the  Columbia  and 
Snake,  as  well  as  of  that  portion  of  Idaho  adjoining,  as  these 
sections  are  similar.  With  their  fertile  soil,  each  has  its  deeply 
embedded  streams,  narrow  vales  and  ravines,  steep  and  long 
hills  and  sections  of  rocky  waste  land,  or  suited  only  for  graz- 
ing. Each  having  its  mountain  range,  for  timber  and  wood 
supply,  to  tap  the  rain  clouds  and  giving  variety  of  climate 
and  scenery. 

Singular  though  it  may  seem,  during  the  most  severe 
winters  the  mercury  sinks  lowest  in  the  lowest  altitudes,  and 
snow  falls  there  quite  as  deep  at  such  times  as  elsewhere. 
Stock  have  wintered  with  less  loss  in  hard  ^/inters,  on  some 
opening  back  in  the  mountains,  than  others  on  the  Columbia 
and  Snake  rivers.  The  best  lands  are  usually  found  near  the 
mountain  ranges,  and  the  lighter,  dryer  and  poorer  soil  as  the 
Columbia  and  Snake  rivers  are  approached,  though  irrigation 
would,  and  sometimes  does,  where  practicable,  make  this  the 
best,  and  the  springs  are  a  month  or  more  earlier  here  than  at 
the  higher  altitudes,  and  less  snow  usually  falls.  But  it  gets 
ten  to  fifteen  degrees  h'tter  than  on  t^e  upland  prairies;  it 
being  sometimes  one  h  ndred  degrees  and  more.  And  it  is 
covered  with  a  bank  of  <  dd  fog  for  several  weeks  in  the  winter, 
while  the  sun  is  shining    right  and  warm  on  the  high  prairies. 

Every  four  or  five  y*  i-s  there  is  a  hard  winter,  when  the 
mercury  sinks  to  twenty  r  thirty  degrees  below  zero  for  a  few 
weeks.  But  where  there  is  an  open  range  that  has  not  been 
over-stocked,  horses  that  are  not  worked  will  winter  all  right 
without  feeding ;  and  cattle  need  to  be  fed  but  a  month  or  two, 
and  some  winters  not  any. 

The  warm  trade  or  "chinook"  winds  from  the  South- 
Pacific  are  a  great  blessing  to  this  country  in  winter ;  they 


Locate  a  Land  Cl.vim  and  oet  Maukied. 


Ill 


t'oiuo  with  black  clouds — iis  a  thuuder  shower  coni'^s,  and 
soiiietimea  bare  the  ground  of  a  foot  of  snow  iu  a  day  or  nij^ht; 
but  they  cannot  be  counted  on.  Tho,  winter  winds  from  the 
opposite  direction  are  stinging  cold. 

I  continued  my  journey  from  Lciwiston  for  about  sixty 
miles,  to  near  where  Dayton  Avas  afterwards  built  and  become 
tiie  county  seat  of  a  new  county  (Columbia),  composed  of  a 
part  of  Walla  Walla  county,  which  >efore  embraced  all  the 
region  between  the  Columbia  and  Snake  rivers  and  the  Oregon 
line.  Since,  Garfield  and  Asotin  counties  have  been  formed 
out  of  Columbia.  Dayton  is  on  the  Tou-Chet  (Tu-she)  stream, 
and  this  section  was  then  known  as  the  "Uppe:  Tou-Chet." 

I  hired  to  work  for  a  farmer  for  two  mouths,  at  !J35.00  a 
month. — This  was  the  first  and  only  good  farming  country  I  had 
seen  since  leaving  Eastern  Nebraska,  over  four  years  before, 
except  that  in  Salt  Lake  valley  and  in  Southern  Califoi-uia. 

Here  I  found  improved  farms  with  orchards,  barns,  colts, 
calves,  lambs,  geese,  chickens,  women,  children  and  girls  in 
their  teens,  with  an  occasional  buggy  or  side-saddle  to  be  seen. 
So  considering  me  having  been  raised  on  a  farm  and  at  home, 
aud  then  having  been  for  about  five  years  roving  about -a 
homeless  wanderer,  in  wild,  unsettled  desert  regions,  unblessed 
with  the  innocent  prattle  of  children  or  the  voice  of  women — 
is  it  any  wonder  that  having  become  tired  of  siich  a  life,  I  was 
impressed,  as  the  plains-tired  traveller  is  on  reaching  Salt 
Lake  and  Los  Angeles,  with  their  fruitful  trees  and  vines,  mead- 
ows, flowers,  singing  birds  and  flowing  streams,  and  as 
Mohammed  was  when  he  beheld  Damascus  and  exclaimed,  that 
"man  can  enter  but  «*ne  paradise." 

I  worked  with  a  threshing  machine,  as  it  changed  about 
for  the  man  I  hired  to,  frr  a  couple  of  weeks,  and  was  impressed 
with  the  bountiful  yield  of  grain,  the  ground  being  new  and 
only  the  choice  spots  in  cultivation.  I  then  put  in  the  most  of 
the  remainder  of  the  two  months  in  hauling  rails  and  wood 
from  the  mountain  for  him. 

My  employer  was  related  to  one  who  had  recently  been  a 
Government  Indian  agent,  and  himself  had  been  engaged  at  an 
agency  and  military  post ;  and  I  having  before  and  since  be- 
come intimately  acquainted  with  Government  contractors,  etc., 


*n 


!■  i 


112 


Tke  Walla  V/alla  Country. 


and  also  with  intelligent  agency  Indians  (one  of  whom  wrote 
for  me  the  story  of  his  life,  which  I  may  give),  together  with 
my  personal  observations,  enabled  me  to  become  informed  con- 
cerning affairs  at  such  places  and  the  mode  by  which  ring 
favorites  get  fortunes  and  outsiders  are  crushed  in  dealing  with 
Government  secret  ring  agents  or  officers.  I  will  give  a  few 
points  for  the  information  of  those  who  are  curious  to  know 
how  it  is,  that  one  man  can  take  a  Government  contract  for 
supplies  and  make  money  out  of  it,  while  his  neighbor,  possess- 
ing superior  business  abilities,  would  lose  money. 

For  example,  will  consider  the  grain,  hay,  wood  and  horse 
supply.  The  allowance  of  these,  as  with  other  supplies  also, 
is  usually  greater  than  is  necessary  for  the  service.  Proposals 
are  duly  advertised  for  a  certain  quantity  or  amount  of  either, 
(it  being  the  full  amount  allowed  or  to  be  suffered  for  a  certain 
time),  the  same  to  be  of  "the  best  quality,"  or  "per  sample," 
and  to  be  delivered  by  or  during  a  stated  time,  or  at  the 
pleasure  of  the  Grand  Master,  as  the  case  may  be.  Now  this 
time  may  be  while  the  roads  are  almost  impassable,  and  while 
the  outsider  will  bv:)  required  to  fulfill  the  contract  to  the  exact 
letter,  the  secret  brother,  who  can  be  relied  on  as  to  "  division 
and  secrecy,"  under  the  obligations  and  penalties  of  tlie  ring, 
knows  that  the  time  will  be  modified  to  suit  his  (their)  inter- 
ests, and  that  the  quantity,  with  him,  need  only  be  such  as  is 
barely  necessary  for  the  service  ;  though  the  full  amount  allow- 
ed is  receipted,  booked  and  paid  for.  Thus  are  favorite  con- 
tractors and  their  gangs  enriched  by  government  and  corpora- 
tion contracts,  even  when  the  figures  are  hcloiv  the  market  price. 

In  the  West  but  comparatively  little  forage  is  necessary  or 
really  used,  as  the  stock  usuallj'  runs  out  to  grass  on  the  ranges 
all  the  year.  In  buying  horses  and  mules,  none  but  those  fully 
up  to  the  standard  will  be  received  from  a  full-fledged  citizen 
of  the  Government,  while  from  some  one  who  is  a  sworn  subject 
of  a  lurking,  foreign,  pagan-government,  most  anything  in  horse 
or  mule  shape  is  often  taken. 

I  have  known  several  men  who  were  badly  bitten  by  count- 
ing on  some  of  the  concessions  always  accorded  to  secret  sub- 
jects. The  difference  in  the  cost  between  a  favorite  and  out- 
sider in  filling  a  contract  is  often  twenty-five  to  fifty  per  cent. 


lount- 

sub- 

out- 

I  cent. 


5?; 

c 


C3 

K 
K 
H 

a 

o 


2 

-5! 

O 


a 


■' 


ill;<> 


lU 


The  Walla  Walla  Country. 


An  example  given  me  by  the  party  who  furnished  the  wood, 
and  who  had  occasion  to  procnre  full  proof  of  the  following  ex- 
amples of  loyalty :  For  the  post,  and  the  year  alhided  to,  the 
Government  allowed  and  paid  for  575  cords  of  wood,  at  !?5.50 
per  cord,  equal  to  $3,162.50 ;  while  all  that  Avas  really  bought 
or  paid  for  was  350  cords,  at  s2.50  per  cord,  equal  to  $875.00. 
What  per  cent,  of  loyalty  is  that  ? 

They  also  received  from  the  Government,  that  is  not  good 
enough  for  them,  pay  for  500  rations  at  a  time,  supposed  to  be 
issued  to  the  Indians,  when  the  highest  number  was  really  but 
forty-five,  and  this  of  condemned  stores.  What  per  cent,  of 
loyalty  is  this  ? 

Now  take  the  annual  appropriations  of  Congress,  and  see 
what  sworn  secrecy-under-horrible-penalties  in  office  is  costing 
Uncle  Sam  in  money  alone  ! 

My  informant  as  to  these  mere  examples,  said,  he  repijrted 
these  facts,  with  the  indisputable  proof  thereof,  to  two  city 
editors,  but  they,  being  subjects  of  the  same  secret  government, 
would  not  publish  them.  That  he  also  reported  the  same  to 
the  Government  at  Washington,  to  find  that  the  influence  of 
their  secret  government  extended  there  also  and  was  supreme. 

And  jobs  were  put  iip  against  his  life,  and  the  courts  were 
prostituted  to  get  liim  out  of  the  Avay,  so  he  could  not  make 
any  more  trouble  with  their  "  mysteries." 

When  extra  transportation  and  supplies  are  required,  as  in 
case  of  an  Indian  outbreak — which  is  often  purposely  induced  by 
the  lurking  siibjects  themselves — -they  get  contracts  to  supply 
it  at  fourteen  prices,  and  then  sub  let  it  to  others,  who  do  the 
work  and  furnish  the  supplies  for  small  pay. 

After  a  gang  has  made  such  a  raid  against  the  Government 
in  the  name  of  the  Indians,  and  has  the  plunder  divided  up  and 
secured,  tlicn  a  feAV  journals,  as  a  cloak  for  their  servility,  come 
out  of  the  dark  as  follows,  btit  they  dare  not  strike  at  the  root 
and  secrecy  of  the  evil;  and  they  are  brazen  in  the  assuniptioi;> 
that  the  officials  at  Washington  do  not  know  the  "  true  inward- 
ness "  of  these  jobs  in  advance,  after  forty  years'  experience  icith 
the  same  go  me. 

"The  Uovernment  has  finally  begun  to  see  tlie  'true  inward- 
ness'of  the  Arizona  'Indian  war,' and  peace  niaj' be  looked  for 


Locate  a  Land  Claim  and  get  Married. 


115 


uow  any  day.  Not  a  solitary  Iiuliau  Avas  kilk'd,  not  a  single 
pioueer,  miner,  or  any  other  man  who  minded  his  own  busiuess, 
Avas  molested,  but  several  enterprising  [?J  men  made  a  million,  or 
so,  a  piece,  out  of  the  scare  ;  and  it  was  started  for  no  other  pur- 
pose. Crook  broke  the  Apaches'  backbone  years  ago;  the  poor 
wretches  haven't  vim  enough  left  to  fight  a  coyote." 

When  my  two  months'  job  expired,  the  most  profitable 
work  I  had  learned  of  was  that  of  making  rails  and  clap-boards 
in  the  mountain  for  the  farmers  living  out  on  the  streams  and 
hollows.  Rails  were  worth  twenty  dollars,  and  clap-boards 
fifteen  dollars  per  thousand  at  the  stump^  and  the  timber  — 
tamerack,  fir  and  pine— split  well. 

There  Avas  a  small  company  of  men  thus  engaged,  who 
tried  to  discourage  me,  saying,  that  on  account  of  the  scarcity 
of  money  there  Avas  only  a  small  cash  demand  for  such  Avork. 
I,  hoAvever,  found  that  it  could  be  readily  traded  for  stock, 
especially  horses,  which  Avas  good  enough  pay  for  me.  So  I 
bought  an  outfit  and  six  months'  supply  of  grub  and  Avent  to 
work  in  the  timber,  Avhere  I  split  my  first  rail  and  clap-board. 
Shingles  Avere  also  being  made  there,  by  hand,  iit  four  dollars 
and  fifty  cents  per  thousand. 

I  Avorked  here  the  most  of  the  ensuing  ten  months,  and 
though  not  very  rugged,  and  unable  to  do  as  much  hard  Avork 
as  other  men,  I  made  8000  rails  and  55,000  clap-boards,  Avhicli 
was  more  than  Avas  done  by  any  other  man  about  me  or  Avhom 
I  kueAv  of,  though  to  hear  many  of  them  talk,  they  could  do 
and  did  more  work  in  one  day,  than  I  could  in  three ;  and  may 
be  they  could,  but,  somehoAv,  they  had  not  much  to  shoAV  in  re- 
sults for  their  superior  ability,  and  those  Avho  had  farms  had 
poor  fences,  and  their  shelter  AA'as  like  that  noted  in  song  by 
the  "Arkansan  traveller."  I  cleared  by  that  ten  months'  Avork 
eight  hundred  dollars  worth  of  horses  and  other  property,  and 
had  spent  more  in  living  than  any  of  them.  Besides  this,  I 
moauAvhile  located  a  land  claim  on  the  prairie,  fourteen  miles 
away,  and  built  on  it  a  twelve  by  fourteen  feet  lumber  cabin, 
A\hich  claim  Isold  for  a  hundred  dollar  mule  and  fifty  dollars. 
Had  also  spent  many  pleasant  Sundays  and  other  days  Avith 
hospitable  farmer  friends  living  in  the  valleys,  and  in  riding 


Ill 


i  i '  t 


116 


The  "W.vlla  W.ujl\  Country. 


over  the  prairies  and  iu  shaded  vales  in  yet  more  congenial 
company. 

I  kept  a  saddle  horse  with  me  in  summer,  and  as  I  put  on 
a  clean  shirt  once  in  a  while,  rode  about  more  than  my  timber 
companions;  aid  not  boast  of  fabulous  amounts  of  work  that  I 
had  not  and  could  not  do,  or  even  what  I  did,  and  asked  so 
many  fool  questions  in  friendly  satire,  and  as  though  I  hardly 
knew  what  timber,  land,  and  work  really  was  ;  was  therefore 
looked  upon  by  some  of  the  innocent  settlers  with  an  air  of  sus- 
picion, or  of  ridicule,  that  was  amusing  in  its  crude  simplicity 
in  judging  human  character. 

Having  been  out  and  about  in  company  with  a  timber  com- 
}iauiou,  he  came  to  me  one  day  in  great  trouble  and  vexation  of 
spirit,  saying  there  was  a  "  terrible  storyout  about  us."  "Why  !" 
says  he,  "  they  take  me  for  a  highwayman  and  call  you  the  gniflc- 
man  rail-maker,''  and  he  felt  that  we  were  fatally  slandered  and 
should  weep  and  wail,  or  else  curse  and  fight  together  in 
putting  the  stigma  down. 

Once  I  had  4000  clap-boards  to  make  in  a  trade  for  a 
horse,  when  one  of  the  boys  told  me  that  it  would  please  my 
customer  to  make  them  very  thick  ;  so  I  made  them  very  thick. 
Then  he  reported  to  him  that  I  "had  made  a  lot  of  wide  staves 
for  liiMi,  instead  of  thin  clap-boards,  the  kind  he  wanted."  So 
he  spent  a  day  in  coming  to  see  about  it,  but  was  satisfied 
when  I  promised  to  suit  him  entirely ;  which  I  did  by  simply 
splitting  each  one  into  two  in  a  little  while,  which  he  himself 
could  have  done  at  home,  making  twenty  dollars  a  day  in  domg 
it.  While  I  afforded  some  amusement  to  my  generous  com- 
panions in  toil,  I  (being  incompetent,  an  orphan  and  stranger 
in  a  strange  laud) — was  also  a  subject  of  anxiety  and  care  to 
some,  who  kindly  made  my  business  and  social  genial  welfare 
their  ardent  concern.     This  brings  my  story  to  the  fall  of  1871. 

The  prospect  of  the  early  building  of  the  N.  P.  railroad 
had  waned,  as  it  was  not  to  be  built  until  other  railroads  were 
built  without  any  subsidy  and  the  country  was  settled  tip,  so 
it  would  be  a  paying  investment  at  once ;  thus  having  the  great 
laud  grant  as  a  clear  gift,  if,  through  secret  intrigue  with 
brethren  in  office,  they  could  hold  it  against  the  law. 

Fire  had  destroyed  the  manufacturing  business  of  my 


t    )■ 


[anger 
ire  to 
leHare 
1871. 
llroad 
were 
ip,  so 
great 
with 

If  my 


33 


r. 

O 


■3 


P. 


I 


?f< 


(1") 


h     i 


I 


118 


The  Walla  Walla  Country. 


father,  and  he  and  my  mother  had  died,  so  the  scenes  of  my 
boyhood,  thus  saddened,  had  les'-  attraction  for  me  than  when  I 
left  them;  and  finding  here  apparently  as  favorable  anopportun-. 
ity  to  settle  down  and  prosper,  as  would  be  afforded  elsewhere, 
I  concluded  to  remain,  get  married,  make  as  good  a  home  as  I 
was  able  to  carve  out  of  the  wilderness,  and  grow  up  with  the 
country. 

Was  married  the  same  fall,  a  year  after  u.y  arrival  in  the 
country. 


lih 


1 
If 


CHAPTER  IX. 

A  brief  descriiJtiou  of  Eastern  and  Western  Wnshiugtou,  ami  of  the 
various  sections  in  each. — Their  industries  and  inducements. — Their 
advantages  and  their  disadvantages. 

Washington  is  the  most  uortli- western  territory,  or  state, 
belonging  to  the  Union,  with  the  exception  of  Alaska.  It  lies 
about  ten  degrees  north  of  Washington  City,  D.  C.  Yet  the 
eastern  part  is  not  as  cold  in  winter  as  New  Jersey,  the  ground 
seldom  being  frozen  as  much  as  six  inches  deep  ;  and  the  west- 
ern part  is  not  as  cold  in  winter  as  it  is  at  Washington  City  on 
the  Potomac,  and  it  is  more  healthy. 

Irrigation  is  not  absolutely  necessary  anywhere  in  the 
state,  to  raise  crops ;  but  some  sections  in  the  eastern  part  get 
very  dry  and  very  dusty,  and  most  anywhere  more  or  less  irri- 
gation is,  or  would  be,  if  water  was  accessible,  very  beneficial, 
and  so  it  would  be  in  the  states.  Though  it  rains  more  in 
summer  in  the  states,  than  it  does  here,  or  anywhere  else  on 
this  coast.  But  the  soil  is  such  that  in  unusual  dry  seasons 
half  a  crop  is  raised  without  any  rain  or  irrigation. 

The  state,  as  a  whole,  is  separated  into  two  natural 
divisions,  known  as  Western  and  Eastern  Washington,  the 
Cascade  range  of  mountains  intervening.  It  contains,  besides 
the  mountainous  regions,  which  are  covered  with  timber  and 
wood,  nearly  50,000  square  miles  of  pasture  and  agricultural 
lands.  About  four-sevenths  of  these  are  classified  as  timbered, 
two-sevenths  as  buuch-grass  prairie,  and  one-seventh  as  alluvial 
bottom  lands.  Over  half  of  the  timbered  and  nearly  all  the 
bottom  lands  lie  in  the  western  section  ;  while  the  buuch-grass 
prairie  lauds  are  all  in  the  eastern  part. 

The  annual  rainfall  in  Western  Washington  is  about 
seventy  inches,  and  in  Eastern  Washington  about  thirty  inches. 

Extending  far  inland  from  the  Pacific  ocean  into  Western 
Washington  is  Puget  Sound.  Although  sufficiently  narrow  to 
admit  of  both  shores  being  seen  at  the  same  time,  it  is  in  all 
parts  of  sufficient  depth  to  accommodate  the  largest  ocean- 
going steamers,  and  in  places  it  is  a  hundred  fathoms  deep.     It 

(life 


'if 


ii 


120 


Eastern  and  Western  Washington. 


\ 


11 1  f 


has  a  shore  liue  about  sixteen  hundred  miles  in  length,  and  in- 
cludes a  scries  of  land-locked  harbors,  in  which  the  '*  navies  of 
the  world  "  might  anchor  in  safety.  Emptying  into  it  on  every 
side  are  numerous  streams,  some  of  which  are  navigable  for 
many  miles  into  the  interior.  The  bottoms  of  these  streams 
are  very  fertile,  and  some  are  spacious,  nor  are  they  unhealthy, 
as  is  so  usual  in  the  states.  These,  as  well  as  the  bottoms  on 
the  streams  that  empty  into  Grays  Harbor,  Shoal  Water  Bay 
and  the  lower  Columbia  river,  are  the  best  tame-grass  sectioi^s 
on  the  Pacific  coast,  if  not  in  the  United  States.  These  bottoms 
are  from,  say,  one  to  six  miles  wide,  and  fifteen  or  twenty  of 
these  streams  are  navigable— the  Chehalis  for  sixty  miles  at  all 
seasons  of  the  j^ear. 

But  these  bottoms  are  mostly  covered  with  a  dense  growth 
of  brush,  vine-maple,  aldei',  cedar,  spruce  and  other  timber. 

Nearly  the  whole  of  Western  Washington  is  covered  with 
a  dense  forest,  composed  of  fir,  cedar,  spruce,  with  some  oak, 
vine  and  curley  maple,  alder  and  other  vegetation,  belonging 
to  a  warm,  humid  climate.  Between  the  Sound  and  the  ocean 
are  the  Olympic  mountains,  with  snow-capped  peaks ;  and 
between  it  and  the  ocean  is  the  best  unsettled  section  of  country 
that  I  know  of  at  this  time  (1889).  Mount  Rainier,  or  Tacoma, 
in  the  Cascade  range,  is  near  15,000  feet  high,  and  its  top  is 
always  white  with  snow.  The  "  Sound  Country  "  has  numerous 
thriving  towns,  Seattle,  Tacoma,  Port  Townsend  and  Olympia 
being  the  largest.  The  country  bordering  upon  the  Sound  and 
extending  back  to  the  mountains,  is  rich  in  coal  and  lumber, 
and  the  soil,  when  cleared,  is  more  or  less  productive  for  hay, 
grain  and  vegetables,  also  fruits  and  berries.  There  are  sections 
that  are  most  excellent  for  apples,  peai's  and  plums.  Coal  is 
shipped  in  large  qiiantities  to  San  Francisco.  There  is  quite 
a  variety  of  fish  in  the  Sound,  and  they  are  abundant ;  and  so 
are  clams  on  the  beach. 

Cedar  trees  are  frequently  200  feet  in  height,  and  firs  some- 
times 300  feet,  and  100  feet  to  the  first  limb.  Spars  and  other 
rare  ship  timbers  are  conveyed  from  Puget  Sound  to  all  parts 
of  the  world.  Common  lumber  is  shipped  principally  to  Cali- 
fornia, Central  and  South  America,  Australia  and  the  Sandwich 
Islands.     It  is  a  great  lumber  region,  if  not  the  greatest  in  the 


Eastern  and  Western  "Washington. 


121 


world.  Some  of  the  milla  cut  about  500,000  feet  a  tiny,  each. — 
The  Souiu-l  hawks  will  ride  on  hogs'  backs  while  they  root 
up  clams  ou  the  beach,  then  snatching  one  will  fly  high  in  the 
;iir,  and  directly  over  some  rocky  spot,  letting  the  clam  drop, 
to  break  it  open. 

The  climate  of  Western  Washington  is  warm  and  wet,  the 
average  winter  temperature  being  about  thirty-three  degrees 
above  zero,  with  lots  of  rain.  During  the  summer  season  it 
rains  less  and  the  temperature  is  milder,  but  the  climate  is 
quite  even  the  year  round.  Flowers  are  often  seen  blooming 
in  tlie  gardens  in  the  midst  of  winter.  The  scenery  is  grand, 
especially  in  summer  when  the  air  is  free  of  fog  and  smoke. 

Eastern  Washington  is  as  different  from  Western  Washing- 
ton as  one  country  could  well  be  from  another.  Generally 
s}>eakiug,  it  is  an  open,  or  timberless  region,  and  is  therefore 
chiefly  useful  as  a  farming  and  grazing  country.  Its  chief 
rivers  are  the  Columbia  and  Snake,  which  h.ave  their  junction 
near  the  center  of  the  state.  Besides  these  rivers  are  numerous 
smaller  streams,  that  have  their  sources  in  the  mountain  ranges 
-  some  of  them  flowing  eastward  from  the  Cascades,  some  from 
the  Blue  mountains,  which  lie  to  the  south-east,  and  some  from 
the  Coeur  d'Alene  mountains  in  northern  Idaho.  These 
streams,  with  the  exception  of  the  Columbia  and  Snake,  are 
more  or  less  wooded.  They  are  all  more  or  less  deeply  im- 
bedded below  the  farming  country,  the  upper  portions  being 
deep  canyons.  The  Columbia  and  Snake  are  bordered  with 
sand  and  gravel,  and  rocky  bluffs  ;  the  small  streams  with  rich 
alluvial  bottoms  and  rocky  bluffs. 

Taking  one's  position  upon  some  elevated  point,  and  look- 
ing over  this  vast  region  of  Eastern  Washington,  the  general 
appearance  is  that  of  an  endless  contiguity  of  grass-covered, 
gently  waving  hills.  Thus  viewed  cat  a  distance,  the  color  of 
the  landscape  is  that  of  a  dull  gray.  The  scene  is  monotonous; 
grand,  but  not  beaiitiful,  and  it  makes  one  feel  lonesome. 
These  timberless  hills  are  covered  with  bunch-grass  or  grain. 
This  grass  and  a  mild,  dry  climate,  made  Eastei^n  Washington, 
Eastern  Oregon  and  Idaho  a  good  stock  country.  Passing 
through  the  country,  especially  through  the  settled  portions, 
the  scene  is  more  interesting,  as  it  has  lost  its  sameness  and 


122 


Eastern  and  Wehteijn  Washington. 


Hi  if 


gained  iu  variety.  Nestled  iu  amoug  these  timberloss  hills  aud 
flats,  ou  oue  stream  or  another,  are  towns  and  villages,  and 
cities  of  uou-producers ;  they  are  abont  one  quarter  of  the 
population  of  the  country  ;  are  organized  into  secret  charitable 
(?)  gangs,  and  thrive  by  ruling  and  filching  the  producer, 
home-builder  and  immigrants — thej-  earn  almost  nothing,  but 
steal  almost  everything — the  courts  being  iu  their  control. 
They  are  to  the  people,  what  the  English  and  German  trader 
is  to  the  natives  of  countries  they  have  comjuered. 

"For  knaves  to  thrive  on — mysterious  enough: 
Dark,  tangled  doctrines,  dark  as  fraud  can  weave." 

"  They  linked  their  souls 

By  a  dark  oath  iu  hell's  own  language  framed." 

These  towns  and  villages  are  surrounded  with  fertile  and 
productive  farms.  The  soil  is  generally  a  rich,  ashy  loam, 
which  is  easily  plowed  and  cultivated,  and  grain,  vegetable  and 
fruit  are  produced  with  much  less  labor,  than  in  most  other 
countries.  But  for  the  reasons  heretofore  and  hereafter  given, 
over  eighty  per  cent,  of  the  farms  are  mortgaged,  and  the  whole 
country  is  held  under  tribute  that  Avould  make  the  EgA'ptian, 
the  Hottentot,  the  Sepoy,  or  the  Chinaman  rebel  in  his  own 
countrj'.  Therefore,  farms  can  be  bought  cheap.  "  Except  the 
virtuous,  men  oiujld  to  he  slaves,  because  thej-  are  either  wicked 
themselves,  or  are  ready  to  crouch  before  the  Avicked.  A 
feeble  herd,  happy  to  crouch  to  a  master." 

Eastern  Washington  is  divided  up  into  numerous  large  or 
small  districts  or  sections,  usually  bearing  names  Avliich  they 
have  derived  from  streams  passing  through  them.  The 
oldest  of  these  is  the  Walla  Walla  country,  which  surrounds  a 
city  of  the  same  name.  North  of  this — across  the  Snake  river 
— is  the  Palonse  country,  the  Spokane  country,  and  the  Big 
Bend  countrv,  all  lying  east  and  south  of  the  Columbia  river, 
and  west  of  Idaho. 

West  of  the  Columbia  river  and  east  of  the  Cascade 
mountain  is  embraced  the  remainder  of  Eastern  Washington. 
This  region  is  divided  into  two  large  districts,  known  as  the 
Klickitat  country  and  the  Yakima  country. 

"The  Yakima  coimtry  lies  north  of  the  Klickitat, . and  in- 
cludes an  ai'ea  of  nearly  ten  thousand  square  miles.    The  Avesteru 


Eastern  and  Western  WAsniNOTON. 


123 


,  from  Elleii.sl)ur<,',  south 
arc  uuineroii.s  smaller  valleys,  iiieluding  the 


boumlary  being  the  Cascade  range  of  mountains.  The  Yakima 
country  is  penetrated  from  that  direction  by  numerous  long  sjiurs 
which  trend  eastward  in  the  direction  of  the  Columbia.  Between 
these  h)ng  hills  or  spurs  are  numerous  fertile  valleys.  By  some 
freak  of  nature  the  Yakinui  river,  which  runs  southward  and 
castAvard,  cuts  through  these  long  hills  at  nearly  right  angles,  and 
in  this  way  crosses  the  several  valleys  comi)rising  the  Yakima 
country.  The  first,  and  one  of  the  largest  of  these  valleys 
through  which  the  rivci-  passes,  after  it  flows  fi-oni  the  Cascade 
mountains,  is  the  Kittitas  valley,  which  is  the  centre  of  a  county, 
with  EUen.sburg  as  the  county  seat.  Fifteen  to  twenty  miles  to 
the  north  of  EUeusburg  is  an  extensive  coal  region,  perhaps  the 
best  in  the  state.  And  to  the  north  of  this  are  gold,  silver  and 
other  nunes.  Further  down  the  river 
and  east  of  Kittitas, 
Weuas,  Selah,  Xatcheez  and  the  Ahtanum.  In  the  latter  valley, 
at  the  junction  of  a  little  stream,  known  as  Ahtanum,  with  the 
Yakima  river,  is  the  town  of  Yakinni.  Opposite  this  town  (being 
like  an  extension  of  the  iVlitanum  valley)  is  a  level,  fertile  tract  of 
country  known  as  the  Moxee.  Immediately  south  of  town,  the 
river  cuts  throuth  another  of  the  long  hills  above  mentioned,  and 
enters  another  valley,  the  greater  portion  of  which  unfortunately 
is  included  within  the  Yakima  Indian  reservation.  This  is  the 
finest  valley  or  tract  of  land  in  Eastern  Washington,  and  if  it  was 
available  for  settlement,  would  be  one  of  the  most  pi'oductive  [for 
tribute]  sections  in  the  West.  [Of  course]  an  effort  is  being  made 
to  acquire  such  portion  of  it  as  the  Indians  do  not  need  [.']  for 
their  own  use  [?],  and  if  the  movement  is  successful,  Yakima  City 
will  at  once  become  an  important  inland  city."' 

[There  are  also  other  people  who  have  more  land  (that  then 
have  stolen),  and  also  more  money  (that  they  have  dvkn)  '•  than 
they  need  for  their  own  use."  Why  not  take  or  rather  nvovcr 
these  first?] 

"Opposite  this  reservation  is  an  immense  country.  From  th(? 
Yakima  river  it  slopes  back  and  rises  gently  until  it  reaches  the 
summit  of  a  long  range  of  hills,  and  then  the  slope  is  in  the 
opposite  direction  and  towai'd  the  Columbia.  The  general  name 
given  to  it  is  Suuuyside.  Below  the  reservation  and  on  tlie 
opposite  side  of  the  Yakima  river  from  Sunnyside,  is  a  somewhat 
similar  tract  of  country  knoAvn  as  "Horse  Heaven.'*  It  being  a 
good  range  and  largely  occupied  by  horses.    The  Cascade  branch  of 


k'  ) 


124 


Eastern  and  "Wehtern  "WAsniNOTON. 


tho  Xortliorn  I'liciflt;  riiilroiul  is  constnujtt'd  up  tho  Yakima  rivei', 
and,  liko  the  struam  ittsdf,  passes  tlivouj^li  the  numerous  valleys. 
This  section  yields  lar<,'e  erops  <tf  {g'niin,  hay,  hops,  vegetables  and 
fruits,  also  t<»l)a<'eo,  tiax,  hroom-ctorn  and  suj,'ar-eane.  It  has  a 
mild  elimate  and  fertile  soil." 

Tho  Palouse,  the  Spnkano  and  tho  Colville  conntrifs  ftre, 
in  one  way  and  another,  e(|ual  to  tho  Yakima.  Tho  Palouso 
will  produc3  much  more  grain,  but  Iosh  fruit,  and  .so  will  the 
Spokane.  And  tho  Colville  country  i.s  quite  rich  in  lead  and 
silver,  with  some  gold,  and  has  much  fertile  soil,  with  a  superior 
stock  range. 

But  the  Walla  Walla  country  is  naturally  tho  l)est  of  all 
tho  sections,  it  being  hardly  surpassed  anywhere  in  the  world 
as  a  general  farming  and  fruit  country. 

In  the  foothills  of  tho  Blue  mountains  tho  soil  was  eqral 
to  the  virgin  soil  of  Illinois,  and  the  climate  generally  much 
more  congenial  in  winter.  About  six  weeks  is  the  average 
time  that  the  ground  is  too  much  frozen  to  jilow.  It  catches 
more  of  the  warm  chinook  winds  than  any  other  section. 

Ai)ple  and  peach  trees  bear  in  three  years  from  the  seed, 
and  there  are  localities  where  corn,  melons,  tomatoes  and  other 
vines  grow  and  bear  in  great  abundance. 

The  Umatilla  section  in  Eastern  Oregon  is  considered  as 
belonging  to  the  Walla  Walla  country.  The  Grand  Rondo 
valley,  in  the  Bhie  mountains  in  Eastern  Oregon,  will  compare 
favorably  to  the  Palouse  country  in  Washington.  And  the 
Boise  country  in  Idaho  is  similar  to  the  Yakima  in  its  climate, 
soil  and  productions. 

Western  Oregon  is  very  similar,  though  larger  and 
superior  to  Western  Washington  ai  a  farming  country.  But 
it  is  older,  and  its  timber  and  mineral  resources  are  not  as 
great  as  those  of  Western  Wasllii^gton. 

Oregon  originally  embraced  the  whole  region  from  California 
Nevada  and  Utah  to  Alaska,  and  from  the  Pacific  ocean  to  the 
Eocky  mountains,  and  the  Columbia  river  was  named  "  Oregon." 

The  water  may  be  said  to  be  universally  good  throughout 
the  whole  Northwest. 

"  Where  rolls  the  Oregon,  and  hears  no  sound, 
Save  his  own  dashings." 


MuLTNOMA  Falls,  Columbla  iuyeu,  Oiieuon. 


^ 


I 


(125) 


\ 


i  M 


CHAPTER  X. 

History  of  settling  of  the  Walla  Walla  country. — Report  of  Government 
experts,  as  to  the  soil. — Packing  to  the  mines  of  Itlalio. — The  market 
ami  opiJortunities. — The  outlook  in  1870,  Avhen  I  lamlot'l  here. — The 
cotintry  grasped  by  its  throat  ;  the  Government  prostitutoil— lUOO 
miks  of  river  navigation  to  the  sea  strangled,  and  the  tribute  that 
was  levied. — The  resi;lt. — The  jn-omised  railroad. — First  land  claim 
I  located.— Life  in  the  beginning  of  a  home, — Dangers  and  drawbacks. 
— My  first  outfit. — Sell  my  claim. — Hunt  for  and  locate  another  in  a 
new  wild  section. — Description  of  it  and  the  locality, — My  Indian 
neighbors;  how  they  treated  the  first  wliite  men  they  ever  saw. — A 
homclniilder's  land  rights,  and  what  he  must  necessarily  endure.— 
Warned  of  the  perplexitie'i,  consi)iracies  and  treason  to  be  plauttnl  in 
the  way.— How  we  started  out  to  Iniild  a  good  and  spacious  home. — 
Our  house,  etc. — Travelling,  moving  and  camping  in  the  West. — '2') 
miles  to  blacksmith  shop,  etc. — The  "Egypt  "for  supplies. — Land 
claims  located  about  us  and  abandoned,  are  re-located  by  others 
time  and  again. — My  fii'st  crop. — Crickets  one  hundred  bushels  to 
the  acre. — So  that  we  are  left  alone  in  the  "  France  Settlement.  "^ — 
The  section  siirveyed  and  I  "file  my  claim." — Eaise  hogs. — The 
result. — Get  a  band  of  cattle. — Experience  on  the  range. — Getting 
roads  oi)ened. — First  railroad  in  Eastern  Washington. — Strugglmg 
for  a  livelihood  and  home. — How  I  managed. — Other  new  settlements 
and  people. — How  they  did. — "Land  hunters." — Prove  up,  pay  for 
and  get  patent  for  pre-emiitiou  claim,  and  t.ake  a  homestead  claim  ad- 
joining.— Copy  of  U.  S.  i^atent. — How  Ave  just  loi^ed  along  and  ahead 
of  the  coimtiy. — It  settles  up. — New  County  ;  towns,  etc.,  built. — 
Settlers  swindled.  —Build  school-hoi;se,  etc. ,  etc. 


1  HE  fiioL  oeitlements  iu  the  Columbia  and  Suake  river  basiu 
were  at,  or  near  Fort  Walla  Walla— afterwards  the  town  of 
Walla  Walla ;  ami  then  on  tho  through-road  and  pack-trails 
leading  from  Fort  Wallula—  on  the  Columbia  river — to  Walla- 
Walla,  and  thence  easterly— by  the  Avay  of  Lewiston — to  the 
mining  camps  and  military  posts  in  Idaho. 

The  ferryage  for  crossing  Snake  river  at  Lev/iston  was  six 
dollars  for  wagon  and  single  team,  and  one  dollar  each  for  rid- 
ing and  pack  animals.  And  during  the  rush  to  the  mines  the 
travel  was  so  great,  that  a  single  boat  could  hardly  carr}'  it;  at 
times  hundreds  had  to  wait  their  turn. 

These  western  ferrj'-boats  are  propelled  l)y  the  current  of 


The  "France  Settlement" 


127 


the  stream,  by  keeping  them  diiigonally  against  the  current  and 
iu  a  direct  course  by  guy  ropes,  attached  to  pulleys  I'olling  on  a 
wive  cable,  stretched  high  across  tlie  river. 

This  travel,  emigration  and  military  operations  afforded 
the  early  settlers  of  the  Walla  Walla  country  a  home  market  for 
many  years,  that  was  perhaps  never  surpassed  in  the  West. 
They  also  secured  the  most  desirable  spots  in  the  country  for 
permanent  homes — that  of  wooded  streams  with  prairie  bottoms. 

Some  of  these  first  settlers  got  their  start  by  digging  it  out 
of  the  rich  placers  of  Idaho  or  British  Columbia ;  others,  by 
working  at  such,  as  teaming  or  packing  to  the  mines,  either  on 
their  own  account,  or  by  wages,  at  sixty  to  one  hundred  dollars 
a  month ;  while  others  again  brought  it  with  them  across  the 
plains,  or  from  Oregon. 

Found  their  farm  wagons  worth  here  S'200  or  8300,  cows 
850  to  8100,  and  good  horses  and  mules  also  very  high,  and  a 
good  new  range. 

There  being  lai'ge  numbers  of  Indian  horses  already  here, 
such  and  half-breeds  were  cheap. 

Up  to  the  time  I  came  here  (1870),  Government  land  was 
offered  at  private  sale  to  anybody,  at  81.25,  greenbacks,  per 
acre,  and  as  much  as  they  wanted  and  could  pay  for.  On 
account  of  the  proximity  to  and  richness  of  the  mines,  money 
was  plenty;  a  good  market  was  afforded  (about  one  dollar  a 
pound  at  the  mines),  so  a  settler  with  a  broken  leg  made  a 
stake  out  of  an  onion  patch  he  tended  in  a  season  ;  wages  were 
high;  all  kinds  of  business  applicable  to  tlia  country  and  situ- 
ation, gave  large  returns,  and  the  miries  did  not  begin  to  fail  till 
18G5.  And,  until  it  became  thickly  settled  around  them,  they 
had  a  very  healthy  climate .  Never  before,  or  since,  did  home 
seekers  have  such  splendid  opportunities  as  the  Walla  Walla 
country  afforded  to  its  first  settlers.  Yet,  famed  and  titled, 
liigh-fiown  Government  experts,  with  l)ig  pay  and  ]K)mp,  had 
ollicially  reported,  after  expensive  examination,  that  this  whole 
Columbia  river  basin  was  Avorthless  for  agriculture. 

WL'^.^  i  came  here,  about  all  the  1;  nd  that  had  been  taken 
lip  iu  the  Walla  Walla  country  was  a  tract  adjacent  to  and  east 
of  Walla  Wa'lla;  that  which  bordered  on  the  'streams,  wlxore  it 
was  fertile  and  otherwise  suitable,  and  tlie  holknvs  and  level 


" 


i 


128 


Building  a  Home. 


spots  containing  springs  of  water  and  situated  on  the  road 
from  "Wallula  to  Lewiston. 

There  were  but  two  villages — Wall"  Walla  and  "Waitsburgh 
-  and  but  four  Post  Offices  in  all  the  region  of  Washington, 
that  lies  south  of  the  Columbia  and  Snake  rivers,  now  compris- 
ing four  quite  populous  counties,  but  then  all  belonging  to 
Walla  Walla  county  alone.  So  there  was  yet  plenty  of  vacant 
land  to  choose  from. 

But  the  fruitful  neighboring  mines  were  quite  worked  out, 
and  valleys  near  them  had  been  settled  and  put  in  cultivation 
to  supply  their  wants ;  so  these  markets  and  sources  of  money 
supply  were  mostly  gone ;  river  freights  were  so  high,  that  no 
produce  could  be  shipped  down  to  the  sea ;  the  great  Columbia 
and  Snake  river  basin  was  without  a  market,  and  times  were 
getting  hard  when  I  settled  in  the  country. 

This  Columbia  and  Snake  river  basin  is  quite  barred  iu 
from  the  sea  by  the  Cascade  mountains.  But  the  Columbia 
river  gorges  through  it,  making  a  good  natural  outlet  and  inlet 
to  and  from  the  sea,  which  could  have  been  made  available  and 
almost  free  to  the  people  at  a  comparative  slight  expense, 
by  Washington  or  Oregon,  or  both,  in  overcoming  some  rapids 
which  obstruct  navigation. 

The  available  ground  by  these  rapids  was  soon  acquired 
by  a  close  company  of  secret  brethren,  who — by  buildinj^ 
eighteen  miles  of  narrow-gauge  railway — were  allowed  to  hold 
the  whole  country  between  the  Rocky  and  Cascade  mountains 
by  the  throat,  and  levy  a  tribute  of  untold  millions  on  its 
people.  They  were  thus  taxed  fifty  to  one  hundred  dollars  per 
ton  on  all  tlieir  imports,  except  what  ./as  hauled  in  over  the 
mountains  on  wagons.  And  a  like  tribute  on  all  exports  to 
the  full  amount  each  kind  of  produce  could  pay,  and  continue 
to  be  produced. 

To  own  or  control  the  transportation  of  a  country,  is  to 
virtually  own  the  whole  business  of  it ;  because  such  owners 
can  thus  reap  all  of  the  profits  in  the  production  of  all  of  its 
produce.  What  more  could  they  yet  if  they  were  i  ride  (hunts  and 
Dukes  and  sole  proprietors  of  the  land  and  people? 

The  tribute  paid  to  these  brethren  by  the  United  States 
Government  alone,  for  the  passage  through  their  custom  house 


Thf  "France  Settlement." 


129 


gate,  of  military  supplies,  etc.,  would  have  more  than  built 
these  eighteen  miles  of  narrow-gauge  railroad,  worked  a  great 
saving  to  the  Government,  and  afforded  to  the  inhabitants  of  the 
country  the  utility  of  about  1000  miles  of  navigable  rivers; 
which  would  be  better  than  the  same  number  of  miles  of  rail- 
road built  and  given  to  the  people. 

And  the  money  overpaid  to  this  charitable  (?)  ring  in  but 
a  few  (of  the  many)  years  by  the  people,  would  have  thus 
opened  these  rivers,  and  besides  have  grid-ironed  the  country 
with  narrow-gauge  railroads  to  them. 

But  the  people,  not  being  advanced  beyond  the  claptrap- 
catchwords  of  "  Democrat "  and  "  Republican  "  (both  meaning 
the  gang),  allowed  brethren  in  the  ring  to  hold  office  to  the 
extent  that  nothing  was  ever  accomplished  against  its  interests 
and  for  the  people's  general  welfare. 

Finally  (1876)  to  hold  out  false  hopes  to  the  people — so 
they  would  not  rebel  and  would  continue  to  vote  for  the 
brethren,  and  to  further  fill  their  pockets — the  general  Govern- 
ment was  caused  to  commence  a  $5,000,000  or  $6,000,000  lock- 
canal  around  the  obstructions,  which  has  been  used  as  a  blind 
for  big  appropriations  by  Congress  to  enrich  the  gang, — there 
being  comparatively  little  work  done  to  open  the  river. 

There  has  never  been  an  editor  in  all  this  upper  country, 
who  dared  to  give  the  true  secret  inwardness  of  this  nefarious 
job  of  clutching  by  the  throat  and  choking  off  from  the  people, 
for  on^^  or  two  generations,  a  thousand  miles  of  navigable 
river  ;i  tU;)t  drain  a  fertile  grain  and  mineral  producing  country, 
th'xi  ii.  its  natural  resources  is  only  surpassed  by  that  drained 
b}  thi  ^Mississippi  and  its  tributaries.  And  when  the  Govern- 
luec*  frt-Tier  tjy  speut  as  much  money  as  was  needed  to  utilize 
all  this  on  single  wagon  road  4  and  trails  that  were  of  little  use. 
And  the  Washington  and  Oregon  Legislatures  (of  brethren) 
squandered  away  as  much  at  single  sessions. 

When  the  markets  of  the  mines  failed  to  be  equal  to  the 
supply,  and  the  natural  channel  of  trade  to  the  sea  aad  the 
woT'ld  being  still  in  the  hands  and  power  of  a  foreign — "  mogul 
)i  /  ,  " — secret  government,  that  had  its  custom  house  in  the 
Oil  i  ass  of  the  country,  and  was  stabbing  our  Government 
into    .  bmitision,  the  settlers  had  to  do  as  the  Indians  had  done 


4 


if 


I 


i  Mm 


i 

1; 
t 

130 


BuiLDiNo  A  Home. 


before — go  into  stock  raising.  This  demand  for  stock  cattle 
kept  their  price  up,  until  the  time  I  came  here,  (1870)  when, 
there  being  a  surplus,  they  gradually  fell  to  half  or  one-third 
of  the  former  price.  A  man  bought  a  lot  of  yearlings  at  that 
time  at  twenty  dollars  a  head,  and  sold  them  three  or  four 
years  later  for  the  same  price — their  growth  just  equalled  their 
decline. 

The  country  was  on  this  downward  turn  when  I  settled  in 
it.  Thoiigh  the  people  were  hopeful  that  they  would  dislodge 
the  mystic  pirates  on  the  river ;  that  the  N.  P.  railroad,  or  some 
other  would  be  speedily  built  to  Puget  Sound,  and  the  people 
be  permitted  to  ^j-osper.  ""Where  every  prospect  pleases  and 
only  man  is  vile. 

The  land  claim  .  ad  located,  was  a  mostly  level  and  fer- 
tile one-quarter  section  of  prairie,  with  a  good  spring  and 
building  site  by  it,  and  it  was  adjacent  to  the  "Walla  Walla  and 
Lewistou  road  noted  before.  But  it  was  fourteen  miles  from 
timber  and  wood ;  on  which  accoiint  my  means  were  scant  to  do 
the  necessary  fencing,  building,  breaking,  etc.,  to  afford  a  living 
without  working  for  others  at  least  fourteen  miles  away;  as 
nothing  could  be  raised  on  the  place  for  a  year  or  tAvo,  and 
perhaps  no  profit  the  third  or  fourth. 

There  are  many  expenses  to  meet  all  the  time  in  making  a 
home,  though  no  help  be  employed,  and  accidents  will  occur. 
One  little  one  is  enough  to  break  a  settler  all  up,  if  it  throws 
him  into  the  hands  and  power  of  a  lawyer  or  doctor.  It  being 
secretly  fixed  with  the  courts  of  justice  (?),  that  either  can  get 
or  spoil  all  that  the  victim  has,  though  known  to  be  guilty  of 
inhuman  deceit  and  malpractice.  Thus  do  so  many  blacklegs 
thrive  and  homebaiiders  fail.  And  the  necessary  outfit  of 
team,  wagon,  harness,  plow,  harrow,  feed,  seed,  tools,  grub,  etc., 
to  work  with,  costs  quite  a  sum. 

Of  course,  one  expects  to  get  along  for  years  with  the  kind 
of  a  house,  furnitui'e,  out-buildings,  etc.,  that  he  can  build  him- 
self, by  perhaps  exchanging  work  with  his  neighbor,  if  he  has 
any,  wherein  one  cannot  work  to  advantage  alone.  Nor  can  he 
spend  much  time  in  them  either,  as  he  has  so  much  other  work, 
such   as  breaking,  fencing,  hauling,  etc.,  etc.,  that  must  be 


of 


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4 


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132 


Building  a  Home. 


'  i    :                      ; ' 

^    1        'I 

'I    i 

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i 
t 

- 

pushed  ahead,  or  he  will  be  overtaken  by  the  hounds,  and 
never  make  a  living  on  the  place. 

The  situation  must  be  looked  in  the  face,  and  fully  com- 
prehended without  blinking,  and  any  regard  for  fashion  or 
appearance  to  others  spurned. 

My  first  team  was  of  wild,  half-breed  Indian  horses ;  would 
have  to  catch  them  with  a  lasso,  and  they  would  snort,  buck 
and  kick  to  a  wagon.  And  such  a  wagon  !  It  was  like  those 
scattered  about  to  adorn  (?)  the  lawn  of  a  blacksmith  shop. 
But  I  built  3000  rails  for  it  all  the  same ;  not  on  account  of  its 
beauty,  but  to  put  off  the  greater  expense  of  two  hundred 
dollars  for  a  new  one,— the  secret  charitable  (?)  pirates  at  the 
river  charging  a  tariff  of  fifty  or  seventy-five  dollars  on  a 
wagon ;  and  so  a  plow  cost  thirty  or  forty  dollars ;  and  on  hard 
wood,  so  that  an  axle  tree,  tongue,  etc.,  cost  ten  or  fifteen  dollars 
each.  A  man  paid  eighty-five  dollars  to  have  a  common  farm 
wagon  repaired. 

Kemen.ber  gr>ing  to  a  fourth  of  July  celebration  and  on 
other  business,  and  when  I  went  to  hitch  up,  found  the  double 
and  whiffle  trees  had  been  used  and  left  at  a  distance,  when 
with  an  ax,  piece  of  a  rail  and  picket  rope,  I  made  another  set 
in  a  very  few  minutes  for  the  occasion.  Such  was  the  outfit  we 
went  about  with  to  keep  ahead  of  the  hounds,  when  not  on 
horseback,  in  building  a  home  and  competency,  and  it  took  two 
packs  of  ravenous,  blood-thirsty  bloodhounds,  and  the  prosti- 
tution of  the  Government,  to  hound,  intrigue,  stab^and  ring  us 
down. 

"We  would  jest  and  ridicule  with  those  so  disposed  at  our 
outfit,  or  anything  of  the  kind,  and  hold  it  to  be  a  new  fashion, 
soon  to  be  imitated  by  all ;  which  happened  to  be  about  so, 
when,  having  cut  the  bush  of  my  horses'  tails  square  off  for  an 
attractive  mark  I  had  never  seen  or  heard  of,  that  I  would 
more  surely  hear  of  them  when  they  strayed  away ;  for  after- 
wards this  mark  became  the  fashion  of  the  world,  and  men 
adopted  it  for  its  beauty,  who  had  ridiculed  it  to  me  as  ugly 
and  detestible. 

Not  having  means  enough  to  go  ahead  to  advantage  on  a 
claim  so  distant  from  timber  and  wood,  and  hearing  of  a  fertile 
prairie  and  timber  country  at  the  head  of  the  Alpowa,  about 


Uif,, . 

1 

The  "France  Settle.uENT." 


133 


twenty-five  miles  away,  where  "  there  were  natural  meadows  of 
clover,"  and  situated  nearer  Snake  river  (the  prospective 
market)  and  Lewiston  (the  best  present  market),  and  through 
which  were  Indian  trails  and  a  shorter  route  for  a  through-road 
from  Walla  Walla  to  Lewiston  and  beyond,  I  went  to  see 
about  it. 

Passing  over  an  extensive  stretch  of  unsettled,  rich,  up- 
land prairie,  bordering  on  Padet  creek  to  the  west  and  Tu-Cau- 
yon  to  the  east  -  striking  the  Indian  trails — then  going  down 
into  the  big,  deep  Canyon,  crossing  its  wooded  bottom  and 
stream  up  towards  the  mountain ;  then  up  and  over  the  brakes 
on  the  trails  ;  over  another  stretch  of  high  in  altitude,  but  pro- 
mising prairie,  reaching  south  to  the  mountain,  and  east  and 
north  to  the  breaks  of  the  Pataha  (Pa-tdh-hti  prairie).  Settle- 
ment on  both  of  these  up-land  sections  had  lately  been  com- 
menced, and  two  or  three  houses  built  on  each. 

You  see  now,  that  the  "sections"  and  settlements  are 
separated  by  canyons  and  gorges,  and  the  rough,  rocky  breaks 
bordering  thereon. 

FolloAving  the  Nez-Perce  trails  (as  did  Lewis  and  Clarke 
the  same  in  1804)  down  and  across  the  Pataha  gorge  and  creek, 
where  it  forks ;  then  on  a  ridge,  between  the  Pataha  and  breaks 
of  the  head  of  the  Alpowa,  for  four  miles,  and  here  lay  the  spot 
I  was  looking  for. 

It  is  likewise  high  in  altitude,  but  is  interspersed  with 
belts  and  groves  of  timber — of  pine,  intermingled  with  fir, 
tamerack  and  cottonwood,  (giA'ing  this  tract  of  country  a  pleas- 
ing, park-like  appearance,  in  striking  contrast  with  the  treeless 
expanse  on  three  sides,  as  far  as  the  eye  can  reach — a  view  of 
fifty  miles),  with  prairies  intervening,  that  are  unlike  in  ex- 
tent, evenness  and  fertility  ;  they  being  partly  arable,  and  partly 
pasture  lands. 

Of  course,  there  were  no  roads  across  the  gulches ;  it  was 
as  scantily  watered  as  other  sections  ;  the  clover  meadows  were 
a  delusion ;  no  post-office,  school-house,  blacksmith  shop, 
sawmill,  grist-mill,  or  store  nearer  than  twenty-four  to  thirty 
miles  by  trail,  and  forty  to  fifty  by  wagon  road.  And  there 
was  nothing  of  the  kind  this  side  of  the  big  Tu-Cauyon  or  Snake 


I 
1 


|!'        t 


134 


Building  a  Home. 


river — with  its  six  dollars  ferriage  to  Lewiston.      And  there 
was  no  grist-mill  at  Lewiston. 

"  Alpowai "  is  Indian  for  "  Spring  Creek."  It  empties  into 
Snake  river.  Two  missionaries— Dr.  Whitman  and  Spaulding 
— 8t()pi>ed  a  short  time  at  the  mouth  of  this  stream  on  their 
arrival  from  the  States  to  this  coast,  in  1837,  when  they  planted 
some  apple  seeds  here  for  the  Indians.  From  these  seeds  have 
grown  some  very  large,  fruitful  and  famed  trees — living  monu- 
ments of  good  men,  and  the  oldest  mark  of  civilization  in  the 
Walla  Walla  country,  if  not  in  the  North-west.  Twenty-five  or 
thirty  Nez-Perce  Indians  still  (1889)  live,  farm  and  raise  stock 
on  the  lower  creek.  But  the  "  Old  Indian  Orchard "  is  not 
theirs  anymore.  They  long  ago  renounced  their  tribal  relations 
and  are  good  citizens. 

At  one  time  they  loaned  some  horses  to  volunteers,  to  fight 
hostile  Indians,  for  which  they  never  got  any  pay  or  even  the 
animals  back.  And  when  Colonel  Steptoe  and  his  force  got 
whipped  by  hostiles  beyond  the  river— in  1858  -  old  Timothy 
led  them  out  of  a  death  trap,  and,  with  the  other  creek  Indians, 
ferried  them  across  the  river  in  the  night — thus  saving  the 
lives  of  over  a  hundred  men,  and  for  which  the  cowardly-ingrate 
Steptoe  never  even  said  "  thank  you." 

Timothy's  wife  died  recently  (1889),  aged  ninety -five  years; 
she  remembered  Lewis  and  Clark  quite  well,  and  how  vv'ell  they 
were  entertained  by  her  people.  The  oldest  Nez-Perces  revere 
the  memory  of  Lewis  and  Clark,  as  the  first  white  men  they 
ever  saAv  (1804). 

At  the  time  of  this  land  hunting  t^-ip  (1871),  when  I  located 
rny  place,  there  were  five  or  six  white  men  living  on  the  Asotin 
creek,  twelve  to  twenty  miles  to  the  south-east,— only  one  of 
whom  had  a  wagon — but  there  was  not  a  white  woman  in  what 
is  now  Asotin  county.  Jerry  McGuire,  Noble  Henry  and  Wm. 
Hopwood  were  the  first  settlers,  I  believe.  Joseph  Harris  and 
Dan  Faver  lived  on  the  Alpowai  creek,  Dudley  Sti'ain  on  the 
Alpowa-ridge-prairie  (which  lies  between  the  Alpowa  and  Pa- 
taha).  The  latter  was  soon  joined  by  Mr.  Harris,  who  had  a 
band  of  cattle  to  help  them  out.  They  and  their  families 
(eight  miles  away)  were  our  nearest  permanent  neighbors  for 


I     J, 


The  "France  Settlement. 


135 


several  years,  and,  happily,  they  were  good  and  useful  oues  in 
times  of  need. 

The  foregoing,  with  the  fifteen  ot  twenty  men  living  on  the 
Pataha  creek  and  prairie  to  the  north-west,  constituted  the  po- 
pulation of  the  region  between  Tu-Canyon,  Snake  river  and  the 
Oregon  line — now  forming  two  quite  populous  counties. 

There  was,  indeed,  a  branch  Indian  trail  route— up  the  Pa- 
det  creek  through  this  park-like  tract  (at  the  head  of  the  Al})o- 
wai)  -  to  Lewiston  and  the  Asotin  country,  and  no  practical 
route  across  the  Alpowa  between  this  and  the  other  one,  (that 
I  tviivelled  sixty  miles  on  when  I  came  to  the  country  and 
stopped  in  the  "  Upper  Tou-chet "  section),  and  to  the  south 
are  the  Blue  mountains.  But  to  make  a  wagon  road  across 
Tu-Cauyon  and  the  Pataha  required  a  great  deal  of  work,  which 
could  not  be  done  until  the  country  along  the  route  was  some- 
what settled  up.  And  there  was  road  work  to  do  in  crossing 
the  wooded  gulches  here. 

In  one  of  these  gulches,  where  the  trail  crossed  it,  there 
flowed,  for  a  quarter  of  a  mile  or  more,  the  principal  spring, 
or  springs  of  water  for  several  miles  around,  and  fertile  prairie 
laud  lay  more  adjacent  to  this  spring,  than  to  any  other,  that 
would  afford  water  for  so  large  a  band  of  stock  and  for  other 
business. 

Here  was  "  water,  wood  and  grass,"  with  a  good  sheltered 
building  place,  joined  to  land  ready  for  the  plow  ;  which  is 
joined  by  enough  more  laud  that  is  destitute  of  water,  so  as  not 
to  be  valuable  to  others,  on  which  I  could  lay  my  other  land 
rights,  or  buy,  so  as  to  have  enough  for  a  spacious  home  and 
business,  to  justify  the  pioneering  and  toil  necessary  to  under- 
go in  the  building  of  a  home  alone  in  a  wilderness. 

The  Government  justly  gave  to  the  pioneers  of  Oregon  and 
Western  Washington  claims  of  6^0  acres  of  rich  bottom  and 
prairie  lands,  bordering  on  rivers  flowing  unfettered  to  the  sea; 
and  it  was  death  to  a  jumper.  Patents  to  8000  such  "donation 
claims ''  were  issued.  Yet,  when  I  had  more  surely  earned,  r  id 
obtained  by  subsequent  and  more  exacting  laws,  a  less  tract  of 
land  in  a  back  wilderness,  bottled  up  aud  strangled  from  the 
sea  by  the  gang,  the  grasping,  black-leg,  midnight,  blood-suck- 
ing hounds  held  it  to  be  death-deserving,  to  hold  and  enjoy  it. 


m 


i( 


136 


Building  a  Home. 


n 


I;. 


l!  f « 


Thia  I  will  prove  in  one  place  and  another  so  plain  and  posi- 
tively,  that  none  biit  a  contemptible,  villainous  thief  will  dis- 
pute it. 

After  looking  around,  I  laid  the  customary  "  foundation," 
(four  poles  in  a  square)  by  the  big  spring  of  my  hopeful  desire, 
and  posted  a  notice  that  I  hereby  claimed  it,  with  a  quarter 
section  of  land  about  it,  October,  1871. 

This  land  being  then  unsurveyed,  it  could  not  be  designated 
and  filed  on  at  the  Land  office,  which  was  at  Walla  Walla.  Nor 
could  one  tell,  within  forty  rods,  where  his  lines  would  be,  till 
it  was  surveyed.  As  the  claim  I  had  located  before  was  also 
on  unsurveyed  land,  I  therefore  had  not  used,  or  lost  any  land- 
right  in  locating  and  disposing  of  it.  So  I  had  the  pre-emption 
and  homestead  rights  to  use  here,  and  the  timber  culture  and 
desert  land  rights  left  to  use  elsewhere,  if  I  so  desired. 

There  were  a  few  other  claims  taken  in  this  locality  about 
this  time  by  others,  and  more  the  following  summer,  but  they 
were  all  abandoned  in  a  year  or  two,  after  more  or  less  work. 
For  this  locality  was  so  far  away  from  supplies,  that  had  to  be 
hauled  by  such  a  round-about  way,  or  packed  in  by  the  Indian 
trail,  and  there  being  no  one  anywhere  near,  who  was  able  to 
give  employment  to  those  short  of  means,  necessary  to  meet 
expenses  and  go  ahead  with  their  improvements ;  with  every- 
thing to  buy  at  big  prices,  and  nothing  to  sell,  it  vas  a  hard 
struggle  to  get  along. 

There  was  a  surplus  produced  on  the  Pataha  creek,  along 
the  road  ;  but  oats,  barley  and  potatoes  were  two  or  three  cents 
a  pound ;  hogs,  eight  cents  gross,  and  wheat,  one  dollar  a 
bushel.  And  this  in  the  face  of  a  limited  and  declining 
market.  Prices  got  less  towards  Walla  Walla— which  was  the 
Egypt  of  the  new  settlements  -  and  greater  towards  the  mines 
of  Idaho  and  British  Columbia. 

A  future  market  depended  on  a  river  or  rail  outlet  to  the 
sea,  and  on  a  numerous  immigration,  that  must  consume  before 
they  could  produce. 

The  prices  of  merchandise  were  between  that  of  a  settled 
farming  country  and  a  mining  camp.  My  store  bills  for  seven 
years,  after  we  were  married,  run  from  $150  to  $350  a  year. 

However,  thinking  that  what  by  our  ability,  industry  and 


get 


The  "France  Settlement." 


137 


economy  we  honestly  earned,  we  could  hold  and  enjoy  in 
peace,  we  concluded  to  go  to  work  and  build  a  good  and  spacious 
liome  here,  and  we  went  at  it  full  of  hope  and  ambition,  to 
succeed  in  the  face  of  both  ridicule  and  earnest  advice. 

One  who  did  not  toil  or  spin,  yet  gathered  in  other  people's 
barns  and  things,  impressed  me  with  other  and  easier  ways  to 
get  a  competency,  than  such  a  hard  and  homely  way.  "There 
are  other  ways  for  you  to  get  along,  better  than  by  work — 
whatever  you  do,  let  such  work  be  the  very  Ixist  thing  to  think 
of  doing,"  he  said.  And  he  warned  me  of  the  tangled  meshes 
of  perplexity,  and  the  treacherous,  deadly  mire  of  grim  con- 
spiracy and  treason,  that  is  masked  and  planted  in  the  way,  to 
stab,  bleed,  ravage  and  murder  the  homebuilder;  examples  of 
wliich  will  be  given  in  other  chapters. 

True,  I  had  some  business  ability  and  experience  in  the 
real  and  living  world,  and  by  linking  in  with  the  gang  that 
prostitutes  the  courts,  could  have  acquired  larger  tracts  of 
laud  and  ready  made  homes  without  any  toil,  as  so  many 
charitable  brethren  do.  There  were  others  with  ridicule  or 
advice,  who  had  not  ability  enough  to  make  a  living  for  them- 
selves. 

But  no  one  questioned  our  rigid  to  build,  hold  and  enjoy 
a  home  here  if  we  could ;  and  certainly  no  one  then  envied  the 
prospect  or  place.  Some  declared  they  "  would  not  settle  in  that 
neck  of  woods  for  a  deed  to  a  township  of  land."  But,  having 
no  responsible  guardian,  I  went  ahead  and  laid  in  a  supply  of 
necessary  implements,  tools,  etc. ;  grain  for  feed  and  seed  ;  a 
few  hundred  feet  oi  lumber;  a  year's  supply  of  grub,  clothing, 
etc. ;  settled  up  my  accounts ;  gathered  up  my  stock — in  which 
our  start  thus  far  mostly  consisted ;  parted  from  what  little 
civilization  there  was,  and  went  to  work  on  the  place. 

Our  house  was  a  log  cabin,  neither  spacious  nor  elegant, 
but  being  the  best  we  had  ever  owned,  it  seemed  to  us  to  be 
both  spacious  and  elegant.  And  the  furniture  would  have  sold 
for  not  more  than  $2.50  in  a  town. 

But,  "  the  house  and  home  of  every  one  should  be  to  him 
as  his  castle  and  fortress,  as  well  for  his  defense  against  injury 
and  violence,  as  for  his  repose. " 


r 


i 


m 


138 


Building  a  Home. 


Il< 


"  Tho  true  test  of  liberty  is  in  the  practical  enjoyment  o. 
protection  in  the-  riglit. 

"Where  tlie  same  laws  extend  to  all  the  citizens  of  diifer- 
ent  denominations;  where  the  poorest  claims  obtain  redress 
against  the  strongest ;  where  his  person  and  proi)erty  is  secure 
from  every  insnlt  within  the  limits  assigned  to  him  by  the 
known  laws  of  his  country." 

Thus  we  started  out  on  the  rugged  road — that  not  one  in 
fifty  travels  over  successfully — without  pomp  or  assistance,  but 
full  of  love  and  hope,  agreeing  in  all  things,  truly  in  earnest  to 
succeed,  and  asking  no  favors  of  men. 

Nor  were  we  at  all  dismayed  by  any  such  stumbling  blocks 
as  the  first,  cast  in  our  way  at  the  critical  outset — the  worse 
than  stealing  of  a  few  hundred  paltry  dollars  in  property,  that 
was  an  absolute  gift  and  heritage  to  a  child  from  her  grand- 
mother, greatly  enlarged  by  her  own  skillful  endeavors. 

In  travelling  in  the  West,  as  in  moving,  etc.,  one  carries 
picket-ropes,  grain,  grub  and  blankets  and  camp  out,  because 
money  can  be  more  easily  saved  in  this  way,  than  made  by 
working  ;  and,  except  an  occasional  ranch  on  a  main  road 
such  accommodation,  houses  of  any  kind  are  not  often  avail 
even  in  a  storm.  But  witli  a  good  outfit  and  agreeable  com- 
pany, camping  out  can  be  made  enjoyable. 

The  plows  in  the  west  are  of  steel,  and  must  be  frequently 
sharpened  by  a  blacksmith.  The  nearest  one  for  me  during 
the  first  season  was  twenty-five  miles  away.  He  used  bark, 
not  having  time  to  burn  coal ;  he  was  a  skillful  mechanic,  and 
Sam  Miller  was  a  good  man.  After  this  there  was  a  black- 
smith but  eight  miles  away.  When  my  plow  got  dull,  would 
hitch  on  two  more  horses— making  five  or  six — to  stave  oil' 
such  trips. 

But  the  hauling  of  supplies  from  the  nearest  '  Egypt,' 
over  long  and  often  bridgeless  and  otherwise  almost  impassable 
roads,  to  a  new  settlement,  is  a  great  drawback.  And  when 
this  is  prolonged  by  failure  of  crops,  by  insect  or  other  pests, 
it  is  so  costly  and  discouraging,  that  many  fall  back. 

The  claims  about  us  that  had  been  abandoned  were  soon 
relocated  by  other  men,  who  added  somewhat  to  the  improve- 
ments on  the  same.     But  in  the  following  spring  these  settlers 


Vable 

,heu 

jests, 

30on 
I'ove- 
tlevs 


'  1  ' 


!( 


'il  {I 


(139, 


140 


Building  a  Home. 


1m  ^i 


m ! 


i  L  ir 


11 


took  spells  of  gazing  intently  at  the  ground.  An  old  prospector 
—passing  through  on  the  trail  for  a  season's  prospect  in  Idaho, 
with  his  pack  mule  following  like  a  dog— inquired  of  one  of 
these  gazing  homebuilders,  "  have  you  struck  a  color,  pard  ?  " 

But  he  gets  no  reply  or  notice ;  and  no  wonder,  the  ground 
is  indeed  "  lousy." 

The  homebuilder  from  Kansas — as  he  gazes  at,  kicks  and 
stamps  the  fertile  soil — is  heard  to  mutter  "  Grasshoppers,  by 
G-d!" 

His  past  experience  loomed  before  him  like  a  hideous 
dream.  Heretofore  he  could  mortgage  his  home  for  a  little  of 
something  that  was  portable,  and  skip  to  the  trackless  West. 
But  there  was  liobody  to  invest  anything  in  such  a  prospect,  as 
was  here,  and  the  trackless  West  was  about  run  down. 

A  company  of  Nez-Perce  Indians  rode  carelessly  and 
happily  by  on  the  trail ;  they  were  well-mounted,  also  well  fed 
and  clothed,  and  had  as  good  a  home  as  the  homebuilder. 
They  were  going  to  some  camas  or  kowsh  ground,  where  a  sort 
of  wild  potatoe  grows  in  abundance  and  variety,  and  where 
fresh  meat  could  be  had  for  the  killing.  In  a  month  they 
would  take  a  fishing  excursion,  and  it  was  all  a  pic-nic. 

As  they  pass  along,  the  Indians,  perhaps,  discuss  the  white 
man's  boasted  civilization,  and  point  out  examples  to  their 
children.  Be  this  as  it  may,  the  Kansas  and  Washington 
homebuilder  looks  up  at  them  and  wonders  why  he  never  had 
the  common  sense  of  an  Indian. 

The  hoppers  turned  out  to  be  big,  black  crickets,  though  as 
destructive  as  grasshoppers,  and  often  more  so,  many  men 
wasting  a  great  deal  of  time  in  ditching  and  otherwise  fighting 
against  them.     This  was  in  1873. 

That  spring  I  had  twenty  acres  into  grain — on  land  I  had 
broke  the  spring  before  —  and  a  big  garden.     My  first  crop. 

Had  also  a  good  start  of  expensive  stock-hogs  ;  8000  rails 
into  fejce  ;  and  had  set  out  an  orchard  of  about  200  trees  ;  and 
had  done  a  good  deal  of  road  work. 

I  commenced  to  ditch  against  the  crickets,  but  finding  it 
useless,  gave  up  my  whole  ci  op  to  them  without  a  whimper. 
Some  people  haven't  sense  enough  to  know  vlieu  they  are 
whipped.    They  overcrept  the  land  more  or  less,  for  fifty  miles 


iv 


The  "France  Settlement." 


141 


around,  taking  the  gardens,  except  peas  and  potatoes,  and  the 
small  crops  of  the  new  settlers.  The  large  fields  of  grain  of 
the  old  settlers,  being  more  than  a  supply  for  them,  were  only 
partially  destroyed. 

While  I  went  straight  to  breaking  twenty  acres  more 
prairie  for  a  bigger  crop  next  year.  I  was  the  only  one  in  this 
section  that  did  so ;  and  in  a  few  months  was  the  only  man 
living  on  his  claim,  in  the  now  known  as  the  "  France  Settle- 
ment."    And  nobody  yet  envied  me  my  possession. 

The  crickets  left  us  potatoes  and  peas,  that  they  did  not 
like,  and  enough  grain  to  winter  the  thirty-five  head  of  hogs, 
that  promised  to  give  us  a  lift  the  following  year.  The  pest 
was  an  all  summer's  feast  to  them. 

I  cradled  over  all  of  the  twenty  acres,  and  Miauled  and 
stacked  the  grain  alone.  The  same  summer  and  fall  this 
section  of  country,  6x12  miles — two  townships— was  sur- 
veyed, as  near  as  essential,  into  forty  acre-square  tracts. 

So  now  I  could  lay  my  place  definitely  by  the  lines,  and  file 
i.  y  claim  to  it  at  the  land  office,  after  some  months,  when  the 
office  got  ready  for  it. 

A  portion  of  my  field  curned  out  to  be  on  a  "School 
section,"  (th&re  beinp;  two  such  in  each  township)  but  having 
settled  before  the  survey,  could  therefore  hold  my  claim  as  it 
was,  except  that  I  must  draw  in  or  push  out  to  the  survey 
lines.  Could  take  four  forty-acre  tracts,  but  they  must  be  con- 
nected and  butt  square  against  each  other.  Could  do  this  and 
form  the  claim  either  in  a  half  mile  square ;  a  mile  long  and 
one-quarter  wide ;  in  the  shape  of  a  T,  L,  or  Z  :  whichever 
would  take  in  the  most  desirable  land. 

However,  as  there  was  a  law- -that  was  being  generally 
availed  of  in  the  old  settlements— for  leasing  such  school 
sections,  in  v.hole  or  in  part,  at  a  nominal  sum ;  and  as  this 
tract  waa  entirely  destitute  of  water,  so  that  it  Avould  be  of 
little  comparative  value  to  others,  I  did  not  file  on  any  of  it, 
thinking  that  hereafter  I  could  lease,  and  afterwards  buy— if  it 


1 

HH 

1 

Mm 

142 


Building  a  Home. 


I 


I  ill  fit 


W-i 


was  sold — such  portion  as  I  might  need  in  my  business,  and 
was  able  to  pay  for  according  to  present  and  future  laws.  I 
could  get  a  few  acres  of  laud  in  the  garden  of  California,  on  a 
clam  beach  on  Puget  Sound,  or  in  the  Sandwich  Islands — 
enough  for  a  bare  living.  But,  of  course,  I  wanted  land 
enough  for  a  desirable  home  and  a  profitable  business  and  for 
my  children.  What  else  was  I  here  for  ?  What  other  induce- 
ment was  there  to  pioneer  in  a  back  wilderness  while  it  would 
produce  nothing  but  big,  black,  hungry  crickets — a  hundred 
bushels  to  the  acre  !  Nobody  wanted  to  murder  me  then  for 
my  possessions !  Even  the  Indians  looked  on  me  with  com- 
passion as  I  struggled  along,  and  they  never  did  us  any  harm, 
with  all  their  opportunities  to  do  so. 

While  I  was  thus  earning  a  competency,  members  of  the 
charitable  (?)  gangs  were  conspiring  tc  steal  school  and  other 
lands  by  the  section  and  township,  as  will  hereafter  appear. 
And  that  they  were  held  up  for  admiration  by  high  officials 
who  conspired  to  murder  me  by  inches  in  cold  blood  1 

Not  finding  it  profitable  to  raise  crickets  and  grain  at  the 
same  time,  I  thought  I  would  try  to  make  something  out  of 
the  famous  bunch  grass  range.  So  that  summer  (1873)  I  got  a 
band  of  over  100  stock  cattle  to  keep  on  shares  for  half  the  in- 
crease. But  learned  by  the  following  spring  that  the  range 
for  cattle  was  greatly  over-rated,  except  for  those  having  secret 
influence  at  court,  so  they  can  make  their  losses  good  from 
other  people's  bands  with  impunity.  I  had  provided  feed  on 
the  range  where  the  cattle  were  running,  and  fed  those  that 
were  unable  to  rustle.  Though  it  was  a  moderate  winter,  and 
theve  was  grass  in  sight  all  the  time,  but  few  of  them  did  well 
on  the  range.  So  I  traded  the  business  off  for  six  good  milch 
cows  with  calves,  and  having  two,  made  eight  cows,  or  sixteen 
head  of  my  own. 

The  man  I  traded  with  made  nothing  out  of  the  band. 

Whenever  a  snow  storm  set  in  I  straddled  a  horse  and 
struck  out  over  the  range — five  to  fifteen  miles  away — to  see  to 
the  cattle. 


ii 


The  "France  Settlement." 


143 


It  is  a  pitiful  sight  one  sees  in  riding  over  these  western 
stock  ranges  in  winter.  Cattle  gather  in  on  streams  and 
ravines  for  shelter  and  water,  where  they  will  stay  and  starve 
for  feed  rather  than  strike  out  and  climb  for  the  bare  wind- 
ward side  of  the  hills,  or  when  they  are  on  the  leeward  side 
of  a  hill  or  gorge,  where  the  sun  strikes  with  good  effect  and 
keeps  the  grass  pretty  bare  of  snow,  they  will  stay  here  and 
starve  for  water,  and  then  go  to  the,  perhaps  frozen-up,  creek, 
where,  if  the  water  happens  to  be  open,  they  will  drink  to 
excess,  and  then  stop  in  the  brush  and  trees — if  any  there  be — 
and  starve  for  grass.  If  no  water,  they  moan  and  die  for  a 
drink.  The  feed  near  watering  places  is  always  eaten  off  close 
in  summer.  It  is  here  that  cattle  largely  pine,  are  cast,  and 
die  ;  here  they  battle  the  fates  and  each  other  like  men ;  half  a 
dozen  big,  long-horned  steers  gore  a  single  crippled,  weakly 
animal  down  or  fast  in  a  drift  of  snow  or  wood,  because  it  does 
not  belong  to  their  band  or  clan.  I  found  a  cow  thus  wedged 
into  a  clump  of  trees  and  hanging  by  the  hips  with  her  knees 
down  the  bank  on  the  ice,  and  her  calf  bleating  pitifully  near 
by.  One  sees  many  calves  bleating  in  despair,  pining  and 
dying  by  their  cast,  dying  and  dead  mothers,  while  clans  of 
wolves  are  barking  and  feasting  on  their  quivering  misery,  like 
clans  of  human  kine.  Cattle  gather  in  on  the  Columbia,  Snake 
and  other  rivers,  inflamed  and  crazed  with  burning  thirst, 
3rowd  out  on  the  ice  for  an  opening  in  the  stream,  when  the 
ice  breaks  and  they  are  drowned— whole  bands  at  a  time. 

Early  in  the  spring,  before  many  owners  know  what  the 
winter  has  left,  cattlemen  of  the  clan  that  rules  tlte  court, 
strike  out  and  gather  up  about  everything  that  can  travel, 
drive  them  out  of  the  country  -  often  to  British  Columbia — and 
sell  out,  to  do  it  again  and  again.  But  when  one,  who  has 
been  but  a  hired  hand  for  these  gentry,  steals  but  a  few  head 
on  his  oicn  account,  he  is  branded  as  a  "  cattle  thief,"  his  prop- 
erty divided  among  the  court  gang,  and  he  is  sent  to  the  peni- 
tentiary for  five  or  ten  years. 

The  sur^  )y  plats  being  received  at  the  local  land  office, 
from  Washington,  I  filed  my  Pre-emption  claim  and  received 
the  following  receipts : 


V'     i 


■"1 


l|!. 


(144) 


The  "Fuance  Settlement." 


14J: 


I  had  from  six  to  thirty-three  months  from  date  of  settle- 
ment to  pay  $200  for  this  claim  and  get  a  patent  for  it,  when  I 
could  take  a  homestead  claim. 

It  being  uncertain  as  to  the  time  I  would  need  to  do  this, 
my  settlement  was  dated  only  about  a  year  before  I  filed.  The 
word  "  Unoffered  "  means  that  the  land  was  not  for  sale  out- 
right, as  it  had  been  about  Walla  "Walla  up  to  1870. 

I  had  been  working  to  get  a  county  road  laid  out  from 
near  Dayton,  up  Padet  creek,  through  this  section  to  Lewis- 
ton.  And  with  the  assistance  of  Messrs.  Stringer  <fe  Whaley 
(then  living  on  Tu-Canyon)  it  was  viewed  out,  surveyed,  mile 
posts  set  and  granted — fifty-two  and  a  half  miles — October, 
i874 

But  there  was  yet  mucli  work  to  do  to  open  it,  which  cost 
me — first  and  last — much  time,  labor,  and  other  expense.  And 
afterwards  I  likewise  secured  the  cross  roads  that  are  in  this 
section. 

The  cricket  pest  was  still  (1874)  in  the  land,  and  besides,  it 
was  a  dry,  hot  season. 

I  had  sown  60  bushels  of  grain — mostly  wheat — that  I 
had  hauled  fifty  miles ;  did  not  make  enough  out  of  the  forty 
acre  crop  to  pay  for  the  seed. 

The  Mogul  pirates,  still  having  control  of  the  rivers  of  the 
country,  and  the  immigration  being  the  wrong  Avay,  my  ex- 
pensive hogs  were  only  worth  two  and  a  half  cents  a  pound. 
So  the  crickets  were  of  no  more  use  than  the  River  Clan. 

Some  of  the  clan  about  this  time  relieved  the  county 
treasury  of  about  $20,000  in  cash.  Then  an  error  (?)  was 
"discovered"  in  the  security  bonds.  All  the  officials  were 
sworn  brethren,  so  nobody  was  punished,  and  the  people  paid 
for  the  charity ! 

A  man  built  a  wooden  and  strap-iron  railroad  from  Walla 
Wfilla  to  the  Columbia  river,  thirty  miles.  He  got  $5  and  up- 
wards per  ton  for  freight,  though  much  was  hauled  on  wagons 
as  before.  But  the  river  tariff  was  so  high  that  it  did  not  pay 
to  ship  grain  anyway.  There  were  not  even  any  gx'ain  shipping 
facilities  on  Snake  river  in  1874.  Up  to  this  fall,  with  all  my 
hard  work  and  farming  and  expenses  I  had  had  nothing  to  sell 
10 


il 


^1 


wr. 


146 


Building  a  Home. 


i 
I.  ill 


I 


but  some  horses  and  cattle  from  my  little  herd,  and  was 
$200  in  debt.  But  had  managed  to  yet  have  a  good  start  of 
horses,  cattle,  hogs,  hens,  etc.,  and  had  pushed  my  improve- 
ments w&y  ahead :    yet,  nobody  envied  the  place. 

All  the  places  about  us  were  now  again  either  abandoned 
for  good  by  the  owners,  or  for  an  indefinite  time,  and  we  were 
alone  in  the  settlement. 

Even  our  staid  neighbors — Harris  and  Strain — were 
about  to  leave  the  "  damned  country."  I  was  berated  and  my 
sanity  questioned — more  than  usual,  and  in  no  uncertain  sound 
— because  I  did  not  join  in  cursing  the  country  and  leave  it 
when  others  left.  But  such  rebukes  of  fortune— as  natural 
pests  or  accidental  injury— not  being  due  to  conspiracy, 
treachery,  or  breaches  of  trust,  caused  in  me  no  bitter  sorrow 
or  any  loss  of  sleep,  and  a\  «   were  not  unhappy. 

Moreover,  I  had  quit  prospecting  for  an  undiscovered, 
ready-made  fortune,  had  settled  down  to  earn  at  least  a  liveli- 
hood ;  did  not  expect  a  picnic  and  had  not  found  any. 

And  the  other  new  settlements  before  noted  could  be 
bought  entirely  by  the  claim  for  much  less  than  the  costs  of 
the  improvements,  and  some  of  them  were  now  deeded  land. 

Many  who  had  got  in  debt,  and  most  all  had  that  could, 
had  to  sell  their  places  for  what  they  could  get  to  other 
home-seekers,  who  were  able  and  willing  to  take  their  turn. 
Money  was  very  scarce  and  hard  to  get.  Old  settlers  left  their 
families  and  went  200  or  300  miles  away  to  work  for  money,  to 
pay  for  their  land  and  to  meet  other  expenses. 

Those  who  had  bands  of  cattle,  horses  or  sheep,  and  were 
out  of  debt,  could  hold  their  own  and  more,  with  good  manage- 
ment and  no  bad  luck. 

I  had  made  some  money  by  working  and  hauling  for 
others,  etc.,  and  bought  a  better  wagon,  harness,  plow,  etc. 
And  now  sold  all  of  our  cattle  except  two,  also  a  horse,  hogs, 
potatoes,  chickens  and  butter ;  paid  up  what  I  owed,  bought 
seed  for  another  year— still  fifty  miles  away — and  laid  in  a  full 
year's  supply  of  provisions,  clothing,  etc.,  and  some  cash  in 
hand  for  another  siege.  Plowed  ten  acres  in  December, 
when  it  set  in  cold,  for  a  very  hard  winter.    And  we  made  a 


■i- 


The  "France  Settlement." 


147 


visiting  tour  of  six  weeks  as  far  as  "Walla  Walla  and  beyond. 
Then  I  hauled  and  cut  up  my  regular  year's  supply  of  wood  for 
stove  and  fire-place  -  spring  of  1875. 

The  country  between  the  Snake  and  Columbia  rivers — 
known  as  the  "  Palouse  "  and  "  Spokane  "  sections— through 
which  the  Northern  Pacific  railroad  had  been  located,  had 
been  more  or  less  settled  up.  But  on  account  of  the  tariff 
extorted  by  the  river  pirates,  and  failure  of  the  other  charit- 
able clan  to  build  the  promised  railroad,  almost  all  of  these 
settlers,  except  those  well  provided  with  stock,  had  starved  out 
and  were  now  leaving  the  country  for  Oregon,  California,  and 
the  States.    Jmmigrants  came  in  and  took  their  places. 

Others  who  held  their  own,  or  did  even  better — in  spite  of 
the  adverse  situation  -  were  set  upon  and  pillaged  more  di- 
rectly by  brethren  with  influence  at  court,  and  their  places  also 
were  taken  by  others.  Some  left  the  route  of  the  railroad  to 
settle  nearer  Snake  or  the  Columbia  river,  thinking  it  would 
be  opened  first.     But  it  is  still  fettered  by  the  sworn  clan. 

The  cricket  pest  was  now  past,  but  the  hard  winter,  to- 
gether with  the  bottled  condition  of  the  country  and  other 
afflictions,  further  discouraged  settlers,  and  during  this  sum- 
mer of  1875,  many  also  left  this  division.  But  others  came 
in  to  take  their  places  and  continue  the  struggle  on  both  sides 
of  the  river,  until  their  successors  should  come.  And  a  few  of 
the  claims  that  hael  been  abandoned  about  us  were  re-located. 

I  spent  much  valuable  and  often  thankless  time  in  riding 
about  and  otherwise  assisting  these  migratory  land  hunters. 
My  house  and  grain  stacks  were  always  open  to  them  without 
charge,  as  well  as  to  all  travellers  passing  through  on  the 
trails.  As  my  place  was  widely  known  •  "  often  the  only 
convenient  place  to  stop  at,  many  availed  themselves  of  it ; 
were  frequently  crowded  in  this  way. 

Besides  farming,  in  1875, 1  worked  with  my  four  horse 
team  in  hauling  for  others,  including  freight  from  Walla  Walla 
to  the  Lewiston  stores.  It  was  five  years  this  fall  that  I  had 
worked  hard  and  put  it  mostly  into  this  place.  And  having  it 
improved  enough  for  practical  use,  I  wanted  to  prove  up  and 


IS' 11  /J-lllil 


148 


Building  a  Home. 


I- 


get  a  patent  for  it,  so  as  to  add  to  it  au  adjoining  quarter 
section  below,  that  was  vacant. 

I  asked  a  man  to  lend  me  the  necessary  $200  at  one  and  a 
half  per  cent,  a  month  for  the  purpose.  "  Yes,''  he  said,  "  but 
I  must  have  other  security  />f.s'a/<'.s  a  mortgage  on  the  place." 
Yet  I  had  done  $600  to  $700  worth  of  fencing  and  breaking, 
and  $200  or  $300  of  other  work  on  it. 

It  is  about  the  usual  thing  with  homebuilders  to  have  to 
face  a  lawyer  or  doctor's  bill  of  $250  or  more — for  a  week's 
service  of  mal-practice,  backed  by  the  ring  courts — at  this 
stage  of  the  struggle,  or  before,  when  it  takes  $5  worth  of  hard 
earned  property  to  get  one  dollar  in  money.  Pause  and 
reflect. 

I  had  escaped  this,  though  I  had  sacrificed  $350  at  one 
time,  and  $250  at  another  to  thieves,  rather  than  undertake  to 
buy  justice  of  the  court  gang.  So  was  able  to  borrow  $200  (of 
another  money-lender)  to  prove  up  and  deed  the  land,  which  I 
did  and  filed  a  homestead  claim. 

Then,  having  built  a  log  house,  16x22  feet,  corral,  sheds, 
hen-house,  etc.,  on  the  best  building  place,  at  the  lower  spring 
in  the  spring  gulch  before  noted,  and  just  on  this  homestead 
claim,  we  moved  there  September,  1875. 

The  320  acres  contain  160  acres  of  arable  land,  the  rest 
being  either  timber,  steep  or  rocky,  but  all  good  for  pasture. 

What  good  rail  timber  was  handy  had  mostly  been  cut 
and  hauled  many  miles  away,  so  I  had  to  go  as  far  as  six  or 
seven  miles  back  in  the  mountain  for  my  future  supply.  But 
I  had  good  teams  now  and  wagon,  was  practically  free  of 
debt,  had  means  to  employ  help,  Avas  otherwise  so  much  better 
fixed  lo  get  along  than  at  the  outset,  and  there  being  no  more 
insect  pest,  that  we  just  loped  right  along  and  ahead  of  the 
country. 

Columbia  County  was  formed  out  of  Walla  Walla  County 
this  fall.  And  as  there  was  now  about  200  settlers  this  side  of 
Tu-Canyon,  they  started  a  town  in  it  ("  Marengo  "),  made  au 
eflfort  to  btild  and  own  a  grist-mill,  and  vote  the  county  seat  to 
this  place.  They  lacked  the  votes  necessary  to  get  the  capital, 
but  money  and  work  was  generally  subscribed  by  these  poor 


o  i 


rest 
re. 

cut 

Bx  or 

But 

e  of 

etter 

nore 

the 

[unty 
of 
le  an 
|at  to 
jital, 
[poor 


i 


150 


Building  a  Home. 


m 


^  ■?!  r-! 


half-housed,  mortgaged  settlers  to  build  the  costly  mill  as  a 
joint  stock  concern. 

Here  was  a  chance  for  some  brethren  having  secret  influ- 
ence at  court,  to  get  control  and  engage  in  a  swindle.  Of  course 
they  did,  and  did  nothing  but  manage  the  business  against  the 
victims,  and  grasp  for  money. 

The  mine  was  equal  to  what  would  be  a  moderate  lawyer 
or  doctor's  fee  for  each  outside  investor. 

FnoM  THE  Press,  Seven  or  Eiqht  Years  from  the  Beoinnino. 

"The  Marengo  mill  dilHculty  lias  at  last  been  arranged.  The 
remaining  indebtedness  of  the  concern  has  been  raised  among  the 
unfortunate  ones  who  signed  the  notes,  although  it  will  nearly  break 
up  a  number  of  our  best  farmers  to  pay  the  amount  subscribed." 

Also. — "Mrs.  W.  S is  very  sick.     It  is  doubtful  if  she  will 

recover.  She  is  destitute,  all  her  means  of  support  having  gone  to 
furnish  whiskey  and  other  luxuries  for  some  of  the  Marengo  mill 
thieves." 

Some  got  very  indignant  at  me  for  refusing  to  take  any 
8tv*ck  in,  and  for  ridiculing  this  scheme.  One  of  whom  after- 
wards skipped  across  the  British  line  and  started  a  masonic 
newspaper  with  his  plunder. 

After  the  hard  winter  of  1874-5,  common  stock  cows  fell 
to  $10,  and  the  remnants  of  bands  left  by  the  winter  were  sold 
very  cheap.  Even  stock  men  were  breaking  up  now  and  leav- 
ing the  country  in  disgust.  Horses,  however,  were  more  re- 
garded, so  one  was  no  longer  laughed  at  in  reply  to  an  offer  to 
trade  them  for  cattle. 

I  thought  this  the  time  to  buy  cattle,  and  in  the  ^'ollowing 
winter  bought  twelve  good  milch  cows  at  $20  each,  making 
15  in  all  besides  their  calves,  and  soon  had  a  fine  band  of  cattle. 

In  1876  I  threshed  1,000  bushels  of  wheat  and  barley  (and 
had  lots  of  other  produce)  being  the  first  grain  I  threshed  with 
a  machine.  It  was  the  first  time  I  could  get  one,  or  a  thresh- 
ing crew ;  and  now  had  to  go  eight  miles  to  do  so  after  em- 
ploying every  settler  and  land  hunter  in  my  settlement.  And 
had  to  take  a  ten  horse  power  outfit  that  took  three  and  a  half 
days  time  and  pay,  all  around,  to  do  the  one  days  work,  and 
leave  one-third  of  the  grain  in  the  straw.  The  ground  yielded 
thirty  to  fifty  bushels  to  the  acre. 


large 


The  "France  Settlement." 


151 


And  for  the  ensuing  six  or  eight  months  A-No  1  wheat 
and  barley  would  not  sell  for  more  than  25  cents  a  bushel  any- 
where in  the  county,  or  in  Walla  Walla  county  either. 

"  Never  before  have  I  heard  so  ranch  talk  about  hard  times.  The 
general  question  now  is,  is  your  grain  attached  '?  There  having  been 
several  attachments  in  this  pai-t.  Cannot  the  nierchanta  avoid  heaping 
costs  [say  $150  each]  on  the  already  overburdened  farmer  until  he  can 
market  his  M'heat  ?  " 

Later. — "  It  is  asserted  by  some  of  the  inhabitants  that  there  is  not 
money  enough  in  the  county  to  i)ay  its  territorial  tax,  and  we  noticed 
four  dei)uty  sheriffs  rustling  for  county  taxes.  One  of  these  rustlers,  but 
a  short  time  since,  Avas  loud  in  his  denunciations  against  having  the  stock 
sacnficed  to  get  tax  money,  but  he  struck  a  happy  thought,  so  ho  wrote 
to  the  sheriff  for  a  deijutyship  and  obtained  the  same.  About  the  first 
man  he  struck  shamed  him  oft'  of  his  place.  Property  must  be  sold  for 
taxes  if  buyers  are  to  bo  found,  and  if  not,  then  the  county  will  have  to 
collapse.  We  were  told  that  one  of  the  county  commissioners  said  it  was 
impossible  for  him  to  pay  his  taxes." 

However,  I  was  fixed  to  pay  my  harvest  and  other  ex- 
penses without  selling  my  grain  for  25  cents  a  bushel,  and 
found  a  market  at  Lewiston  that  winter  for  the  wheat  at  45 
and  50  cents  a  bushel,  and  barley  at  $1.25  per  hundred  pounds ; 
the  latter  delivered  at  Fort  Lapwai,  twelve  miles  beyond. 
Don't  know  what  it  cost  the  Government,  which  should  buy  direct 
from  the  producer. 

I  induced  the  ferryman  (Mr.  Piercy)  to  cross  my  four-horse 
outfit  over  the  river  for  $2  a  round  trip.  I  believe  this  was  the 
first  crop  of  grain  ever  ferried  across  Snake  river. 

There  was  no  one  living  on  the  road  at  the  time  from  one 
and  a  half  miles  beyond  my  place  to  Lewiston,  or  between  that 
place  and  Fort  Lapwai.  I  had  before  made  the  first  wagon 
tracks  from  my  place  to  within  five  or  six  miles  of  Lewiston. 

During  the  summer  and  fall  of  1876  there  was  quite  a 
large  immigration  in  this  country,  and  the  vacated  claims  about 
us  were  again  taken  and  many  new  ones  located. 

And  settlement  to  farm  was  commenced  in  the  "Dead- 
man,"  "  Meadow  Gulch"  and  "  New  York  Gulch"  sections,  lying 
west  of  the  lower  Alpowa  and  south  and  east  of  Snake  river, 
and  north  of  the  stage  road  and  the  Pataha  creek.     I  believe 


"1 


15 


Building  a  Home. 


r   1 


the  first  grain  raised  in  this  section  was  in  1878,  after  wliich 
time  it  was  mainly  settled. 

Two  miners  ou  the  way  from  the  Idaho  mines  had  perished 
from  the  cold,  or  been  killed  for  their  dust  at  the  head  of 
Deadmau  hollow  and  creek  near  the  road— lienco  the  name  of 
"  Deadraan."      The  gulch  and  stream  are  about  25  miles  long. 

And  settlement  to  farm  was  commenced  in  the  Asotin 
country  to  the  south-east.  As  it  was  also  on  the  bench  or 
plateau  lands  about  Lewiston,  1876. 

With  this  immigration  and  these  settlements,  a  town-site 
("Columbia  Centre  ")  was  located  four  and  a  half  miles  west  of 
my  place,  on  this  new  road,  at  the  forks  of  the  Pataha,  and  a 
steam  saw-mill,  grist-mill,  store  and  blacksmith  shop  set  up. 
And  the  towns  of  Pomeroy  and  Pataha  City  on  the  creek  lower 
down  wero  started — each  with  a  grist-mill,  store  and  blacksmith 
shop,  1876-7. 

All  of  these  places  were  between  our  place  and  Tu-Canyon, 
which  up  to  this  time  had  to  be  climbed  over  on  the  way  to  the 
mills,  stores,  graneries,  etc.,  of  "  Egypt." 

A  grist-mill  was  also  built  at  L'^iwiston,  1876-7.  Asotin 
City  was  laid  out  at  the  mouth  of  Asoiin  creek  on  Snake  river, 
1878  ;  is  now  the  capital  of  Asotin  county. 

Sometimes  immigrants  settle  in  family  or  little  contracted 
sectarian  groups,  each  grovelling  close  within,  averse  to  each 
other,  the  people  and  the  world  — as  in  a  strange  and  foreign 
land,  so  that  a  full  and  general  neighborhood  meeting  and 
greeting  of  a  Sunday  is  never  seen.  While  others  of  a  more 
travelled  and  expansive  turn,  yearn  to  encompass  broader 
fields.  The  one  as  insects  whos.e  world  is  but  a  single  leaf. 
The  other  as  comprehensive  man,  whose  visions  see  and  com- 
preher.d  the  whole  tree  and  forest. 

Yet  by  the  sting  of  an  insect,  man  may  die,  and  b  theii 
multitude  forests  be  destroyed. 

In  the  spring  of  1877  the  settlers  in  this  "''  ce  Settle- 
ment" had  a  schoolhouse  meeting,  at  which  w  reed  u  a 
location  for  the  proposed  school  house  ;  subscribed  the  .eces- 
sary  lumber,  other  material  and  work.  And  afterwartls  met 
from  day  to  day,  and  built  the  best  school  house  except  one,  I 
believe,  then  in  the  county. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

An  Indian  war. — Neighhoring  Indians  go  on  tho  war-path. — Tho  reason. 
— Description  of  their  domain. — Their  horses  and  cattli'.  —  "A  job  on 
Uucie  Sam."— How  they  plead  for  their  connlry. — "Earth  governed 
by  tliesun,"  ete.^ — Wliointliey  kiUed. — Howtliey  nuirelied  and  fought. 
— Settlers  eitlier  stampede  or  gather  in  fortresses. — ^Eft'orts  made  by 
men  to  have  other  tribes  break  out. — For  plunder. — What  an  Indian 
must  do  to  become  a  citizen. — How  Indian  claims  are  jnmj)ed. — What 
the  Indian  was  before  the  advent  of  the  Whites. — Their  government, 
pursuits,  etc. — What  fire-arms  and  whiskey  did  for  them. — How  they 
started  fire,  lived  and  died.  Their  religion. — How  to  iminove  the 
Indian. — "A  cry  of  the  soul  " 

1  HE  summer  of  1877  Chief  Joseph  and  his  band  of  Nez-Perce 
Indians,  joined  by  White  Bird  and  Looking  Glass  with  their 
bands  of  the  same,  went  on  the  warpath  against  Gen'l  Howard 
and  his  army,  assisted  by  Generals  Gibbons  and  Miles  with 
their  troops.  The  Indians  numbered  less  than  three  hundred 
men,  besides  their  women  and  children.  They  were  non-treaty 
Indians,  and  each  baud  owned  separate  tracts  of  country. 
Their  country  had  been  bartered  to  the  Government  many 
years  before  by  a  chief,  who  was  not,  however,  recognized  as 
such  by  this  portion  of  the  tribe.  They  denounced  the  trans- 
action as  fraudulent,  and  could  never  be  induced  to  receive  any 
portion  of  the  stipulated  annuities  or  pay. 

The  Government  had  built  a  grist-  and  saw-mill,  and 
established  an  agency,  and  fenced  and  broke  for  them  patches 
of  land.  But  they  were  not  to  be  deluded  into  civilization,  and 
be  governed  by  ring  agents  in  any  such  way. 

They  could  see  nothing  in  the  mode  and  vexation  of  living, 
as  practiced  by  the  ignoble  poor  and  ignorant  of  the  Whites,  to 
cause  in  them  any  desire  to  become  similarly  situated.  They 
believed  white  men  and  their  agents  to  be  vile,  grasping, 
treacherous,  tricky  and  mighty  uncertain.  And  the  chiefs  de- 
clared, that  their  people  could  not  be  educated  to  successfully 
compete  with  them,  and  combat  their  whiskey  and  contagious 
.md  loathsome  diseases. 

As  it  was,  they  were  healthy,  well  to  do  in  their  way,  happy 

(153; 


I 


MBi 


154 


An  Indian  War. 


contented  md  free,  and  Lad  leisure  from  toil.  They  could  not 
see  more  for  them  in  civilization.  They  could  not  expect  to 
achieve  for  their  race,  that  which  a  great  majority  of  the  white 
race  were  ever  struggling  and  toiling  for,  but  failed  to  possess 
aud  enjoy. 

Joseph's  bard  consisted  of  eighty  or  hundred  men,  besides 
their  v/omen  and  children.  I  had  seen  him,  and  talked  with 
many  others  of  his  band ;  and  was  well  acquainted  with  several 
of  his  tribe.  One  of  whom  had  been  to  Washington,  when  they 
were  bartering  off  their  country,  of  which  distinction  he  was 
very  proud.  It  can  easily  be  imagined,  how  the  more  simple 
of  the  Indians  could  be  deluded,  and  the  more  vicious  other- 
wise managed,  by  experts,  employed  but  to  succeed. 

I  suppose  the  records  at  Washington  show  that  every  foot 
of  land  now,  or  ever,  claimed  by  the  Government,  was  honor- 
ably treated  for  and  bought  of  the  Indians.  But,  if  the  race 
was  to-day  strong,  enlightened,  and  had  a  newspaper  press,  to 
work  against  diplomatic  liars,  they  could,  with  any  acknowl- 
edged standard  of  honor  and  law  in  one  hand,  and  a  rifle  in  the 
other,  burst  into  flinders  enough  of  such  titles,  to  give  each 
tribe  a  city  and  a  good-sized  bank  account, — amid  the  plaudits 
of  the  whole  world ;  when,  perhaps,  they  would  take  more 
kindly  to  civilization. 

A  part  of  Joseph's  coveted  domain  lay  in  my  county,  and, 
extending  into  Oregon,  where  it  mainly  consisted  in  the  high, 
frosty  Willowa  valley,  containing  about  enough  arable  land  for 
each  of  his  band  a  farm,  less  in  extent  than  that  allowed  to 
citizens  under  the  homestead,  pre-emption  and  other  acts.  This 
section  they  used  for  a  summer  range  for  their  herds  of  horses 
aud  cattle,  just  what  it  was  best  calculated  for.  The  rest  of 
their  country  was  steep,  rocky,  wild  and  craggy ;  consisting 
principally  in  a  canyon,  about  2500  feet  deep,  through  which 
runs  the  rapid  Grande  Konde  river,  which  empties  into  Snake 
river.  Here  is  where  they  lived  in  the  winter  with  their  stock; 
this  canj'on  affording  j,  good  winter  range  for  them.  There  is 
no  river  bottom  or  arable  land  in  it,  except  a  patch  here  and 
there  of  a  few  acres,  some  of  which  the  Indians  fenced  aud  cul- 
tivated. But  it  was  all  a  good  game  country,  and  there  was 
also  good  fishing.      One  could  see  bands  of  deer  feeding  a  mile 


of 
m 


The  Truth  about  Indians. 


155 


away,  but  it  might  take  half  a  day  to  ride  to  them,  on  account 
of  some  deep,  steep,  rocky  ravine  intervening.  There  were  also 
mountain  sheep,  elk,  bear  and  other  game. 

I  was  through  this  portion  of  Joseph's  domain,  hunting 
out  a  route  for  a  through  road  from  opposite  Lewiston  to  the 
Wil-low-a  country  for  the  county.  Others  with  me,  who  alike 
indignant  and  impressed  with  the  ruggedneso  of  it,  declared 
that  "  Joseph  must  be  putting  up  a  job  on  Uncle  Sam,  to  get 
him  to  buy  the  waste,  and  move  him  and  his  people  to  a 
country  more  suitable  even  for  Indians."  But  with  its  good 
winter  and  summer  grazing,  its  good  hunting  and  fishing 
grounds,  its  rapid,  laughing  waters,  and  it  being  an  inheritance 
from  their  fathers  for  many  generations,  it  therefore  just  suited 
Joseph  and  his  band. 

Joseph  portrayed  and  supplicated  with  much  feeling,  in 
exhortation  to  the  grasping  invaders,  how  his  grand  father 
Joseph  had,  on  his  death  bed,  exhorted  and  obligated  his  father 
Joseph  with  a  solemn  injunction,  to  "  keep,  cling  to,  and  hold 
with  his  people  this  their  country,"  and  how,  in  turn,  his  father 
had  laid  the  same  injunction  on  him.  But  they  exhorted  and 
supplicated  in  vain. 

These  Indians  excelled  most  others  in  ability,  appearance, 
living,  dress  and  wealth.  And  they  were  peacefully  disposed 
towards  the  Whites.  I  never  heard  of  them  stealing  anything 
from  even  those  who  were  encroaching  on  their  domain.  But 
the  time  had  come,  when  they  must  forsake  their  country,  go 
on  to  the  reservation,  and  live  as  the  poor,  ignoble  and  ignorant 
white  man  lives,  or  fight !    . 

In  pleading  their  cause,  one  of  them  said,  that  "  the  Eartli 
was  governed  by  the  sun,"  and  taking  a  piece  of  earth  in  his 
fingers,  crumbled  it  fine,  letting  it  fall  to  the  ground,  saying, 
that  "  rather  than  be  ruled  by  the  treacherous,  grasping  Whites, 
he  would  become  as  that  piece  of  earth;"— dust  to  dust.  And 
he  died,  fighting  for  his  liberty  and  country.  When  war  had 
been  declared  against  them,  they  first  killed  the  men  they  could 
find  who  had  taken  action  for  their  removal  from  their  country, 
about  six. 

When  with  the  bulk  of  their  horses  and  their  families  on 
the  travel  with  them,  they  combatted,  out-generalled  and  out- 


.Uif.S, 


156 


An  Indian  War. 


fought  over  1000  soldiers,  citizens  and  officials,  who  were  en- 
gaged against  theuij  in  one  way  or  another,  all  summ(r.  Old 
soldiers,  who  followed  them  all  through  the  campaign  to  the 
surrender  in  Montana,  say,  that  they  were  better  trained  and 
did  fight  and  charge  more  bravely  and  desparately  than  our  re- 
gular or  irregular  troops ;  that  their  horses  were  trained  to 
stand  alone  under  fire,  while  they  dismounted  and  charged  the 
soldiers  among  the  rocks  and  clifi's ;  and  thai  their  systematic 
manoeuvering  and  horsemanship  was  unequalled  anywhere. 
They  would  shoot  under  their  horses'  bellies,  etc.,  while  riding. 
An  Indian  of  another  tribe  told  me,  that  some  of  themselves 
had  horses  trained  to  drop  down  behind  a  bush,  rock,  fallen 
timber,  or  other  obstruction,  when  under  fire  ;  that  he  had  a 
horse  "  that  had  more  sense  than  himself."  And  these  Indians 
never  saw  West  Point. 

Joseph  sternly  opposed  the  committing  of  any  outrages, 
usual  in  war,  against  persons  or  property,  except  as  to  those, 
who  had  or  were  actively  engaged  against  them  ;  for  which,  it 
is  said,  the  more  vicious  of  them  became  rebellious.  That  this 
element  had  a  captive  woman  with  them,  and,  after  some  of 
their  own  women  had  been  killed,  they  killed  her  in  revenge,  or 
that  their  squaws  did  it — the  same,  however,  of  whom  white 
men  frequently  marry  wives,  and,  'tis  said,  they  are  good  and 
true.  That,  after  several  of  their  own  wives  and  children  had 
been  killed,  Joseph  saved,  mounted  on  his  horses,  and  sent 
away  out  of  danger,  women  of  his  enemies,  and  for  which  some 
of  his  men  called  a  counsel  to  kill  him. 

At  the  outset  it  was  unknown  which  way  the  Indians  would 
go  when  attacked,  to  drive  them  to  an  equality  with  the  ring- 
ridden  Whites,  or  what  depredations  they  would  commit  in  re- 
venge. It  was  thought  by  many  that  they  would  raid  th?'ough 
our  and  adjoining  settlements ;  a  few  soldiers  were  stationed  at 
a  pass  back  in  the  mountain,  and  for  a  time  nearly  everybody 
in  the  section  about  us,  and  to  the  south-east,  either  left  this 
part  of  the  country,  or  gathered  into  fortresses.  Some  were 
warned  by  Indians  to  leave.  I  was  busy  with  my  work  all  the  time 
and  did  neither.  I  would  soonertrust  my  home  and  family  to  Jo- 
seph and  his  tribe,  than  to  many  white  men  with  more  secret,  self- 
ish and  hellish  tribal  relations;  as  they  are  more  vile,  cruel  and 


lo 


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1 '•     ■: 

158 


An  Indian  War. 


treacherous  than  the  worst  of  savages,  as  will  be  made  manifest 
to  the  most  careless  understanding. 

On  account  of  their  superior  generalship  and  training,  had 
the  diflferent  Indian  tribes  of  this  upper  country  been  so  mind- 
ed, they  could  have  laid  waste  all  the  settlements  in  the 
country,  as  Sheridan  did  the  Shenandoah  valley.  And  secret 
riug-men  tried  to  instigate  and  goad  them  into  a  general  out- 
break, so  as  to  feast  in  the  blood  and  dostruction. 

While  a  peaceable  chief  (Moses)  with  good  record  and 
principle,  was  continually  riding  from  one  of  his  bands  to  an- 
other, to  pacify,  prevent  and  hold  them  from  rising  to  join 
Joseph,  White  Bird  and  Looking  Glass  in  their  revenge,  jobs 
were  piit  up  on  him,  and  he  was  thrown  into  prison  by  the 
gang,  backed  by  a  servile  press ;  just  as  they  do  with  other 
outsiders  who  are  in  their  way,  or  to  grasp  their  money. 

It  does  not  appear  that  either  General  Howard  or  the 
Secretary  of  the  Interior  were  in  with  this  job  ;  as  to  which  I 
herewith  give  an  extract  from  the  oflBcial  report  of  the  Secretary 
of  the  Interior  at  Washington,  dated  1879. 

"  There  never  was  any  trustworthy  information  in  possession  of  ibis 
department,  to  justify  any  suspicion  aato  the  conductor  intentions  of  this 
Indian  chief  (Moses),  on  the  contrary,  he  is  known  to  have  rendered  good 
service  during  the  Bannock  trouble,  in  maintaining  peace  and  good  order 
among  the  Indians  under  his  influence.  But  the  efforts  to  take  his  life, 
or  at  least  his  liberty,  or  drive  him  into  hostilities,  appeared  to  be  so  p^n-- 
sistent,  that  it  required  the  most  watchful  and  active  interposition  on  tlm 
part  of  the  Government  to  prevent  a  conflict.  On  several  occasions  I 
requested  the  Governor  and  General  Howard  to  personally  interfere  and 
protect  Moses. " 

And  it  is  further  declared  that  by  Moses'  eflforts  a  general 
Indian  war  was  prevented. 

In  Indian  campaigns  the  transportation  and  supply 
accounts  are  immense,  (though  the  common  soldier  often  fares 
no  better  than  the  Indian  warrior  without  any  paid  quarter- 
masters' department),  and  the  plunder  therein  is  a  big  object 
to  secret  brethren. 

"  General  Crook  was  asked  if  the  present  campaign  would  put 
an  end  to  Indian  outbreaks  in  Arizona.  He  answered  with  a 
smile :  *  I  know  and  you  know  that  a  great  many  people  make 


The  Truth  about  Indians. 


159 


money  out  of  Indian  croubles.    These  same  people  exercise  con- 
siderable influence  in  control  of  the  Indians.' " 

The  Nez-Perce  Indians  were  rich  in  horses  and  cattle,  and 
in  land  to  sustain  and  enlarge  them.  Some  of  them  owned  one 
or  two  thousand  horses.  And  among  them  were  race  horses, 
equal  to  those  bred  by  their  white  neighbors,  and  which  they 
would  frequently  beat  on  a  track  for  coin. 

Several  companies  of  volunteers  went  to  assist  General 
Howard  and  Co.  in  fighting  these  Indians,  and  they  captured  a 
good  many  horses  and  cattle.  Every  few  days  during  the  cam- 
paign some  of  them  would  pass  my  place  with  a  band  of  Indian 
horses,  and  all  covered  with  glory  and  dust.  These  bands 
numbered  from  a  dozen  to  150  head.  Three  men  stayed  at  my 
place  one  night  with  125  of  Joseph's  cattle.  They  thought  the 
Indians  had  more  stock  and  land  than  they  needed.  And  men 
who  had  never  earned  a  dollar  by  work  in  their  lives,  and  would 
steal  and  ravage  before  they  ever  would  work,  exclaimed,  that 
"the  Indiarcd  should  he  made  to  work ! " 

To  know  and  comprehend  human  character  of  each  sort 
correctly,  it  must  be  realized  that  there  are  widely  different 
elements  and  dispositions  in  each  race,  tribe  and  even  family. 
That  there  are  but  individuals,  or  a  comparatively  small 
element  of  the  Indians,  that  will  flay  alive  a  captive  because  he 
belongs  to  a  hostile,  grasping  race.  And  we  should  show  them 
that  there  are  but  individuals,  or  a  small  element  of  Whites, 
who  glory  in  killing  their  women  of  any  tribe,  and  in  dashing 
out  the  brains  of  their  children  on  the  rocks,  or  who  kill  Indians 
whenever  they  find  them  alone  and  defenseless,  just  because 
some  other  of  their  race  had,  perhaps,  committed  a  similar  out- 
rage on  some  one  dear  to  them  long  before. 

And  let  us  look  to  those  of  virtuous  pretentions,  in  high 
station,  ^vl.o  directly  and  indirectly  practice,  with  impunity, 
heartless  cruelties  and  traitorous  prostitutions — deeds  of  dark- 
ness that  would  make  a  savage  blush ! 

"  To  become  a  citizen,  the  Indian  must  make  affidavit  before 
some  qualified  person,  that  he  has  severed  his  tribal  relations.  He 
must  also  bring  two  witnesses,  to  testify  that  he  has  severed  such 
relations." 


If.::?: 


! 


hi  i 


'  ■  '^^'s.! 


'lilrt: 


I 


160 


An  Indian  War. 


m 


Why  is  it  that  they  are  denounced,  plundered  and  killed 
for  clinging  to  their  tribal  relations  and  government,  and  re- 
quired to  renounce  that  first,  before  they  can  be  citizens  with 
us  in  our  Government ;  while,  at  the  same  time,  we  suffer  sivurn 
subjects  of  more  secret  and  selfish  tribal  governments  to  pass 
as  full-fledged  citizens,  and  to  hold  office  and  prostitute  our 
Government,  to  rob  us  and  the  Indian  with  impunity  ? 

"  Sitting  Bull  is  evidently  a  very  observant  Indian.  He  de- 
clares, that,  if  affairs  continue  on  in  the  same  groove,  the  Indians 
will  not  have  ground  enough  left,  upon  which  to  stretch  their 
tepees  and  rest  their  limbs,  and  that  they  will  have  to  pay  taxes 
and  be  as  poor  and  ragged  as  pale-faces." 

As  follows. — "  A  delegation  of  Indians  came  up,  on  their  way 
to  Fort  Walla  Walla,  for  a  conference  with  the  commanding 
officer,  concerning  the  jumping  of  their  land  The  Indian  whose 
land  has  been  confiscated  is  very  intelligent.  It  seems  that  he 
had  a  small  place  under  cultivation,  with  fence,  house  and  stable. 
The  jumper  has  filed  on  the  land,  and  now  requests  the  dusky  Sis- 
kiow  to  hiack  dataica,  or  he  will  blow  off  the  top  of  his  head. 

Siskiow  remarks  that  he  is  not  as  young  as  he  used  to  be,  or 
he  shoiUd  not  allow  the  jumper,  or  any  other  nuiu,  to  scare  him 
out  of  house  and  home.  He  has  concluded  to  have  a  talk  with  the 
commanding  officer  and  the  land  agent  at  Walla  Walla,  and  find 
out  whether  he  has  any  rights  a  Bo^-con  man  is  bound  to  respect." 

"  This  place  was  the  scene  of  the  misunderstanding  last  spring 
between  the  Whites  and  Indians,  which  looked  as  if  it  might  prove 
serious.  It  seems  but  little  encouragement  for  Indians  to  try  and 
adopt  the  habits  of  their  '  civilized '  brothers,  by  locating  and  cul- 
tivating their  land,  if  they  are  liable  to  lose  it  any  time  their  im- 
provements are  worth  the  taking." 

While  we  are  enjo^^ng  the  fame,  glory,  plunder  and  victory 
over  these  poor,  damned,  friendless  Indians,  let  us  at  least  con- 
cede to  them  the  skill  and  the  bare,  fruitless  sentiment  of 
patriotism  and  valor  that  is  due  them. 

"  Slowly  and  sadly  they  climb  the  distant  mountain  and 
read  their  doom  in  the  setting  sun." 

Intelligent  old  Indians,  of  different  tribes,  tell  me  that  they 
were  very  numerous  in  the  north-west  before  the  advent  of  the 


The  Truth  about  Indl\ns. 


IGl 


Wliitos.     That  they  were  healthy,  vigorous,  and  endowed  with 
fine  constitutions,  and  were  not  on  the  decline. 

The  principal  trouble  with  them  was  that  they  gloried  in 
war  and  j)lunder,  one  tribe  Avith  another,  and  battles  in  which 
1,000  or  more  Indians  were  killed,  are  related.  The  smaller 
tril)OS  would  often  combine  to  fight  a  stnmger  one,  such  as  the 
Sioux,  as  do  civilized  nations.  And  their  great  war  chiefs  were 
glorified  as  those  of  the  Whites  are  to-day. 

It  does  not  ai)pear,  however,  that  they  Avere  quarrelsome 
or  criminally  disposed  within  the  tribes,  and  peace  and  justice 
were  maintained  without  prisons  or  taxes,  or  much  trouble  or 
pain. 

They  cultivated  no  habit  or  taste  that  could  not  be  easily 
supplied  to  all.  They  enjoyed  and  had  leisure  for  the  hunt,  as 
much  as  an  English  lord.  They  appear  to  have  been  more 
happy,  and  have  gotten  as  much  good  otxt  of  life  as  do  the  ring- 
ridden,  toiling  masses  of  the  Whites.  The  introduction  of  fire- 
arms among  them,  first  by  the  Hiidson  Bay  Fur  Company,  in- 
augurated a  more  peaceful  era  among  the  Indians,  as  the  more 
destructive  war  machines  have  done  among  the  civilized 
nations.  But  the  whiskey,  diseases  and  vices  of  the  Whites 
have  proved  far  more  fatal  to  them  than  their  wars.  Con- 
sumption, deadl}'  fevers,  diphtheria,  small-pox,  measles,  scro- 
fula, and  more  loathsome  diseases  are  said  to  have  been  un- 
known to  the  Indian  tuitil  thoj  Jkic  known  civilization. 

Nor  did  they  have  any  medical  colleges  or  dollar-a-mile 
doctors.  A  steam  bath  in  their  "  sweat  house  "  was  a  remedy 
for  about  all  their  illness.  The}'  had  no  taste  for  salt  and  used 
none  ;  nor  tobacco,  oj^ium,  etc.  They  started  fires  with  punk 
and  friction.  The  Avhirling  of  a  hard  stick  set  on  to  jDunk,  by 
looping  the  stick  in  a  bow  string,  will  soon  produce  fire. 

The  greater  part  of  the  country  west  of  the  Missouri  river 
is  more  adapted  to  the  raising  of  buffiilo,  deer,  elk,  goat,  bear, 
rabbit,  and  other  game,  and  horses,  than  for  anything  else. 
And  before  the  advent  of  civilization  — that  slaughtered  them 
off  for  their  pelts,  and  the  sport  (?)  of  Ininting  down,  maiming, 
killing,  and  seeing  God's  beautiful  creatures  suffer,  quiver,  and 
die— there  was  a  great  abiiudance  of  such  food  supply.  Deer 
was  as  easily  caught  as  sheep  are  now,  and  destroyed  the 
11 


;Si  ^i 


i  m. 


162 


An  Indian  War. 


crops  of  the  first  settlers  ou  Pu<^et  Soiiutl.  This  great  natural 
fooJ  supply — together  with  the  fish,  clams,  berries,  roots,  and 
seeds  that  made  a  rich  flour,  atforded  food  in  great  abundance, 
move  healthy  and  better  than  that  had  by  millions  of  the 
children  of  boasted,  flaunted  civilization,  with  all  their  endless 
toil,  diseases,  vexation,  sorrow  and  vices. 

And  by  a  little  care  and  regulation  this  natural  God-given 
IVkhI  and  clothing  supply  could  have  been  increased  to  support 
a  population — dressed  in  seal-skin  and  martin,  instead  of  calico 
and  dungaree — as  dense  as  iu  the  present  toiling,  vexatious  and 
vicioias  way. 

It  soeras  that  even  in  Europe  it  has  been  found  the  best 
economy  to  raise  game  instead  of  grain.  Grasshoppers,  un- 
seasonable weather,  fashion,  the  prosperity  of  others,  had  no 
terrors  for  the  Indians,  and  they  knew  not  suicide  or  insanity. 

Thus  did  the  red  man  live — able  to  si^uvn  common  toil  like 
a  prince,  enjoying  the  sports  of  the  chase  like  a  nobleman,  the 
glories  of  war  like  a  Bonaparte,  Hannibal,  and  Grant.  And 
had  leisure  for  study  and  that  rest,  that  the  Whites  can  only 
hope  and  pray  for  iu  heaven.  This  thing,  called  civilization 
indeed !  has  proved  to  be  a  humbug  to  every  people  in  the 
history  of  the  world  tliat  have  tried  it  very  long,  so  that  they 
either  called  a  halt,  like  the  Chinese,  or  perished  like  the 
Indian  under  the  ban. 

As  to  the  religion  of  the  Indian  before  the  advent  of  the 
Whites,  it  appears  to  have  been  similar  to  that  of  the  Chinese 
from  Avhence  the  race  is  believed  by  themselves  to  have  come 
(crossing  Behring  Strait,  or  by  the  Islands).  It  is  a  sort  of 
Spiritualism — that  all  animals  have  immortal  spirits.  It  is  iu 
accordance  with  the  same  that  they  had  their  favorite  or 
attached  horses,  etc.,  killed  at  their  death,  believing  that  the 
attachment  and  association  of  these  spirits  -man  and  horse, 
etc.  -  before  death  would  continue  after  death  in  some  form  if 
freed  of  the  body  by  its  death. 

They  worshipped  the  sim,  etc.,  as  great  sources  or  main- 
springs of  life  and  goodness,  as  some  Christian  people  do  the 
"  harvest  moon." 

They  say  as  to  their  belief  in  an  intelligent  supreme  ruling 
power,  a  living  God,  "gi'eat  spirit,"  "  happy  hunting  ground," 


The  TiiUTH  about  Indians. 


103 


or  any  comprelieuHivo  future  existence,  that  this  is  all  au  iu- 
veutiou  of  the  Whites. 

Like  so  niauy  of  the  Whites,  the  religious  belief  of 
most  of  the  Iiuliaus  is  very  vague,  and  they  are  ready  to 
change  it  for  auythiog  else  that  will  give  them  cash  or  in- 
creased happiness  in  hand. 

If  the  Indians  are  to  be  benefitted  by  the  better  element  of 
civilization,  they  must  be  dealt  with  more  honestly  by  the 
Government,  and  protected  against  the  depravity  of  the  worst 
elements,  masonic  agents,  etc.,  or  else  be  permitted  to  protect 
themselves  against  the  lurking  serpents.  And  the  same  can 
well  be  said  as  to  the  simplest  and  artless  of  the  white  race 
also. 


A   CRY   OF  THE  SCUL. 


"  I  have  reail  iu  the  lore  of  long  ago 
How  a  symbol  of  our  life  below 
Is  II  boat,  Avith  piilsieil  men  to  row, 
And  a  bliuil  man  at  the  rudder  ; 
Or  a  pensive,  mild-Gved  mo*,her  of  kiuo 
Thut  roots  and  grubs  in  the  ground  like  swine, 
With  a  serpent  at  the  udder. 

O  shaven  i)riest,  that  pratest  of  souls, 
Knowest  thou  not  that  men  are  moles 

That  blindly  grope  and  burrow  '? 
The  field  that  is  gray  shall  be  green  again. 
But  whether  with  grass  or  whether  with  grain 
Ho  kuoweth  who  turns  the  furrow  ! 

It  is  onh'  a  steji  from  cradl"^  to  grave. 

And  the  step  must  be  taken  by  knight  and  knave. 

By  stupid  alike  and  clever  ; 
For  sleep  is  a  death  that  lasts  but  a  night. 
And  death  is  a  sleep  when  the  lips  are  white, 

And  open  no  more  forever. 

O  poet,  be  still,  with  thy  maudlin  verse  ; 
For  singing  of  love,  when  lovo  is  a  curse, 

Neither  mars  the  thing  nor  mends  it  ; 
And  sure  as  death  and  sleep  are  twins. 
So  life  in  mystery  begins. 
And  another  mystery  ends  it ! 


1 

'"^1 

•^i 

'^  m 

'Hi 

9,  nK 

l| 

5'riB 

<    MP 

i"*f 

\% 

I'M! 

\\\-'^  t 

i"'!!  'ill 


\r 


r  . 

if 


Ml 


164 


An  Indian  War. 


And  lio  Avlio  only  sleeiis  for  n  night, 

Though  never  before  were  Lis  ilreams  so  bright, 

Shall  surely  awaken  wilh  the  light 

To  another  day  of  sorrow  ; 
So  better  by  far  the  sleep  of  the  dead, 
For  the  sleeper  that  sleeiis  it  need  not  dread, 
Though  hard  be  the  pillow  beneath  his  head, 

The  doom  of  a  sud  to-morrow. 

Ah,  life  is  a  riddle  that  none  can  guess  ; 
And  wlietluT  it  curse,  or  Avhether  it  l)less. 

Depends  on  no  endeavor  ; 
For  the  spider  of  fate,  witn  a  thousand  eyes. 
Sits  weaving  its  web  for  human  flics  ; 

And  the  flies  buzz  on  forever  ! 


And  the  wolf  of  hunger,  gaunt  and  grim. 
Full  often  stops  at  the  door  of  hiiu 

Who  was  cradled  in  bliss  and  splendor, 
And  the  Avolf  of  sin  and  the  wolf  of  woe 
Lie  ill  wiiit  for  souls  that  are  white  as  snow, 

For  the  spider  of  fate  is  their  sender. 

And  the  king,  who  lifted  his  hand  to  slay. 
And  the  priest  whose  blue  lips  tried  to  pray, 
And  the  lieggar  in  rags,  who  V)Ogged  his  way. 

All  beaten  and  brown  with  the  weather  ; 
And  the  poet,  who  sang  his  song  so  sweet 
That  the  maiden  knelt  and  kissed  his  feet. 
While  he  wrapped  her  about  with  her  winding  sheet. 

They  are  all  rank  grass  together. 

And  the  greener  the  grass  on  graves,  'tis  said. 
The  surer  its  roots  to  be  dam^j  and  dead. 

For  both  have  a  common  mother  ; 
And  death  is  a  rest,  and  death  is  a  spell; 
And  life  is  heaven,  and  life  is  hell. 

But  each  completes  the  other. 

Ah,  true  was  the  myth  of  long  ago, 
That  a  symbol  of  our  life  below 
Is  a  boat  with  palsied  men  to  row, 
And  a  blind  man  at  the  rudder ; 
For  life  is  a  pensive  mother  of  kine, 
That  roots  and  grubs  in  the  ground  like  swine, 
With  a  serpent  at  the  udder." 


ttt;- 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Inilians,  contiinml. — Chief  .TfKsopli.  — Wliitt-  ]>ir(l. — Lookiu^  frliiss,  and  In- 
dians generally. — The  White  l?inl  fi^lit.— These  Indiiins  in  early 
days. — Their  fliM-ks,  hi>rds  mid  tino  fiirnis. — The  resiiU  of  the  war  to 
the  Indians.  —  "Cold-blooded  treachery." — How  chief  Joseph  treated 
white  prisoners.  — "The  glory  of  the  West."—  C!ol.  Stejytoe's  defeat. — 
"For  God's  sake,  give  me  something  to  kill  myself  with."  The  others 
saved  hy  other  Indians.--An  ingrate.  — Col.  Wriirht's  vietory.— (i'.tO 
liorses  butchered.— How  Wright  treated  Indiiii  prisoners.  —  ■•The 
Chief  Moses  outrage."— §70,000,000  sipiandered  by  the  gang. 

Will  resume  us  to  the  Nez-Perce,  or  Joseph,  White  Bird 
and  Looking  Ghxss  outbreak,  and  Indian  aft'airs  generally,  by- 
condensing  from  the  press. 

The  White  Bird  Fkhit,  xeau  Fok't  Lapwai,  Idah(\  LS77. 
"When  the  Indians  attacked  Col.  Perry  with  about  fifty  men, 
they  expected  to  be  repulsed,  and  then  fall  back  a})uut  a  mile 
where  was  thcnr  reserve  force  of  about  sixty,  entrenched  for  the 
purpose  of  receiving  the  troops,  as  they  pursued  the  advance 
skirmish  oii  their  retreat.  But  their  advance  iu'\-ei'  'lad  to  reti-eat, 
for  Col.  Perry  aiul  the  troops  fled  in  i)reeij)itaney  almost  at  the 
first  fire,  and  never  did  stop  until  they  had  gone  four  miles  up  the 
canyon.  The  Indian  reserve  never  came  into  the  fight,  except  a 
fcAV  old  squaAVS,  who,  on  seeing  the  soldiers  in  flight,  followed 
close  up,  to  plunder  the  dead.  They  were  frightened  at  the  first 
volleydischarged  in  their  direction,  and  Col.  Perry  was  determined 
to  save  his  own  scalp  by  flight.  So  demoralized  was  he,  that  he 
said,  he  kept  one  charge  in  his  revolver  in  order  to  shoot  himself, 
in  case  the  Indians  were  about  to  capture  him.  lie  had  rode  down 
one  horse  and  took  another,  belonging  to  a  soldier ;  and  had  not 
W.  B.  Bloomer,  a  citizen,  notified  him  of  his  danger  of  annihila- 
tion, he  would  have  rushed  into  Rocky  canyon  and  been  slaugliter- 
ed.  Bloomer  called  to  him  to  stop,  when  Perry  says  to  him,  "then 
you  lead  the  way  out  of  this." 

But  Lieutenant  Theller  gathered  six  or  eight  soldiers  around 
him,  and  stood  off  the  Indians  and  f  uight  them  until  every  man 
of  his  squad,  includihg  himself,  was  shot  down.  And  for  eleven 
days  Col.  Perry's  dead  soldiei's  lay  nu)rtifying  in  the  hot  sun  on 
the  field  of  battle,  while  the  Colonel  [a  masonj  and  his  fleeing 

(165) 


I 


m 


hi 


166 


Indians,  Continued. 


force  were  at  Cottonwood  in  pKxl  (juiirti-rs,  niid  the  Indians  liad 
left  and  <;(>ne  to  Salmon  river  and  across.  The  citizen  volunteers 
buried  Perry'.s  dead. 

Manuel  lay  concealed  in  the  brush  near  by,  and  persouall}' 
saw  the  Indians,  wluMi  they  made  their  breast  works  of  rails,  the 
iiujnber  wlio  Avere  there,  and  the  numlx'i'  who  sallied  out  to  uieet 
the  soldiers;  and  he  says  that  not  more  than  lii'ty  of  tht"  Indian 
warri(»rs  left  the  breast  woi'ks,  and  that  there  were  not  atanj'time 
uiore  than  200  Indians  in  tlie  hoh-.tile  ]iarty  at  the  time  of  the 
White  liird  lij^ht.aiid  from  fifty  to  sixty  of  thes(>  were  women  and 
cliildreu.  After  the  li;nht,  when  they  had  their  revelry  over  the 
victory  they  had  ji'ained  over  the  soldiers,  3Ianuel  was  within  a 
few  yards  of  the  ])ai'ty.  concealed  in  the  brush,  and  could  see  ami 
liear  all  that  was  done  and  said.  He  is  willinj;'  to  make  oath  that 
at  that  time  not  nioi-e  than  200  men,  women  and  children  were  in 
the  hostile  party. 

Such  are  some  of  the  facts  that  [Mason]  the  ])retended  histo- 
rian should  liave  embodied  in  his  pretended  history,  instead  of  ex- 
eusinfi"  the  commander  [Mason],  Avho  lii'ld  the  key  jjosition  on  the 
hill,  when  the  lijiliting  eomnienced,  and  could  have  easily  held  it." 
—'' Lndstun  Tcllrr." 

Why  shoukl  the  people  support  a  horde  of  such  loafers  to 
command  real  citizens  of  the  Government  in  time  of  war  ? 

"Cui1':f  Joseph. — By  liis  perfornumces  became  entitled  to  be 
recognized  as  one  of  the  remarkable  men  of  the  age.  One  more 
day's  march  would  have  jtlaced  him  inside  the  British  dominions. 
For  four  months  he  had  eluded  his  pursuers,  having  travelled 
more  than  l.")00  miles  through  the  wildest,  rockiest  and  most 
nu)untainous  region  in  Amei-ica.  Ib^  had  crossed  ranges,  leaped 
canyons,  and  swam  mountain  torrents;  all  this  Avhilo  carrying 
with  him,  on  this  remarkable  flight,  the  woinen,  children  and 
property  of  his  tribe.  He  had  been  pursued  altogether  by  several 
armies,  any  one  of  which  far  outnumbered  his  force.  He  had 
fought  five  battles  against  an  eyemy,  sui)plicd  with  all  the  re- 
sources of  modern  warfare,  and  each  time  he  had  been  i)ractically 
victorious.  Had  he  had  the  least  suspicion  of  Miles'  api)roaeh,  it 
is  evident  that  his  fertile  genius  Avoidd  have  eluded  his  enemies 
once  more,  and  have  been  able  to  laugh  at  all  their  toil." 

''A  Black  Page  of  IIist(jry. — In  the  fine-  address  delivered 
before  the  Oregon  Pioneers'  Association  by  Col.  Geo.  H.  Curry, 


ill' 


Indians,  Cdntimki). 


1(17 


we  And  the  f()llo\vin<y :  On  tin'  third  day  tVoin  M'eiiijjf  tlie  si<,'nal 
Hniokc  [while  iiniiiiynitiiig  to  Wi'sterii  Ori'j,'ou  in  early  days],  wo 
arrived  at  the  rim  of  the  Grande  Hoiide  vallev.  Lookiiiu'  down 
upon  thi.s,  the  most  beautiful  valley  in  Oregon,  we  could  see  large 
numlKa's  of  Indians  ridinsr  over  the  j)lains.  No  choice  was  left 
us,  friendly  or  warlike,  we  had  to  i)ass  through  that  valU-y,  and 
down  the  hill  we  stai-ted.  lieaching  the  foot,  we  soon  learned  that 
the  Indians  we  had  seen  were  a  lai'ge  band  of  Cayuses  and  Nc/- 
I'crcM's,  who,  following  a  custom  taught  them  l)y  Di-.  Whitcnian, 
had  come  this  fai-,  to  meet  the  immigrants,  trade  with  them,  and 
protect  them  from  the  Snako  Indians.  Here,  for  the  first  time  in 
several  months,  we  felt  safe,  and  went  to  sleep  without  guard, 
leaving  our  hungry  stock  to  feed  at  will  among  the  abundant 
herl»age  of  the  (irande  liondc. 

The  smoke  Avhich  had  caused  so  much  appi'chension  was  the 
Xc/.-Perces'  signal  of  aid.  It  was  the  fiery  banner  of  friendship 
and  succor,  sent  aloft  by  these  dusky  people  to  proclaim  their 
presence  and  good  will. 

The  sad  n  *'  *tion,  consequent  upon  reading  this  passage,  is, 
that  these  friendly  Indians,  who  protected  the  Aveary  and  famish- 
ing Oregon  pioneers,  should  have  subsecjuent  ly  been  the  object  of 
the  most  outrageous,  unjust  and  iidiunian  persecution  that  our 
Ciovcrnment  ever  inflicted  upon  tlie  Indians,  (ienerals  Howard, 
Gibbons  and  Miles,  who  were  ol)liged,  r.nucr  the  orders  (»f  the 
Government,  to  execute  Secretary  Schui'/'s  inhuman  orders  for 
the  ejection  of  the  Nez-Perces  from  their  homes,  unanimously 
testified,  that  these  Indians  had  reached  a  comi)aratively  liigli 
stage  of  civilization ;  they  had  flocks  rmd  herds,  had  fini^  farms; 
were  a  biave,  manly,  si)irited  race  of  men,  and  so  humane,  that 
they  forebore  to  murder,  scalp,  or  otherwise  torture  our  wounded, 
that  fell  into  their  hands. 

In  their  retreat  through  our  settlements  they  did  not  murc.cr 
or  rob ;  they  paid  for  their  supi)lies  and  only  aski'd  a  peaceful 
l»assage  in  their  flight.  Gen.  Gibbons  describes  Chief  Joseph  as  a 
man  of  high  intelligence,  and  of  superior  military  talent,  Avhose 
men  were  etpial,  man  for  man,  t*)  our  soldiers,  and  who  out-gene- 
ralled  and  out-fought  us  in  everj'  fight.  [Why  should  not  such  In- 
dians be  given  commands  in  the  army,  over  the  masons,  in  times 
of  war?]  When  Chief  Joseph  surrendered  to  General  IMiles  on 
honorable  terms,  which  stipulated  that  his  people  should  not  be 
removed   to  Indian    territory.  Secretary   Scliurz    disgraced   the 


ir.S 


Indians,  Continued. 


r';    I 


I  ill 


t 


Government  by  violating  the  terms  of  suvj-ender,  [but  was  the 
masonic  President  dead  ?J  and  General  Miles  never  ceased  to  pro- 
test against  this  outrage.  BntSelmrz  persisted  in  removing  them 
to  a  disti'ict  in  Indian  territory,  where  the  tribe  died  of  disease, 
like  nlii  "p  witJi  th(  foot  rot. 

The  only  excuse  for  the  Nez-Per(!e  war  Avas  that  greedy  men 
wanted  vlie  splendid  grazing  and  farming  lauds  of  the  tribe. 
[There  was  plenty  of  just  as  good  and  better  land  that  was  vacant 
at  that  time  ;  it  was  more,  for  the  jdundcr  of  the  Indians  of  their 
other  property,  and  the  Government,  in  the  furnishing  and  trans- 
portation of  supplies  by  the  gang  that  had  so  much  evil  iutituMice 
at  court,  and  are  sworn  subjects  of  tlieir  secret  mogiil  govern- 
ment that  prostitutes  ours.]  So  these  Indians,  who  had  pro- 
tected llie  Oregon  i)ioneers,  who  liad  offered  an  asylum  to  settlers 
fleeing  from  the  savages  in  the  Indian  war,  wlio  had  laid  aside  the 
inhuman  practices  of  scali)ingand  tori  ureof  captives,  [even  Avhile 
the  (lovernment  hired  and  armed  other  Indians  who  did  this 
against  tlie  Nez-Perces],  Avlio  wei'c  rising  steadily  in  the  scale  of 
industi'ial  aiul  agricultural  civilization  ;  these  Indians  were  lashed 
and  goaded  into  rebellion,  and  fought  a  heroic  figlit  against  our 
soldiers,  who  heartily  sympathized  with  these  brave  men  whom 
they  were  ordered  by  the  cold-bloodivd  [tools  of  the  gang]  to  shoot 
down  aiul  evict  from  their  honu^s.  It  is  the  Vjlackcst  picture  in 
the  \vi;!)]e  history  of  the  diialings  of  tlie  Government  with  the 
Indian  [but  it  is  not  very  far  from  a  fair  sample  of  the  whole], 
and  we  have  no  doubt,  that  the  Oregon  pioneers  who  were  aided 
in  the  Cayuse  war  by  these  Nez-Perces,  agree  with  General 
Gibbons,  who  to  this  day  pronoun(!es  the  Nez-Perce  war  as  a  cruel 
outrage,  contrived  by  |tlu'  gang]  anil  executed  by  a  secretary  of 
the  interior,  who  was  as  cold-blooded  and  treacherous  as  the 
nu-anest  savage  that  ever  wieldtu  tlie  tomahawk  and  the  scalping 
knife." — Porllnnd  Oregon ian. 

Yet  he  Avas  a  pretty  good  Christian  comparetT  to  brethren 
who  were  appointrd  to  high  offices  out  here. 

^'AuKAXSAS  City,  Kan.,  Maucii  20,  1885. — Information  is 
received  here  that  the  remaining  members  of  the  Nez-Perce 
Indian  tribe,  with  the  noted  Chief  Jose2>h,  are  to  be  transferred 
from  tlieir  present  reservation  in  Indian  territory,  where  they 
are  dying  by  the  score  from  broken  hearts,  to  their  old  reserva- 
tion in  Idaho.     In  1877,  when  Joseph  and  his  men  went  to  war 


Indians,  Continfeix 


1G9 


with  the  White  s,  lie  couducted  one  of  the  most  wonderful  niarehes 
and  sueeessiou  of  fights  in  the  iinuals  of  Indian  warfuri',  and 
when,  at  last,  he  surrendered  to  General  Miles  at  Bear  Paw  moun- 
tain, ^[ontana,  in  the  fall  of  1877,  he  was  over  900  miles  from  his 
reservation. 

Chief  Joseph,  at  last,  Avould  only  throw  down  his  arms  upon 
the  promise  that  he  and  hU  tribe  should  be  returned  to  their  old  resir- 
valion. 

And  so  well  wore  they  intrenched  behind  stone  fonces  and 
brcastwoi'ks,  that  ^Miles'  men  could  iiot  dislodii'c  them,  and  it  one 
period  of  the  fight,  when  General  Allies  asked  his  (H)mmand  if 
they  could  not  drive  them  out  by  assa^.'t,  they  replied,  'Charge 
hell  !  SVe  are  not  Sioux  ! '  it  beiiig-  generally  known  tliat  the 
Sioux  were  the  only  Indians  that  would  charge  the  Nez-1'erces. 
The  tribe  are  to  be  transfernnl  to  the  land  of  their  forefathers. 
Of  the  (iOO  men,  women,  and  children,  who  surrendered,  over  oOO 
have  died  of  broken  heart.s,  ami  the  only  flourishing  spot  within 
100  miles  of  their  present  reservation  is  tlicir  graveyard,  wlu'i'e 
newly  made  gi-aves  are  to  be  seeu  on  all  sides.  Chief  Joseph  has 
cheered  up  his  tribe  by  the  .t'ords  that  sonu'  time  the  (ii-eat 
Fathei"  at  Washington  [with  the  permission  of  the  g'ang]  Avould 
keep  his  word  and  let  them  return  to  tlu'ir  own  hunting  grounds 
near  the  setting  smi.'" 

"Chief  Joseph,  the  Nez-Pei'ce,  who,  with  his  tribe,  ('^OO 
strong,  of  the  best  fighters  the  United  States  troops  evei-  met  in 
field,  canyon  or  ambuscade,  broke  out  in  June,  1S77,  and  after  a 
march  of  nearly  2,000  miles,  were  finally  captured  at  TJear  Paw 
moTintain,  near  the  British  line,  in  November,  the  same  year,  are 
now  on  their  way  back  to  the  home  they  love  so  well  in  Idaho. 
Of  the  800  who  left  bu'  '^'»0  are  left,  and  <)f  these  119,  with  Chief 
Joseph,  will  be  taken  to  the  Colville  reservation,  and  the  re- 
mainder will  b  taken  to  Lapw  i.  With  the  single  exeejition  of 
Joseph  himself,  theC'hiefs  of  the  outl)reak  are  all  dead,  i^ooking 
Glass  was  killed  by  General  Miles' troops  at  Bear  Paw,  RaiuViow 
we  saw  lying  dead  with  a  bullet  through  his  brain  and  his  face  up- 
turned to  the  sky  on  the  Big  Hole  battle-groinul ;  he  was  the  first 
Indian  killed  as  he  was  going  out  at  daybreak  to  gatln'i  in  his 
horses.  Tooi-hool-hool-.snit  was  killed  on  the  same  field  and  his 
body  dug  up  by  Howard's  Bann(»<-k  s<'(tnts,  scali)ed,  and  a  general 
war  dance  and  corrobboree  lield  o^-^r  his  carcass.  Caps-caps,  who 
was  prominent  in  the  Salmon  rivei*  massacre  [?]  is  al^o  dead, 


'!    :'      ii 


<      ■'  v 


170 


Indians,  Continued. 


having  been  killed  in  one  of  the  numerous  engagements.  On  the 
surrender.  General  Miles  gave  his  word  to  Joseph  that  he  should 
be  retxirned  to  his  own  country,  but  such  has  been  the  ojjpositiou 
of  tlie  Avhite  peoi^o  [who  had  stoh'U  their  j.roperty  and  had  inlhi- 
enee  at  court]  it  has  not  until  now  [when  their  property  is  si'cuved 
beyond  their  reacli  so  they  cannot  "  make  trouble"]  deemed  ad- 
visable to  alhnv  them  to  return,  and,  hence,  Joseph  will  be  placf-d 
on  a  reservation  far  remote  from  the  scene  of  his  depredations. 
Wlienever  lie  had  the  oi)portuiiity,  lie  spared  the  lives  of  the 
prisoners  wlio  fell  into  his  liaiids,  and  caused  to  be  delivered, 
safely  and  unharmed,  two  ladies,  who  with  their  jiarty  were  at 
the  time  in  Yellowstone  Pai'k.  Jo.seph  interceded  and  sent  them 
on  their  way  rejoicing,  Avlicn  they  hnd  been  condemned  to  death. 
[I  wonder  whether  these  ladies  did  anything  for  Joseph's  justice 
when  he  Avas  in  distress.] 

He  has  paid  dearly  for  his  crimes  ['?]  the  A'engeance  of  all 
should  be  glutted  by  this  time.''  [Having  got  away  Avith  their 
hoiiit's  and  herds,  and  robl)ed  the  (TOA-erniiiriit  out  of  l>ig  ])iles  ol 
money;  y»^s,  these  gentlemen,  Avho  "lashed  and  goaded  tht-m 
into  an  outbreak"  for  plunder,  miglit  foi-gix'e  them  now,  if  they 
will  forget  it  all  and  say  nothing  about  it. J 

"At  last,  after  AViiiting  nearly  eight  yenrs,  the  remnant  of 
the  Nez-Peree  tribe,  which  was  transported  to  Indian  1<'iTitory, 
after  (he  sui-render  of  Chief  Josej)!!,  is  to  1)e  l)rought  liack.  Of 
OA'er  .jOO  persons  that  left,  le.ss  tlutii  half  remain,  the  others  filling 
graA-es  in  the  land  of  their  exile.  The  story  of  tliis  exile  is  a 
pitiful  one,  and  that  they  have  amply  atoned  for  their  crime  [?]  ;i> 
a  tribe  few  Avill  deny.  Since  their  departure  great  changes  haA'e 
taken  place  in  their  old  homes,  and  their  retui-n  need  cause  no 
alarm,  for  it  Avill  be  a  broken-heai'ted,  broken-si)irit*'d  band, 
filled  only  Avith  the  desire  to  Ha'c  at  pi^ace  Avitli  their  surroundings, 
and  lay  their  bones  in  the  soil  their  ancestors  have  claimed  for 
generations  past."     Marrh,  1885. 

"  The  Nez-Perces  and  Cayuses  Avere.  by  all  means,  the  great- 
est tribe.s  Avest  of  the  liocky  Mountains.  "Why,  they  used  to 
roam  iis  fiir  east  as  the  Missouri  liver  on  thrir  hunting  (■xi)edi- 
tions,  and  if  they  chanced  to  meet  a  Aviir  pjirty  of  iiiiy  tribe,  they 
"Wore  ready  and  prepared  to  uphold  by  strength  <jf  arms  the  glory 
of  the  West. 

An  officer  who  fought  in  the  rebellion,  told  me  that  some  of 
the  fiercest  and  most  valiant  fighting  he  ever  engaged  in  Avas  with 


iwm^i 


r:)f 


Indians,  CoNxrNUED. 


171 


the  Xez-Peret's.  Tliey,  he  said,  nuiiiitjiined  a  solid  front  in 
l)attlt>,  and  fired  and  niana'uvered  as  if  tliey  had  been  drilled  by  a 
graduate  of  West  Point." 

But  they  o?</-manceuverecl  and  icJn'/jped  such  graduates. 

"(Story  of  Coi..  Stkptoe's  Defeat  hv  the  Spokane  Indians. 
And  CoLi.  Wright's  Victory  over  the  Same  and 
their  Horses. 
By  L.,  in  '•Ort'fjonian.^' 

In  the  sprinj^  of  1858,  some  Palouse  Indians  stole  some  stock 
belonging  to  the  (Tovernment  from  the  vi(!inity  of  Fort  Walla 
Walla,  of  which  Lieutenant-Colonel  Steptoe  was  in  command,  at 
the  sam<'  time  certain  complaints  of  disturbances  and  dangers 
caused  by  Indians,  and  suffered  by  miners  in  or  pi'oceeding  to  the 
Colville  mines,  were  also  brought  to  the  same  oflficer's  notice. 
Two  miners  coming  overland  from  Thompson  river,  British 
Columbia,  to  Colville,  had  fall(Mi  vicitims  to  the  savage  ferocity  of 
some  natives,  of  what  tribe  it  is  impossible  to  say.  Such  being 
the  case,  Stei)toe  judged  it  projjcr  to  eoiuluct  an  armed  expedition 
■o  Colville  to  in(piire  into  the  matter,  and  pnnish  the  murderers 
and  restore  order.  (.)n  his  return  he  '"allowed"  (Stc})tor  was  a 
Southerner)  to  stop  in  at  the  hoine  of  the  Palonses  and  see  about 
the  stock  they  had  lifted.  The  Palonses  were  not,  on  the  whole;, 
very  desirable  ncighboi's.  If  then'  ever  existed  a  jteople  to  which 
they  might  fairly  be  compared,  it  must  have  been  tlir  ancient 
Scotch  borderers,  whose  1>usiness  was  theft,  and  whose  numbei-s, 
as  in  the  case  of  the  Indian  tribe,  were  recruited  from  the  worst 
and  most  desjK;rate  individuals  of  all  the  neighboring  nations. 
Notie^r  mu.<^i  here  be  taken  of  the  l)eginning  of  th'c;  tr()ul)le — the 
proposed  government  military  I'oad  from  Walla  Walla  to  Fort 
Benton,  on  the  up]ter  ]\rissouri.  |Tliis  road  alone  cost  the  Govern- 
ment more  than  would  have  o}M'ne(l  1,001)  miles  of  river  naviga- 
tion free  to  the  peoi>]e,  down  to  the  sea.  And  it  was  not  half 
built.  And  the  C oveniment  spent  ten  times  as  much  on  each  of 
other  roads  that  were  never  even  ojien  to  travel.  J  The  military 
and  topographical  engineers  had  ]irfinonnced  it  ))raclii'able.  and 
the  secretary  of  war  had  ordered  the  survey.  Ijieutenant  Mullan 
was  ordered  to  ])erform  the  AVork,  and  Avas  to  have  an  eseort  of 
^>ldiers  from  Walla  Walla.  He  was  to  set  out  in  ]\lay,  b*^.'»s,  but 
so  slow  were  the  motions  of  the  autliorities  that  the  Indians  heaid 


,111 

I- 


I  A 


172 


Indians,  Continued. 


m 


^^ilS'^ 


of  it,  and  imnicdiatcly  conchuled  tliat  it  was  but  a  move  dt'signcd 
for  takiiii;-  away  tlicir  country.  They  hcc^aine  nt'rvous,  and  tlioir 
spirits  bt'inj^  2)i't'yt'd  upon  h^  dedgning  met},  tlioy  coni))ined  for 
resistance. 

It  is  proven  by  good  evidence  that  when  Steptoe  and  his  loO 
men  set  out  on  ^lay  (5,  IS.IS,  to  march  north-east  frojii  "Walla  Walla, 
the  .suiiply  of  ammunition  which  was  intended  to  be  taken,  was 
taken  back  to  the  magazine  because  there  was  no  room  foi*  it  in 
the  packs  of  the  100  mules.  So  \\w  men  set  out  with  only  the 
ammunition  (tarried  in  their  cartridge  boxes.  Hence  occturred  the 
disaster.  The  force  consisted  of  two  howitzers,  five  company 
officers,  and  \~)2,  men. 

The  line  of  march  led  tlu'ongh  what  are  now  Columbia  and 
Garfield  counties,  and  the  Snake  riven*  was  i-ea(!hed  at  Alpowa 
creek,  where  a  small  l)and  of  Nez-Perces  I'esided,  whose  chief, 
Timothy — a  Christian  Indian — was  a  firm  friend  of  the  Wliitcs, 
and  who  still  continues  to  live  at  the  spot.  Timothy,  with  three 
warriors,  joined  the  command — a  circumstance  upon  which  de- 
pended the  lives  of  all.  Marching  north,  the  exi)edition  ap- 
proached four  lakes,  (the  medi(!al  lakes)  where  a  great  body  of 
Indians  were  met,  who  threatened  violence  if  the  trooi)s  did  not 
at  once  tui'ii  back  and  get  out  of  the  country.  It  was  resolved  to 
return  to  Walla  Walla.  They  broke  camp  at  thi-ee  o'clock  in  the 
iiKU'iiing,  followed  by  all  the  noisy  horde  of  savages,  who  seemed 
intent  on  fighting,  and  only  waited  for  the  trooj)s  to  strike  the  fli-st 
blow.  Sal  tees,  a  Cour  d'Alene  chief,  appeared,  accompanied  l)y 
Father  Josef,  the  missionary  to  that  tribe,  and  held  a  conference 
with  Steptoe,  the  missionary  interpreting.  The  chief  then  shouted 
something  to  his  followers,  when  Levi,  of  the  Nez-Perces,  struck 
him  on  the  head  with  a  whip  handle,  exclaiming,  ''  What  for 
you  tell  Steptoe  you  no  fight,  and  then  say  to  your  men,  wait 
awhile  ?  You  talk  two  tongues.''  [Getting  civilized  likeaGovernor.) 

The  fight  began  as  tlie  command  appi'oached  Pine  creek.  Ap- 
proaching this  creek,  the  command  passed  down  a  ravine,  and  on 
reaching  the  stream  the  Indians  commenced  firing  from  the 
bru.sh  on  the  south  side  and  from  various  elevated  points  nearby. 
Lieutenant  Gaston  charged  forward  and  cleared  a  wav  to  \\w 
highlands  southward,  and  the  entire  force  gained  a  conunanding 
positio...  The  liowitzers  were  unlimbered  and  opened  on  the  foe, 
and  one  or  two  charges  were  made.  Two  privates  were  wounded 
and  a  blundei'ing  soldier  killed  a   fi'iendly  Xez-Perce,  mistaking 


1) 


1(1 


Indianh,  Continued, 


173 


liim  for  an  eiieiiiy.  Again  tlie  ivtrcat  Avas resnincd  and  continued 
tlii'oui^li  tla'  foronoon,  tlu*  Iiulians  following  closely  and  ligiiling 
with  the  troops  in  the  rear.  As  long  as  their  ammunition  held 
out  they  were  kept  at  bay,  but  Oaston's  men  having  fired  their  last 
cartridge,  he  ((Jaston)  sent  to  Steptoe  recpiesting  him  to  halt  long 
enough  to  pi'ocure  ammunition.  The  re(pu'st  was  not  graifted. 
On  an-iving  at  Ca(!lie  (;rcek,  word  was  passed  t'lat  Lieutenant 
Gaston  was  killed,  and  the  order  to  halt  was  given.  A  \  iolent 
struggle  took  jdiwe  over  his  bod}',  the  liidi.ans  seeriring  it.  Tav- 
lor  was  killed  there  and  two  pi'ivates,  P.ai  lies  and  DeMay,  were 
killed  or  mortally  wounded,  and  anothsr  one  was  wounded  by  an 
ari'ow  from  u  dying  savage.  Ijieutenant  (rregg  called  on  the 
main  body  of  troojis  for  volunteers  to  relieve  the  rear  guard,  but 
only  ten  men  res])()nded.  lie  ordei-ed  them  to  fall  in  behind  him, 
but  looking  back  directly  after,  found  himself  all  alone.  The 
heroic  rear  guard  repulsed  the  Indians,  however,  and  the  com- 
nnuid  went  into  camp  oi;  the  spot.  Pickc^ts  were  thrown  out,  and 
such  of  the  dead  as  could  be  found  were  buried  here.  The 
howitzers  were  also  buried,  but  the  pack  train  ami  provisions  it 
was  decided  to  leave  for  the  Indians,  in  order  to  delay  their 
pursuit.  The  savagc^s  were  encamped  in  i)laiu  sight  in  the  bottom 
waiting  the  morrow,  when  they  would  make  a  last  onslaught  and 
end  the  contest  with  a  genei-al  nuissaere.  Their  sentinels  had 
surrounded  the  camj),  and  were  guai'ding  all  the  avenui^  of  t.xit 
save  one,  which  it  was  not  supposed  >'.e  soldiers  could  tra\erse. 
lint  this  became  their  salvation,  for  the  pass  was  known  by  the 
Xez-Perce,  Timothy,  and  through  it  he  led  the  ti'oo])s  to  safety. 
]..il  for  him,  ju-obably,  not  one  of  the  c(.'mmand  would  have 
escaped. 

The  uight  was  dark  and  cheerless,  and  when  the  proper  time 
arrived  the  entire  force  iru)unted  and  followed  the  chief  in  siniile 
file,  as  noiselessly  as  possible,  through  the  unguarded  pass.  Two 
wounded  soldiers.  MeC'rossen  aiul  AVilliams,  the  one  shot  through 
the  hip,  the  other  with  his  liack  broken,  who,  tied  ui)on  horses, 
begged  to  be  killed  at  once  rather  than  l)e  tortured  by  such  a  lide, 
and  becoming  untied,  were  left  alive  on  the  trail,  a  i)rey  to  the 
Indians — a  fearful  fate,  too  hoi-i-iMe  to  contenqtlate.  ''  For  (rod's 
sake,  give  nu^  .><onu'1hing  to  kill  my.self  with,"  they  cried,  as  tht; 
troops  disappeared  in  the  darkness. 

Thvou^rh  the  uight  the  rai)id  trot  or  gallop  was  kept  up,  fol- 
lowing tlK  faithful  Nez-Perce. 


^,  r 


t| 


■Ml 


174 


Indians,  Continued. 


ill  I 


Hi 


Tlie  wounded  \ve'-o  left  to  tako  caro  of  themselves,  and  the 
line  of  demoi'alized  and  friylitened  troops  passed  southward,  put- 
tinj^  whatever  (»f  distance  they  mim-ht  between  themselves  and  the 
enemy  for  twenty-four  hours.  They  i-ode  ninety  miles,  and 
veaehi'd  the  Snake  river  four  miles  below  where  they  crossed  it  on 
the  march  noi'thward.  (ioing  up  to  Timothy's  village,  that  de- 
voted chief  summoned  his  own  men  and  put  them  on  guai'd,  while 
tlie  exhausted  cavalcade  was  ferried  across  to  their  haven  of 
refuge,  the  south  side  of  the  Snake. 

Oil  the  24th  of  Seiitember,  Steptoes  force  reached  the  Pataha, 
where  he  was  joined  by  Captain  Dent,  who  brought  supplies  and 
reinforcements.  Here,  t(W,  came  Chief  Lawyer,  with  a  formid- 
able Avar  party  of  Nez-Perces,  who  begged  the  defeated  troops  to 
I'cturn  with  him  and  try  the  fortunes  of  war  .again  with  the 
Northern  Indian^;.  But  was  rejected.  Considering  the  gallant 
behavior  of  the  Xez-Perces,  two  of  the  four  only  esctaping  alive 
from  the  tight,  and  the  services  they  rendered  subsetiuentlj',  their 
troatjiient  by  the  Whites  was  contentptible.  And  Steptoe,  in  an 
ofli(!ial  letter,  to  swell  the  number  (i'.OO  to  GOO)  of  eu(Mnies  which 
had  been  (mcountced,  falsely  stated  that  some  of  the  Xez-Perces 
v/ere  engaged  in  tiie  attack,  and  onutted  to  mention  their  offer  of 
reinforcements.  Then  Steptoe  was  promoted,  and  then  he  joined 
the  Southern  Confederacy." 

"(leneral  Clarke  at  once  sent  up  fcmr  companies  from  San 
Francisco  to  re-inforce  the  troops  at  Walla  Walla.  Keyes  came 
up  iw  charge  of  the  e.Kpedition,  Avith  orders  to  report  to  Col.  Geo. 
AVright  at  W.iUa  Walla.  The  march  of  177  miles  over  land  from 
the  dalles  'rapids  of  the  Columbia  river]  was  very  exhaustive,  as 
it  was  late  in  June.  At  that  time  (lSr)9)  the  sound  of  a  steam- 
boat Avhistle  had  never  been  heard  a1)ove  Celilo.  He  built  a  small 
fort  near  the  mouth  of  Tu-Canyon,  where  he  left  one  company  of 
artillery,  uiuler  command  of  F.  O.  V.'}sf.  The  party,  numbering 
about  !)0U  men  in  all,  crossed  Snake  river  in  boats  on  the  2r)th  of 
August,  and  li\e  days  later  met  the  red  foe  at  the  Four  Lakes, 
where  a  battle  wa*  fought,  which  showed  the  Indians  that  Hudson 
Ba,y  muskets  we«v  n<>  match  tor  the  long-range  riHes  of  the  troops. 
This  battle,  which  is  known  UvS  the  battle  of  Spokane  Plains,  ended 
about  foui-iven  miles  fi\*H  wheiv  it  began,  and  was  fought  in  the 
suioke  of  burning  gi'ass.  Not  a  soldier  was  killed  or  wounded. 
The  Iwdian  l*****  was  ^iv^  ninety.    [May  be  so.] 

0*1  tibe  'Sth  of  September.  Col.  (Jrier  captured  a  band  of  900 


Indians,  Continued. 


175 


liorses.  Tlieso  he  drove  into  camp.  Tlie  officers  {iiid  the  quartei*- 
niiister  Avere  alhnved  to  select  a  certain  nunihcr;  two  were  jxiven 
to  eacli  friendly  Indian;  and,  on  the  foUowing  day,  the  remaining 
090  horses  were  driven  into  a  liigh  enclosnre,  and  shot  down  as 
fast  as  they  entered  Toward  the  last  the  soldiers  seemed  to  ex- 
nlt  in  the  hloody  task,  for  stich  is  the  ferocions  character  of  men. 
While  the  work  of  destrnetion  was  going-  on,  I  saw  an  Indian 
approaching  onr  camp,  carrying  a  long  pole  with  a  white  tlag  on 
it,  and  in  the  cleft  end  of  the  pole  was  a  letter  from  leather  Josef, 
S.  J.,  at  th(^  Conr  d'Alene  mission.  He  infoi'ined  Col.  "Wright  that 
in  conseipience  of  our  victories,  the  hostiles  were  greatly  (!ast 
down,  and  wished  him  to  be  their  intercessor  for  peace.  Tlie 
father  added  in  his  communication,  that  the  friendly  Indians  were 
delighted  at  our  victories,  as  they  had  heen  threatened  by  the 
hostiles  for  not  fighting.  On  the  22d  the  command  camped  on 
the  Nedwall,  a  tril)utary  of  the  Spokane,  and  in  came  old  Owhi, 
who  had  been  wounded  on  the  Spokane  ])lains.  Wright  ordered 
him  to  be  put  in  irons  at  once.  That  afternoon  six  Indians  were 
hanged,  in  stpiads  of  three,  each.  A  messenger  was  then  sent  in 
search  of  Qualchin,  the  son  of  Owhi,  who  came  into  c;imp  on  the 
24th.  He  asked  to  see  his  father,  and  Col.  Wright  answi'ird : 
'Owhi  mitlite  yawa.'  (Owhi  is  over  there.)  As  he  said  tliis  a 
section  of  the  giiard  .sprang  upon  Qualchiu  and  disarmed  him. 
lie  had  the  strentith  of  a  Hercules,  an<l  notwithstanding  he  had 
an  unhealed  wound  in  his  side,  it  took  six  men  to  tie  his  hands 
and  feet.  Within  an  hour,  from  his  entry  into  Col.  Wright's 
camp,  he  was  hanged,  by  order  of  that  stern,  old  warrior." 

Yet,  lie  had  no  more  right  in  their  country  with  an  armed 
force,  than  Bismarck  has  agninst  the  natives  of  the  Samoan 
Islands  at  this  time,  1889  ;  or  the  English  to  force  rum  into 
Africa,  or  opium  into  China,  in  the  name  of  Christ  and  civili- 
zation. 

"The  Chief  Moses  Outrage,  1883. 

The  Oregonian  has  contained  an  account  of  the  arrival  of  chief 
Moses  at  Fort  Van  Couver,  to  pi'otest  against  the  action  of  the 
(xovernment  in  restoring  to  the  public  domain  a  portion  of  tlie  re- 
servation, gi'anted  to  Moses  and  his  people  a  few  years  apo. 

By  r.rders,  dated  April  !);h,  187'.),  and  March  Gth,  18SU,  Presi- 
dent Hayes  set  ajiart  for  chief  Moses  and  his  people,  what  is 
known  as  the  Chief  Moses  Indian  Reservation  in  the  big  bend  of 


ili* 


176 


Indians,  Continued. 


the  Colunibia  rivei'.  It  contains  abont  three  million  jhtcs,  and 
sonie  iiiininj;'  distriets,  sni)i)osed  to  l)e  vahiable.  It  will  lie  re- 
nujiiiltei'ed,  lliat  Iht;  reservation  wjis  set  ajiai-t  at'tei-  a  hmfs;  con- 
ference with  Mo.s(;s,  wlio  visited  Washington  ami  came  l)a(;k  with 
tlie  assnranee,  that  lie  wonkl  never  in  fnture  be  dispossessed  of 
the  ffrant. 

On  the  2;5rd  of  February  last,  President  Arthur  issued  an 
order,  i-estoring  a  tract  about  15  miles  wide  and  100  miles  loiijL!;  to 
the  iiublie  domain.  The  strijt  is  at  the  northern  boundary  of  the 
i-esei'vation.  AVhat  intlueuce  brouj,'ht  about  this  action  by  the 
President,  is  not  known  here.  That  he  should  have  taken  such  a 
stei>,  wlieii  the  faith  of  the  (iovei-nment  was  pledi^ed,  that  the  i-e- 
servation  would  not  be  disturbed,  and  that  step,  too,  without  con- 
sult inj.^  Mose.s'  tribe,  is  a  [nuisoniej  mystery. 

It  is  a  i)art  of  the  f^riev^ance  of  chief  Closes,  that  he  was  not 
considted  in  the  matter  of  taking,'  away  his  land.  Even  to  this 
time  he  has  not  received  oHicial  iiotKication  of  the  President's 
action.  His  lii'st  hint  of  the  ()J"d(.'i'  was  the  pi-esenee  on  his  re- 
servation of  miners, and  s(|uattei's,  [tln;m.selves,  or  in  the  intei'cst 
of  a  gan<;  of  unisons,  havinj;'  bi<^-  iniluenee  at  court,]  who  staked 
out  claims,  s<'lectin<;  in  many  instances  lands  occupied  by  Indian 
families.  A  Ix'tter  .scheme  to  '(X(;ite  the  anger  of  the  Indians  could 
not  have  beiui  devised,  and  it  is  suri)rising  that  the  outrage  did 
not  icsidt  at  once  in  bloody  warfare.  And,  in  truth,  only  the  pro- 
mise of  Moses,  to  ha\'e  the  nuitter  fixed  to  their  satisfaction,  re- 
strained his  pe()])le  from  sumnuiry  measni-es.  The  country  has 
seen,  in  the  case  of  the  3Iusell  .shnig'h  settlers  in  Califoi-nia,  |that 
were  plundered  of  tlnnr  homes  by  a  gang  of  masons,  having  (;on- 
trol  of  the  courts,]  how  white  men  feel  under  similar  jjrovocation, 
and  fi'om  that  can,  pei'hap.s,  understand  the  spirit  which  Moses 
had,  and  has  still,  to  combat. 

For  a  long  time  i)ast  it  has  been  knoAvn,  tliat  rich  gold  and 
silver  bearing  ledges  existed  in  the  mountains  within  the  linuts  of 
chief  Mo.ses'  reservation,  but  it  has  not  been  so  well  known,  that 
men  Jtnasons],  owning  immen.se  wealth,  have  an  interest  in  these 
mines  and  that  to  their  intluem^e,  and  soUhj  for  Ihei?'  hrjiejif,  hna 
such  a  large  slice  been  taken  from  the  Iiulians,  without  a  why  oi' 
wherefore,  Jaiul  given  to  the  gang.  Practical  miners  and  real 
citizens  could  never  have  thus  acquired  valuable  pi'operty. —  Here- 
after, when  the  people  were  trying  to  repel  a  fraudulent  invasion 
of  C'hinese,  it  will  be  seen,  how  these  charitable  brethren  wrung 


Indians,  Continued. 


177 


tlicir  liiinds  in  liorror  at  "  violatiiifr  tho  pliglitcd  faith  of  tlie 
(iovcriiiiinit,"  MS  tlicy  were  iiiiikiii^'  iiioiicy  out  of  tliciu,  and  liow 
they  iiiadu  nioiicy  out  of  the  Chinese  war,  as  they  do  in  tliat  of 
tile  Indian.] 

Till!  country  so  tlmtwn  o})f'n  oonlains  fifteen  liundi-ed  sipiare 
miles  of  territory,  and,  outside  llu'  minei-al  liearinji;  i-cf^'ion,  con- 
tains huul  of  v(;ry  littk;  vah;e. 

It  is  known  that  tlie  Indians  are  deeply  dissatisfied  with  the 
act  of  the  Governnuint.  That  tliis  aet  of  bad  faitli  i-ankles  in  their 
hciii'ts  as  a  most  inexftnsable  and  wanton  injury.  They  caniu)t 
but  interprete  it  as  a  further  dccljimtion,  that:  the  Indians  liave 
no  lights,  which  the  white  man  or  his  ucovernmmt  is  l)ound  to  re- 
sjiect.  Tliey  (tannotlook  upon  it  in  any  other  liglit,  than  as  a  most 
perfidious  viohilion  of  tlie  plielited  faith  of  the  (iovernment. 
^loreover,  they  look  upon  it  merely  as  an  initial  encroachment, 
which  wiU  be  followed  by  otliers,  until  their  lands  are  wholly 
tjdcen  away,  leaving  them  no  dwelling  place  they  ean  call  tlieir 
own. 

AVhat  has  heretofore  happened  in  similar  eircumstanees  need 
not  be  reeit(d  in  detail  here.  The  Indians  are  not  numerous. 
They  can  must(,'r  ix'rhaps  GOO  men.  But  a  less  nund)erof  ]Mo<lo(ts 
and  a  less  number  of  Nez-Perees  fought  with  a  courag(;  that  won 
the  admiration  of  the  country,  whihi  they  made  its  army  mourn 
the  loss  of  gi'eat  numbers  of  its  best  officers  and  men,  terrorized 
the  country  for  hundreds  of  miles,  and  cost  the  (rovernment  tre- 
uiendous  exertions  and  millions  of  money  [f()r  the  gang]  to  sub- 
due them.  The  causes  of  these  risings  })ear  a  close  parallel  to  the 
complaints  now  made  l)y  Moses  and  his  people.  Tn  each  case  it 
was  an  attempt  to  deia-ive  the  Indians  of  their  dwelling  place 
without  their  ecmsent. 

It  is  not  to  be  supposed  that  the  President  has  act(!d  in  this 
matter  upon  his  own  motion.  By  whom  weri;  the  representations 
made  which  led  to  the  order '!  In  ease  of  an  outljreak  on  the 
part  of  these  Indians  somebody  will  have  to  answer  this  (pu'stion, 
[(ju  tlie  contrary,  they  are  sworn  to  ''  evei'  conceal  and  never 
reveal''  these  masonic  mysteries].  It  may  be  that  the  delegate 
from  Washington  territory  could  tell  about  the  influence  that 
secured  the  executive  older.     |  But  he  was  a  mason  himself  |. 

The  [masonic]  i)olicy  of  ])ei'fidy  and  robbery  is  as  pool-  in 
point  of  expediency  as  it  is  poor  in  point  of  morality.  AVe  have 
paid  for  these  things  hitherto  in  murdered  families^  de]»opulated 
12 


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178 


Indians,  Continued. 


st'ttk'iiK'iits.  iiicn  sliiiii  ill  liiittlo,  aiid  uiilold  siiiiis  (if  iiHUicy  i\- 
pemlctl  ill  Iiidiuii  wars.  Tin-  Iiidian  is  a  straiijic  (MHiiitniiiKl  ot' 
hasty  spirit  and  stubborn  fatalism.  lie  acts  from  an  impnlsc, 
disinissiii;^'  jii'iidciicc,  and  taking'  no  tlioiiglit  of  (•onsc(|m'n(*('s  ; 
and  wiicn  ovn-conic,  lie  accepts  liis  fate  witli  iiiditTcrciicc  or  forti- 
tude. He  reasons  tliat  lie  might  as  well  die  at  onc(3  as  to  I)0 
stripped  of  his  home,  have  no  abiding  place  and  no  means  of 
li\iiiii' ;  and  hence  the  motive  tVoni  which  he  acts  is  a  mixture  i-e- 
siilting  from  a  sense  of  injury,  a  desire  of  revenge,  and  a  feeling 
of  despair. 

But  the  weakness  of  these  Indians  let  no  one  desi)ise.  Weak, 
indeed,  they  are ;  bnt  the  i)Oor  reptile,  trodden  upon,  lias  the  in- 
stinct of  self-])reservation,  and  may  fatally  sting. 

If  it  was  deemed  so  necessary  to  get  back  a  part  of  Moses' 
reservation,  the  honi'st  way  would  liave  been  to  open  a  negotia- 
tion witli  liim  and  his  peo^de,  and  satisfy  them  for  the  land. 

The  [linked]  politicians  wlio  shared  in  the  attempt  to  rob 
Moses  and  his  people  of  their  land,  the  crowd  who  hoi»ed  for  profit 
from  this  crime,  and  those  who  from  prin(!i2)le,  or  the  lack  of  it, 
or  from  habit,  ery  down  the  red  man  [and  the  white]  without  re- 
gard to  the  merits  of  his  cause,  have  attempted  to  justify  the 
careless  [?J  act  of  the  I'rcsident.  Unable  to  make  out  a  case 
•\vlii(di  could  demand  respect,  with  the  simple  truth,  they  have  not 
hesitated  to  misrepresent  the  facts — in  other  words,  they  have 
UH. 

It  is  the  opinion  of  oflflcers  now  on  the  reservation,  that  if 
the  old  chief  should  begin  hostilities,  he  would  be  joined  by  the 
disalfected  living  near  him,  and  that  he  coidd  muster  a  force  suf- 
ficiently strong  to  sjiread  desolation  over  the  whole  of  north- 
eastern Washington,  [which  would  be  a  mint  for  the  gang].  But 
warfare  on  Moses'  part  has  nevi-r  been  feared,  unless,  forced  by 
the  passions  of  his  people,  he  should  have  to  abandon  them  oi* 
lead  them." 

"  During  the  past  ten  years  the  Government  has  expended 
nearly  .$70,000,000  in  caring  ['?]  for  the  Indians  [?].  The  total 
number  atta(*hed  to  agencies  is  only  246,000,  and  of  these  60,000 
in  Indiaii  Territory,  7,700  in  Wisconsin,  and  5,000  in  New  York, 
are  supposed  to  be  at  least  partially  self-supporting." 


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CHAPTER  XIII. 

Indians,  concluded. — "The  Waiilatpii  nmssacro." — The  thnllinp  story  of 
one  who,  as  a  girl,  was  an  t'y(>  witui'ss  and  then  taken  aAvay  as  a 
prisoner. — Foreboclings  of  the  nuuderous  outbreak.— Friendly  warn- 
ing given. — Tho  dying  hours  of  Dr.  and  Miu  Wliitnian. — Mis,siou  life 
among  tho  Indians. — As  the  Indians  were  in  1852  and  then  in  ISij*!. — 
Death  of  chief  Kauaskat. — How  Indians  are  preserved. — How  "  eiviU- 
zation  "  was  introduced  to  tho  natives  of  South  and  Central  America. 

The  Waiilatpu  Massacke. 

[yivH.  C'lark  Pringle,  whose  maiden  name  was  Catherine  Sager,  and 
who  was  one  of  the  children  adopted  by  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Whitman,  was  Hi 
yeai-s  old  at  the  time  of  this  notable  massacre.  She  was  an  eye  witness  to 
all  that  preceded  it,  as  well  as  to  mucli  that  occurred.  Her  c.vperienee  was 
dreadful  in  tlie  extreme.  The  following  article  was  written  by  her  and 
sent  to  Mr.  S.  A.  Clarke,  as  a  contribution  to  his  history  of  "  Pioneer  Days, " 
and  by  him  furnished  to  The  Okeoonian.  Some  new  facts  are  learned 
from  her  account,  although,  even  were  not  thi.s  the  case,  the  nan-ative  it- 
self would  prove  of  suflicient  interest  to  attract  the  reader. 

Mr.  Clarke  says:  "I  consider  this  the  most  valuable  doscrii)tion  of  that 
sad  and  tenible  afl'air  that  over  has  been  written.  Mrs.  Pringle  possesses 
rare  abiUty  as  a  Avriter,  as  all  must  concede."] 

In  the  year  183G  Dr.  Marcus  Whitman  and  his  wife,  in  com- 
pany with  Rev.  H.  H.  Spalding  and  wife,  crossed  the  Rocky 
mountains  and  settled  amonj?  the  Nez-Perces  and  Cayuse  Indian.s 
as  missionaries.  Dr.  Wliitman's  location  was  amonf;  the  latter 
tribe,  in  the  Walla  Walla  valley.  lie  and  his  bride  had  left  civi- 
lization immediately  after  their  marriage  and  settled  among 
savages,  with  the  intention  of  i-aising  them  from  their  degradation. 
For  eleven  years  they  toiled  with  pleasing  success,  and  were  led 
to  think  that  ere  many  years  should  })ass  tlieir  dreams  would  be 
realized,  that  the  heathen  tribe  would  be  a  Christian  jjeople. 

Their  only  child,  a  daughter,  was  drowned  when  two  years 
old,  but  they  had  filled  their  house  with  children  whom  they  had 
adopted.  These  children  were  as  follows :  A  nephew  of  Dr.  Whit- 
man ;  three  half-breeds,  named  IMary  Ann  Bridger,  Helen  M. 
Meek  and  David  M.  Cortez.  In  18-1^4  my  jjarents  died  crossing  tlie 
plains  on  their  way  to  Oregon,  leaving  seven  diildren,  the  eldest 
14  years  old,  and  the  youngest  a  babe  of  six  months.  We  were  at 
their  request  taken  to  the  station  of  Dr.  Whitman,  and  he  and  his 

(IW)) 


Mission  Life  among  the  Indians. 


181 


wife  adopted  the  seven.  Here  Ave  lived  the  happy,  careless  life  of 
cliililhood.  It  mattered  not  to  us  that  oui  associations  were  con- 
fiii('<l  to  niembei's  of  the  family  ;  there  were  enough  of  us  to  keep 
Miti  house  ringing  with  mirth  from  morning  until  n'.ght.  Three 
years  this  life  lasted,  and  then  a  storm  began  to  gather  and  east 
its  shadow  over  this  happy  home.  First  it  was  but  a  small  cloud, 
ill  the  distance;  then  was  heard  low,  muttering  thunder;  finally 
tlu!  whole  horizon  was  overcast  and  the  storm  broke  with  a  fury 
that  wiTcked  and  scattered  the  household  forever,  casting  a  gloom 
over  all  coming  time  to  those  who  survived  its  ravages. 

SOME    OF  THE   CAUSES. 

In  the  fall  of  1847  the  emigration  over  the  mountains  brought 
the  measles.  It  spread  among  the  Indians,  and  owing  to  their 
iiiaiuier  of  living  it  proved  very  fatal.  It  was  customary  for  emi- 
grant families  who  arrived  late,  to  winter  at  the  station,  and  some 
seven  or  eight  families  had  put  up  there  to  spend  the  winter  of 
1S47.  Among  the  arrivals  was  a  half-breed  named  Joseph  Lewis, 
who  had  joined  the  emigration  at  Fort  Hall.  Much  against  his 
will,  the  doctor  admitted  this  person  into  his  family  for  the 
winter.  None  of  lis  liked  him;  he  seemed  surly  and  morose. 
There  was  also  a  Frenchman  named  Joseph  Stanfield,  who  had 
been  in  the  doctor's  employ  since  the  year  1845.  Up  to  the  year 
1S47  the  Protestant  missions  had  been  the  only  religious  influence 
among  the  Indians.  In  the  fall  of  this  year  the  Catholic  church 
estal)lished  missions  among  them,  and  the  teachings  of  the  two 
clashed.  The  Indian  mind  is  so  constructed  that  he  cannot  re- 
concile the  different  isms,  conseq\;ently  they  became  much  Avorked 
up  on  the  subject.  Many  long  talks  occurred  between  them  and 
Dr.  Whitman,  in  reference  to  the  two  religious  systems.  Owing 
to  the  sickness,  and  these  other  causes,  the  natives  began  to  show 
an  insolent  and  hostile  feeling.  It  was  now  late  in  the  season  and 
the  weather  was  very  inclement.  Whitman's  large  family  were 
all  sick  and  the  disease  was  raging  fearfully  among  the  Indians, 
who  were  rapidly  dying.  I  saw  from  five  to  six  buried  daily. 
The  field  was  open  for  creating  mischief  and  the  two  Joes  im- 
proved it.  J.)  Lewis  was  the  chief  agent ;  his  cupidity  had  been 
awakened  and  he  and  his  associate  expected  to  reap  a  large  spoil. 
A  few  days  previous  to  the  massacre  Mr.  Spalding  arrived  at  the 
station,  accompanied  by  his  daughter,  10  years  old.  She  was  the 
second  child  born  of  white  parents  west  of  the  Rocky  mountains, 


■ 


M 


182 


Indian  Massacre. 


ii,5? 


Dr.  Whitmau's  child  being  the  fii-st.  Slie  liad  lived  her  ten  years  of 
life  among  the  natives  and  spoke  the  language  fluently.  Saturday, 
after  his  arrival,  Mr.  Spalding  accompanied  Dr.  Whitman  to  the 
Umatilla,  to  visit  the  Indians  there  and  hold  a  meeting  for  wor- 
ship with  them  upon  the  Sabbath.  They  rode  nearly  all  night,  in 
a  heavy  rain.  Dr.  Whitman  spent  the  next  day  visiting  the  sick, 
and  returned  to  the  lodge,  where  Mr.  Spalding  was  staying,  late 
in  the  afternoon,  nearly  worn  out  ■with  fatigue.  The  condition  of 
his  family  made  it  imperative  that  he  should  return  home,  so 
arrangements  were  made  for  Mr.  Spalding  to  remain  a  few  days 
on  the  Umatilla,  to  visit  among  and  preach  to  the  Indians. 

A  CONSPIRACY  UNFOLDED. 

As  Dr.  Whitman  was  mounting  his  horse  to  leave,  Stickas,  a 
friendly  Christian  Indian,  who  was  the  owner  of  the  lodge,  came 
out  and  told  him  that  "Jo  Lewis  was  making  trouble ;  that  he  was 
telling  his  (Stickas')  people  that  the  doctor  and  Mr.  Spalding  were 
poisoning  the  Indians,  so  as  to  give  their  country  to  his  own 
people."  He  said  :  "  I  do  not  believe  him,  but  some  do,  and  I  fear 
they  will  do  you  harm ;  you  had  better  go  away  for  awhile,  until 
my  people  have  better  hearts. " 

Doctor  Whitman  arrived  at  home  about  ten  o'clock  that  night, 
having  ridden  twenty-five  miles  after  sundown.  He  sent  my  two 
brothers,  who  were  sitting  up  with  the  sick,  to  bed,  saying  that  he 
would  watch  the  remainder  of  the  night.  After  they  had  retired 
he  examined  the  patients,  one  after  the  other.  (I  also  was  lying 
sick  at  the  time.)  Coming  to  Helen,  he  spoke  and  told  his  wife, 
who  Avas  lying  on  the  bed,  that  Helen  was  dying.  He  sat  and 
watched  her  for  some  time,  when  she  rallied  and  seemed  better. 
I  had  noticed  that  he  seemed  to  be  troubled  Avhen  he  first  came 
home,  but  concluded  that  it  was  anxiety  in  reference  to  the  sick 
children. 

Taking  a  chair,  he  sat  down  by  the  stove  and  requested  his 
wife  to  arise,  as  he  wished  to  talk  with  her.  She  complied,  and  he 
related  to  her  what  Stickas  had  told  him  that  day ;  also  that  he 
had  learned  that  the  Indians  were  holding  councils  every  night. 

After  conversing  for  some  time,  his  wife  retired  to  another 
room  and  the  doctor  kept  his  lonely  watch.  Observing  that  I  was 
restless,  he  surmised  that  I  had  overheard  the  conversation.  By 
kind  and  soothing  words  he  allayed  my  feai-s,  uid  I  went  to  sleep. 
I  can  see  it  all  now,  and  remember  just  how  he  looked. 


1     ,. 

i  ■ 

t'.i: 


h. 


Mission  Life  among  the  Indians. 


1H3 


The  fatal  29tli  of  Novem})er  dawned,  a  cold,  foggy  inoriiing. 
It  would  seem  as  though  the  sun  was  afraid  to  look  upou  the 
bloody  deed  the  day  was  to  briug  forth,  and  that  nature  wits 
weeping  over  the  wickedness  of  man.  Father's  (Dr.  Whitman) 
l)r()w  was  serene,  with  no  trace  of  the  storm  that  had  raged  in  his 
l)i'east  during  the  night.  He  was  somewhat  moi-e  serious  than 
usual.  Most  of  the  children  were  better,  only  three  being  danger- 
ous ;  two  of  these  afterwards  died.  We  saw  nothing  of  niotluT 
(Mrs.  Whitman).  One  of  the  girls  put  some  breakfast  on  a  plate 
and  carried  it  to  her.  She  was  sitting  with  her  face  buried  in  her 
luuulkei'chief,  sobbing  bitterly.  Taking  the  food  she  motioned 
the  child  to  leave.    The  food  was  there,  uutouchtd,  next  morning. 

LAST  HOUR  AT  WHITMAN'S  STATION. 

An  Indian  child  had  died  during  the  night  and  was  to  be 
brought  to  the  station  for  burial.  While  awaiting  the  coming  of 
the  corpse,  Dr.  Whitnum  sat  reading  and  conversing  with  his 
assistant,  Mr.  Kodgers,  upon  the  difficulties  that  seemed  to  sur- 
round him,  the  discontent  of  the  Indians,  the  Catholics  forcing 
themselves  upon  him,  and  the  insinuations  of  Jo  Lewis.  He 
made  plans  for  conciliating  the  natives  and  for  improving  their 
condition.  He  said  that  the  bishop  was  coming  to  see  him  in  a 
few  days,  and  he  thought  that  then  he  could  get  the  Indians  to 
give  him  leave  to  go  away  in  the  spring,  adding: 

"  If  things  do  not  clear  up  by  that  time,  I  will  move  my 
family  below." 

Being  informed  of  the  arrival  of  the  corpse,  he  arose,  and 
after  calling  his  wife  and  giving  her  directions  in  regard  to  the 
sick  children,  he  wended  his  way  to  the  graveyard. 

A  beef  Inul  to  be  killed  for  the  use  of  the  station,  and  niv 
brother  Frant;is,  accompanied  by  Jo  Stanfield,  had  gone  early  to 
the  range  and  driven  it  in,  and  three  or  four  men  were  dressing 
it  near  the  grist-mill,  which  was  running,  grinding  grist  for  the 
Indians. 

Upon  the  return  from  the  funeral  the  doctor  remarked  that 
none  but  the  relatives  were  at  the  burying,  although  large  num- 
bers were  assendjled  near  by  ;  but  it  might  be  owing  to  the  beef 
l)i'iug  killed,  as  it  was  their  custom  to  gather  at  such  times.  His 
wife  requested  him  to  go  up  stairs  to  see  IMiss  Bewley,  who  was 
quite  sick.  He  complied,  returning  shortly  with  a  troubled  look 
on  his  countenance.    He  crossed  the  room  to  a  sash  door  that 


■p. 


184 


Indian  Massacre. 


fronted  the  mill,  and  stood  for  some  moments  drumming  upon 
tilt'  ylas.s  with  his  fingers.     Turning  iiround,  he  said  : 

"  Poor  Lorinda  is  in  trouble  and  does  not  know  the  cause.  I 
found  her  weej)ing,  and  she  said  there  was  a  i)resentiment  of  evil 
on  her  mind  that  she  eould  not  ovt-i-eome.  I  will  get  licr  some 
medicine,  and,  wife,  you  take  it  up  to  her,  and  try  and  comfort 
her  a  little,  for  I  have  failed  in  the  attempt." 

As  he  said  this  he  walked  to  the  medicine  case,  and  was 
making  a  selection.  His  wife  had  gone  to  the  pantry  for  milk  tor 
one  of  the  children ;  the  kitchen  was  full  of  Indians,  and  their 
boisterous  manner  alarmed  her.  She  fled  to  the  sitting  room, 
bolting  the  door  in  the  face  of  the  savages  who  tried  to  pass  in. 
She  had  not  taken  her  hand  from  the  lock  when  the  Indians 
rapped  and  asked  for  the  doctor.  She  said,  "  Doctor,  you  are 
Avanted."  He  went  out,  telling  her  to  fasten  the  door  after  liini ; 
she  did  so.  Listening  for  a  moment,  she  seenied  to  be  reassured, 
creased  the  room  and  took  up  the  youngest  child.  She  sat  down 
with  this  child  in  her  arms.  Just  then  Mrs.  Osborn  came  in  from 
an  adjoining  room  and  sat  down.  This  was  the  fti'st  time  this 
lady  had  been  out  of  her  room  for  weeks,  having  been  very  ill. 

THE  STORM   BURSTS  ON  WAIILATPU. 

She  had  scarcely  sat  down  when  we  were  all  startled  by  an 
explosion  that  seemed  to  shake  the  house.  The  two  women 
sprang  to  their  feet,  and  stood  with  white  faces  and  distended 
eyes.  The  children  rushed  out  doors,  some  of  them  without 
clothes,  as  we  were  taking  a  bath.  Placing  the  child  on  the  bed, 
Mrs.  Whitman  called  us  back  and  started  for  the  kitchen,  but 
changing  her  mind,  she  fastened  the  door,  and  told  Mrs.  Osborn 
to  go  to  her  room  and  lock  the  door,  at  the  same  time  telling  us 
to  put  on  our  clothes.  All  this  happened  much  quicker  than  I 
can  write  it.  Mrs.  Whitnuin  then  began  to  walk  the  tioor  wring- 
ing her  hands,  saying,  "  Oh,  the  Indians !  the  Indians  !  they  have 
killed  my  husband,  and  I  am  a  widow  ! "  She  repeated  this  many 
times.  At  this  time,  Mary  Ann,  who  was  in  the  kitchen,  rnshetl 
around  the  house  and  came  in  at  a  door  that  was  not  locked ;  her 
face  was  deathly  white  ;  Ave  gatliered  around  her  and  inquired  if 
father  was  dead?  She  replied,  "Yes."  Just  then  a  man  from 
the  beef  came  in  at  the  same  door,  Avith  his  arm  broken.  He 
said:  "Mrs.  Whitman,  the  Indians  are  killing  us  all."  This 
roused  her  to  action.    The  Avouuded  man  was  lying  on  the  floor 


8''  I 


Mission  Life  amono  the  Indians. 


185 


calling  for  wiitor.  She  brought  him  a  pitchcrftil  from  another 
room,  locked  all  the  (loci's,  then  uuloekiug  that  door  she  went  into 
tlic  kitehen.  As  she  did  so,  several  emigrant  women,  with  their 
small  children,  rushed  in.  Mrs.  Whitman  was  trying  to  drag  her 
husband  in ;  one  of  t  ,ie  women  went  to  her  aid,  and  they  brought 
him  in.  He  was  fa. ally  wounded,  but  eonscious.  The  blood  was 
streaming  from  a  gunshot  wound  in  the  throat  Kneeling  over 
him,  she  implored  him  to  speak  to  her.  To  all  her  questions  he 
\vhis})cred  "  Yes,"  or  "  No,''  as  the  ease  might  be.  Mrs.  Whitnuiu 
would  often  step  to  the  sash  door  and  look  out  through  the  win- 
dow to  see  what  was  going  on  out  of  doors,  as  the  roar  of  guns 
showed  us  that  the  blood-thirsty  fiends  were  not  yet  satisfied.  At 
sueli  tinu^s  she  would  exclaim :  "  Oh,  that  Jo  Lewis  is  doing  it 
all ! "'  Several  times  this  Avreteh  came  to  the  door  and  tried  to 
get  into  the  room  where  we  were.  Wlieu  ]\[rs.  ^\^litman  would 
ask, '' What  do  you  want,  Joe '?"  he  would  run  away.  Looking 
out  we  saw  Mr.  Rodgers  running  toward  the  house,  hotly  pursued 
by  Indians.  He  sprang  against  the  door,  breaking  out  two  panes 
of  glass.  Mrs.  Whitman  opened  the  door  and  let  him  in,  and 
closed  it  in  the  face  of  his  i)ursuers,  who,  with  a  yell,  turned  to 
seek  other  victims.  Mr.  Kodgers  was  shot  through  the  \vrist  and 
tomahawked  on  the  head ;  seeing  the  doctor  lying  upon  the  floor, 
he  asked  if  he  was  dead,  to  which  the  doctor  replied,  **  No." 


! 


MRS.   WFilTMAN   FALLS  ! 

The  school  teacher,  hearing  the  report  of  the  gims  in  the 
kitchen,  ran  down  to  see  what  had  hap})ened ;  finding  the  c^.oor 
fastened,  he  stood  for  a  nu)ment,  when  Mrs.  Whitman  saw  him, 
and  motioned  for  him  to  go  back.  He  did  so,  and  had  reached 
the  stairs  leading  to  the  school  room,  when  he  was  seized  by  a 
savage,  Avho  had  a  large  butcher  knife.  Mr.  Sanders  struggled, 
and  was  about  to  get  away,  when  another  burly  savage  came  to 
the  aid  of  the  first.  Standing  by  Mrs.  Whitnmns  side  I  watched 
the  horrid  strife,  until  sickened,  I  turned  away.  Just  then  a 
bullet  came  through  the  window  piercing  Mrs.  Wliitman's 
shoulder.  Clapping  her  hands  to  the  wound  she  shrieked  Avith 
pain,  and  then  fell  to  the  floor.  I  ran  to  her  and  tried  to  raise 
licr  up.  She  said,  "  Child,  you  cainiot  help  me,  save  yom-self." 
We  all  crowded  around  her  and  began  to  weep.  She  commencetl 
praying  for  us,  "  Lord,  save  these  little  ones."    She  repeated  this 


186 


Indian  Massacre. 


^^' 


J  Ji 


rl 


l  'i 


J(! 


f  ■ 


hi 

) 

1 

over  many  times.     She  also  pt-ayecl  foi*   her  parents,  sayinj^ : 
"  This  will  kill  my  poor  mother. " 

The  women  now  began  to  go  up  stairs,  and  Mr.  liodgors 
pnslied  us  to  the  stairway.  I  was  filled  with  agony  at  the  idea  of 
leaving  the  siek  childi-en,  and  refused  to  go.  Mr.  Kodgers  was  too 
excited  to  speak,  so  taking  up  one  of  the  ehildren  he  handed  her 
to  me,  and  motioned  for  me  to  take  her  up.  I  passed  her  to  some 
one  else,  turned  and  took  another,  and  then  the  tlurd,  and  ran  up 
myself.  Mr.  Rodgers  then  helped  mother  to  her  feet  and  brought 
her  ir-i  stairs,  and  laid  her  on  the  bed.  He  then  knelt  in  prayer, 
and  while  thus  engaged,  the  crashing  of  doors  informed  us  that 
the  work  of  death  was  accomplished  out  of  doors,  and  our  tune 
had  come.  The  woiuided  man,  whose  name  was  Kimball,  said 
that  if  we  had  a  gun  to  hold  over  tlie  bannisters,  it  might  keep 
them  away.  There  happened  to  be  an  old  broken  gun  in  the  room 
and  this  was  placed  over  the  railing.  By  this  time  they  were 
smashing  the  door  leading  to  the  stairway.  Having  accomplished 
this  tlu\v  i-etired.  All  was  quiet  for  awhile,  then  we  heard  foot- 
steps in  the  room  below,  and  a  voice  at  the  bottom  of  the  stairway 
called  Mr.  Rodgers. 

SAVAGE  TREACHERY. 

It  was  an  Indian,  who  represented  that  he  had  just  come  ;  he 
would  save  them  if  he  would  come  down.  After  a  good  deal  of 
parleying  he  came  up.  I  told  mother  that  I  had  seen  him  killing 
the  teacher,  but  she  thought  I  was  mistaken.  He  said  that  they 
were  going  to  burn  the  house,  and  that  we  must  leave  it.  I 
wrapped  my  little  sister  up,  and  handed  her  to  him  with  the  re- 
quest that  he  would  carry  her.  He  said  that  they  would  take 
Mrs.  Whitman  away  and  then  come  back  for  us.  Then  all  left 
save  the  children  and  Mr.  Kimball.  When  they  reached  the  room 
below,  mother  was  laid  upon  the  settee,  and  carried  out  into  the 
yard  by  Mr.  Rodgers  and  Jo  Lewis.  Having  reached  the  yard, 
Jo  dropped  his  end  of  the  settee,  and  a  volley  of  bullets  laid  ^Ir. 
Rodgers,  mother,  and  brother  ^rancis,  bleeding  and  dying,  on 
the  ground.  While  the  Indians  were  holding  a  council,  to  decide 
how  to  get  Mrs.  Whitman  and  Mr.  Rodgers  into  their  hands,  .Jo 
Lewis  had  been  sent  to  the  school  room  to  get  the  school  children. 
They  had  hid  in  the  attic,  but  were  ferreted  out  and  brought  to 
the  kitchen,  where  they  were  placed  in  a  row  to  be  shot.  But 
the  chief  relented,  and  said  they  should  not  be  hurt;  but  my 


?iy. 


Mission  Life  among  the  Indians. 


187 


brotlier  Pmiicis  was  killed  soon  after.     My  oldest  brother  was 
shot  at  the  same  time  the  doctor  wa.s. 

Night  liad  now  come,  and  the  chief  made  a  speech  in  favor  of 
s])aring  the  women  and  cliildren,  which  was  done,  and  they  all 
became  prisoners.  Ten  ghastly,  bleeding  corpses  lay  in  and 
aronnd  the  honse.  3Ir.  Osborn's  family  had  secreted  themselves 
nnder  the  lloor,  and  escaped  dnrmg  the  night,  and  after  great 
hardships  reached  Fort  Walla  Walla.  One  other  man  escaped  to 
this  fort,  bnt  was  never  heaitl  of  again.  Another  tied  to  Mr. 
Spalding's  station;  Mr.  Kimball  was  killed  the  next  day;  Mr. 
Spalding  remained  at  Umatilla  nntil  Wednesday,  and  was  within 
a  few  miles  of  the  doctor's  station  when  he  learned  the  dreadful 
news.  He  fled,  and  after  gi-eat  sutfering  reached  his  station, 
which  had  been  saved  by  the  presence  of  mind  and  shrewdness  of 
his  wife.  Mr.  Canfleld  was  wounded,  but  concealing  himself  until 
night,  he  fled  to  Mr.  Spalding's  station. 


H 


now   I)H.   WHITMAN   FELL. 

The  manner  of  the  attack  on  Doctor  Whitman  1  learned 
afterwards  from  the  Indians.  Upon  entering  the  kitchen,  he  took 
his  usual  seat  upon  the  settee  which  was  between  the  wall  and  the 
cook  stove ;  an  Indian  began  to  talk  with  him  in  reference  to  a 
patient  the  doctor  was  attending.  While  thus  engaged,  an  Indian 
struck  him  from  behind  on  the  head  with  a  tomahawk ;  at  the 
same  moment  two  guns  were  discharged,  one  at  the  doctor,  and 
the  other  at  brother  John,  who  was  engaged  in  winding  twine  for 
the  purpose  of  making  brooms.  The  mei.  at  the  beef  were  set 
upon  ;  Mr.  Kimball  had  his  arm  broken  by  a  bullet  and  fled  to 
the  doctor's  house.  Mr.  Hoffman  fought  bravely  with  an  ax  ;  he 
split  the  foot  of  the  savage  who  flrst  struck  the  doctor,  but  was 
overpowered.  Mr.  Canfleld  was  shot,  the  bullet  entering  his  side, 
but  he  nuide  his  escape.  The  miller  fell  at  his  post.  Mr.  Hall 
was  laying  the  upper  floor  of  a  biulding  ;  leaping  to  the  ground 
he  wrested  a  gun  from  an  Indian  and  fled  to  the  fort.  He  was 
never  seen  or  heard  of  afterwards,  and  it  is  surmised  that  he  was 
nuu'dered  there.  The  tailor  was  sitting  ujion  his  table  sewing,  au 
Indian  stepped  in,  shot  him  with  a  i)istol  and  then  went  out ;  he 
died  at  midnight  after  great  suffering.  Night  came  and  put  au 
end  to  the  carnival  of  blood. 

The  November  moon  looked  down,  bright  and  cold,  upon  the 
scene,  nor  heeded  the  groans  of  the  dying,  who  gave  forth  their 


H 

1  '■: 

1 

1 

S 1 . '  ^ 

k    '1 

H 

1 
i' ' 

188 


Indian  Massaciie. 


plaints  tu  tlu'  chill  iii<;ht  air.  Mr.  Osbom's  family  was  coi.eealcd 
where  they  could  hear  Mr.  Hodjrer'.s  words  as  he  i>rayed  to  that 
Saviom  whom  he  liad  loved  and  served  for  many  years.  His 
last  words  were.  "  Come,  Lord  .lesns,  come  (juickly  !  "  The  eloek 
tolled  the  midiiijjfht  Iioiu- ere  death  came  to  the  relief  of  the.se  victims 
of  .savaj^'e  brutality.  The  dead  bodies  lay  where  they  fell,  from 
Monday  night  nntil  "Wednesday,  when  the  Christian  Indians, 
among  whom  the  doctor  and  his  wife  had  hibored  for  eleven 
years,  and  from  whom  the  natives  have  received  nothing  but 
kindness,  gave  consent  to  have  them  buried,  but  not  one  of  them 
wo\dd  help  in  the  ta.sk.  Jo  Stanfleld  was  set  at  the  work.  A 
grave  three  feet  deep  and  wide  enough  to  receive  the  eleven 
victims  was  dug,  and  the  bodies  plact-d  in  it.  Wolves  exeavati'tl 
the  grave  and  devoured  the  remains.  The  volunteers  who  went 
np  to  fight  the  Indians  gathereil  up  the  bones,  placed  them  in  a 
wagon  box.  and  again  buried  them,  and  this  is  all  the  burial 
these  martyrs  of  Americanism  in  Oregctu  have  ever  received.  A 
monument  is  now  being  built  to  their  memorv. 

Cathahixe  8.  Prindle. 


PiON'EKK  Days. 


A  brief  history*  of  the  "W'liitiuau  mission-life  at  Wniiltitini. — The  imu'derous 
tribe  of  Caynse  ludians  ami  their  iilea.s  of  troachory.  The  final  scene 
of  massacre. 

[  Wrilti'iifiir  the  SnmUiy  Orfij<tin<i)i.'\ 

EndoAved  with  a  pure  religious  devotion.  ^Farcus  WTiitman,  a 
physician  of  good  repute,  and  Narcissa,  his  wife,  in  the  prime  of 
a  life  of  activity  and  usefulness,  devoted  themselves  to  missionary 
work  among  the  Indians  of  Oregon. 

There  was  something  above  the  ordinary  denuuuls  for  such 
service  in  the  eircumstanee  that  attended  this  act  of  devotion  on 
their  part.  A  slory  that  bordered  on  romance,  and  partook  of  the 
old  crusaders'  spirit,  called  for  recruits  to  go  to  the  far  Columbia. 
and  attempt  to  Christianize  the  heathen  tribes  that  had  lived  so 
nniny  ages  in  ignorance  upon  the  farthest  waters  of  the  great 
river  of  the  West.  A  message  .sounde<l  on  the  Missouri  frontier 
that  resounded  through  the  United  States  like  the  Macedonian 
cry  for  help.  A  small  company  of  Flatheadsand  Xez-Perces  found 
their  way  across  the  intervening  wilderness  and  arrived  at  St. 
Loui.s  one  half  century  ago,  who  said  they  came  to  ask  that  some 


Mission  Life  amoxq  the  Indians. 


189 


iimii  coiiipctont  to  toiich  the  true  rolij^ioii  of  tlic  AVliitos  sliould 
(.'oiiu'  to  innke  their  ju'opk'  iu'<iuuiute(l  with  the  Saviour  that  the 
Clu'istians  worshipped.  (_)iie  of  them  liatl  died  on  the  Journey  to 
the  East.  It  is  hardly  pos.sible  to  inuigine  how  this  litthi  eoni- 
pany  of  seekers  of  the  lijjrht  made  up  tlieir  minds  to  take  this 
journey,  and  finally  uceoniplished  it.  There  must  have  hei-n 
cai'eful  seleetion  of  the  most  eompetent  for  the  mission  ;  mueh 
advice  as  to  the  methods  to  bo  foUowed,  and  much  caution  as  to 
tlic  best  course  to  be  pursued.  Certain  it  is  that  this  emltassy 
was  entitled  and  commi.ssioned  for  this  puri)ose,  and  found  its 
way  as  far  east  as  St.  Louis.  They  probably  accompanied  some 
returning  party  of  fur  "traders,  and  made  themselves  usefui  on  the 
way.  St.  Louis  was  the  metropolis  of  the  fur  trade,  aud  they 
naturally  r(>ached  that  city  iu  such  eomj)any.  It  was  like  au 
electric  shock  to  the  Christian  people  there  to  kiu)w  that  from  the 
farthest  West  there  had  come  to  them  this  message  and  denuind 
for  Christiau  teaching  for  the  tribes  beyond  the  Rocky  moun- 
tains. 

A  CHRISTIAN   rru  TRADER. 

Among  the  few  fur  traders  who  found  their  way  to  the 
Pacilic,  there  were  a  very  few  who  were  zealous  Christians  aud 
lived  lives  of  fervent  piety,  surrounded  though  they  were  by  men 
whose  impiety  was  proverbial.  OiU'  of  these  was.Tedediah  Smith, 
the  partner  of  Sublettes,  himself  one  of  the  best  known  men  be- 
yond the  Western  frontier.  Jedediah  Smith  spent  much  time 
among  the  Flatheads,  which  tribe  was  very  closely  related,  it  is 
said,  with  the  Nez-Perces.  The  language  spcjken  is  the  same,  or 
similar.  During  his  association  with  these  tribes  Smith  gave 
them  some  information  of  the  Christiau  religion,  and  of  Christ, 
till'  Saviour.  These  teachings  fervently  impressed  the  minds  of 
both  tribes,  for  they  had  traits  of  character  readily  impressed  by 
religious  instruction.  They  were  by  nature  far  superior  to  most 
of  the  uatives  of  Oregon  of  that  day.  It  is  said  that  it  was  in 
consequence  of  the  words  aud  work  of  Jedediah  Smith  that  they 
liiuiUy  equipped  and  sent  eastward  the  embassy  that  asked  for 
Christian  teachers  to  expound  to  them  the  true  story  of  the  white 
man's  God.  So  this  word  reached  the  frontier  and  thence  tra- 
versed Chi'istendom,  and  residting  in  the  sending  hither  the 
several  missions  first  established  among  Oregon  Indians,  "When 
.Tason  Lee  and  his  company  came,  they  intended  to  locate  among 


j.i 


)     -i 


I 


1 1 


m 


'A 

If    i  .  , 


190 


Indian  Massache. 


the  Fliitlieads,  but  concluded  to  winter  here  in  tlic  Williuncttc. 
The  result  wus  that  they  located  here  pcnnanently.  Hut  the  first 
Methodist  mission  came  in  response  to  the  appeal  we  have  men- 
tioned, and  was  turned  from  that  j)urposo  after  arrival  iuOrej^on. 
W'hitnum  came  for  tin;  same  purpose,  and  his  associate  went  to 
the  Nez-lVrcc's,  whilst  he  planted  the  standard  among  the 
Cayusi!s. 

It  is  related  of  the  four  who  came  on  this  wonderful  mission 
to  the  East,  only  one  finally  returned  to  his  hovae  and  his  people. 
Two  were  taken  ill  and  died  while  at  the  East,  and  another  died 
on  the  way  home.  Their  mission  was  one  of  i)eaco,  but  it  was 
fraught  with  unseen  and  unapprehended  danger  to  those  who  bore 
it.  They  ventured  far  from  home,  and  laid  down  their  lives  in 
the  sei'vice  of  their  people,  and  in  the  cause  of  true  religion. 
They  sounded  the  eiy  from  a  far  country  for  help,  and  did  not 
live  to  see  the  reali/atiou  of  their  hopes. 


i 


ti 


!    } 


ANSWERING  THE  CALL. 

Dr.  Whitman,  in  company  with  Rev.  Samuel  Parker,  com- 
menced the  journey  to  Oregon  in  the  spring  of  1835.  They 
journeyed  as  far  west  as  the  American  rendezvous,  on  Green 
river,  where  they  found  a  party  of  Nez- Perce  Indians,  who  hailed 
their  coming  joyfully.  They  agreed  to  take  Mr.  Parker  with 
them  to  the  Columbia,  and  meet  Dr.  Whitman  on  his  return  the 
next  yeai',  with  reinforcements  strong  enough  to  do  good  work. 
A  young  Nez-Perce,  who  was  called  "  Lawyer,"  heard  of  their 
presence,  and  went  to  see  them  at  their  rendezvous.  Dr.  Whit- 
nuui  took  back  with  him  two  Indian  boys  to  be  educated  at  the 
East.  As  the  tribe  was  well  represented  at  the  rendezvous,  the 
missionaries  were  able  to  make  arranj-  ments  of  a  satisfactory 
luiture  for  the  establishing  of  missions  ^u  their  country. 

In  1836,  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Whitman,  and  Rev.  and  Mrs.  Spalding, 
with  W.  H.  Gray,  as  financial  agent  of  the  missions,  crossed  the 
plains  to  Oregon.  They  journeyed  with  fur  traders  to  Green 
river,  where  they  found  their  Nez-Perce  allies  in  waiting.  The 
Indians  proposed  making  quite  a  detour  to  carry  out  their  plans 
for  buffalo  hunting,  and  as  Whitman  found  a  party  of  the  Hud- 
son's Bay  Company  going  direct  towards  the  Columbia,  he 
accepted  an  invitation  to  accompany  them.  One  of  the  Nez-Perc6 
chiefs  went  with  them  as  an  honorable  escort. 

So  they  reached  the  Columbia,  where  the  Whitmans  located 


Mission  Life  among  tiik  Indians. 


101 


11  mission  on  th«!  Wiilla  Wiilla  rivor,  flvo  miles  boknv  tho  city  that 
now  hours  tlmt  nam*'.  Mr.  and  Mi's.  Sitalding  \v«'nt  a  liundrtMl 
miles  t'list  and  made  a  station  at  Lapwai,  in  the  heart  of  the  Xez- 
Perce  country.  It  is  not  necessary  to  furnish  particnilars  of  their 
journey  across  the  continent.  Enou^'h  has  been  said  on  that  sul)- 
ject  in  recitinji;  the  adventtires  (tf  nuiny  others.  They  were 
warmly  welcomed  aiul  imnu'diately  went  to  work  to  build  stations 
and  erect  mills  and  establi.sh  schools.  It  was  a  {^reat  event  ti» 
these  native  tribes  to  have  Christian  teachers,  as  well  as  civilized 
workers,  among  them.  They,  for  a  while,  appreciated  their  ad- 
vantages, but  in  time  became  accustomed  to  them  as  a  matter  of 
course.  This  was  especially  tnie  of  the  Cayuses,  who  were,  among 
the  most  savage  and  barbarous  of  all  savages.  They  constantly 
imposed  upon  the  good  nature  and  forbearance  of  I'lwh'  teachers 
and  made  life  distressing  to  them. 

LOCATING  THE   MISSION  STATIONS 

Dr.  "Whitman  lived  and  labored  among  these  people  for 
eleven  yri'-;  from  1836  to  1847.  He  taught  many  of  ;h<'m  tho 
rudiments  of  education  and  the  arts  of  civilized  Hie.  They  were 
in.  I  acted  in  the  use  of  tools  to  some  (extent,  furnished  hnnber,  aiid 
were  received  and  entertained  at  the  mission.  Much  pains  were 
taken  with  the  young,  and  much  kindness  shown  tin;  older 
ones.  In  1838  another  mission  was  established  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  Fort  Colville,  among  the  Spokanes.  In  1839  a  print- 
ing press  was  at  work  at  Lapwai,  and  a  number  of  books 
and  pamphlets  were  published  for  the  use  of  different 
Indian  schools.  Still  another  mission  station  was  established 
farther  up  the  Clearwater,  at  Kamiah.  So  the  nati\es  of  that 
region  had  efficient  teachers  and  good  schools.  Only  at  Whit- 
man's station  was  there  ever  anv  serious  trouble  or  ill  feeling. 
Individual  cases  of  rudeness  or  misconduct  occurred,  but  there 
was  fair  appreciation  and  good  feeling,  except  among  the  Cay- 
nses,  Avhose  religious  sentiments  and  convictions  never  overcame 
theu'  savage  natures  to  make  them  reliably  peaceful,  and  con- 
sistently kind  and  honest. 


DIFFICULTIES  AND  DANGERS. 

From  1836  until  1841,  for  five  years,  there  was  no  opposition 
to  the  Protestant  missions  or  outside  interference  with  the 
mission  work.    The  Hudson  Bay  Company  was  in  full  accord. 


f  :hi 


:  :l 


■  ■} 

'i 

i 


192 


Indian  Massacre. 


Thougli  himsolf  a  Catholic,  Dr  McLoughliii  was  truly  a  Christian 
man,  and  treated  Whitman  with  the  truest  sympathy  and  person- 
al kindness.  [Dr.  MeLongiilin  was  the  Father  of  Ore<;on.]  The 
two  men  naturally  accorded  in  their  personal  relations,  and 
the  oiiieers  of  that  company  jrenerally  were  friendly.  But  about 
1841,  the  disturbing?  cause  that  was  to  be  so  potent  for  harm,  bf- 
eanie  established  among  the  natives  on  the  Upjier  Columbia  in 
the  i)reseuee  of  Catholic  priests,  who  secured  a  hold,  and  left  no 
means  untried  to  increase  it.  Among  Cayuses  there  were  not 
only  differences  of  belief  in  the  tribe,  but  some  families 
Avere  of  divided  allegiance.  Up  to  this  time  there  Inid  been  no 
serious  trouble,  but  now  the  record  we  have  shows  that  these  in- 
famous C  yuses  forced  indignities  upon  Dr.  Whitman  that  he 
could  not  resent.  His  Christian  character  was  at  stake.  He  must 
bear  and  forbear,  and  some  of  these  wretches  took  advantage  of 
this  fact  to  impose  upon  him  fearfully.  At  cue  time  he  was 
struck,  or  had  his  ear  pulled,  by  a  man  he  had  taught  the 
Christian  virtue  of  forbearance.  He  turned  the  other  ear  and  the 
savage  pulled  that  also.  It  was  one  man  and  a  defenseless  family, 
among  a  horde  of  miscreants.  It  would  seem  that  the  confidence 
shown  by  coming  there,  so  defenseless,  with  no  object  but  their 
good,  would  impress  even  the  soul  of  a  savage,  but  not  so  with 
Caynscs.  I  cannot  believe  that  the  presence  and  teachings  of  ii 
rival  religion  had  not  some  i)art  to  account  for  these  indignities 
and  massacre  towards  which  thev  culminated. 


DISTUKBANCE  IN   THE   iOLD. 

The  history  of  missions  proves  the  weakness  of  human  miture. 
Differences  occur  even  among  those  who  devote  their  lives  to  the 
elevation  of  humanity.  This  is  especially  true  of  missions  in  far- 
otf  places,  where  the  missionary  is  altt)gether  removed  from  the 
intluences  of  society.  Thus  it  hajipened  in  this  Indian  mission 
that  at  an  early  day  disagreements  occurred. 

In  1841,  A.  B.  Smith  and  wife  left  for  the  islands.  Letters 
had  gone  home  to  thexVmeriean  board,  derogatory  of  the  working 
force.  The  natives  very  possibly  saw  that  differences  existed 
among  their  religious  teachers,  and  that  fact  may  have  worked  to 
a  disadvantage.  There  is  lu)  reason  to  believe  that  these  diff'cr- 
ences  lasted  longer  than  when  several  who  were  dissatisfied  had 
withdrawn.  You  have  published  already  a  letter  from  Rev.  E. 
Walker  to  the  board  that  treats  boldly  and  plainly  of  the  dis- 


n 


Mission  Life  among  the  Indians. 


193 


turbiug  cause.  It  is  not  necessary  to  repeat  it  now.  The  Cayuses 
wore  veritable  savages.  They  would  at  times  become  enraged  for 
some  cause  and  be  dangerous  to  all  at  the  mission.  Whatever 
irritated  them  made  them  ferocious  and  long  for  blood.  After  a 
war  trip  towards  Califoi-uia,  where  they  murdered  many  of  their 
old  enemies,  they  retiirned  home  to  dance  around  their  bloody 
scalps,  and  threaten  death  promiscuously.  At  that  period  the 
mission  party  was  in  great  fear,  but  time  passed  and  the  Indians 
became  good  tempered.  At  one  time  they  were  much  impressed, 
because  one  of  their  chiefs  on  his  death  bed  professed  Cliristian 
faith,  and  in  his  last  hours  experienced  an  ecstacy  of  joy,  and 
gave  them  good  counsel. 


CAYUSE   IfiL  NATURE. 

In  all  the  upper  country  there  were  in  1840  to  1850  only  a 
few  trading  posts  and  a  few  mission  stations,  with  no  settlers  and 
110  military  posts.  The  missions  were  defenseless,  save  as  the 
Hudson  Bay  Company's  agents  bravely  espoused  their  cause. 
Mr.  Gray  had  built  a  new  house  ;  an  Indian  one  day  came  in  aud 
jthu'ed  himself  between  the  cook  and  the  fire,  and  would  not  leave. 
^Ir.  Gray  very  properly  put  him  out,  after  kindly  asking  him  to 
stand  aside.  Then  he  went  to  the  corral  and  took  a  horse.  When 
"Whitman  was  appealed  to  he  supported  Gray.  This  led  to  an 
angry  talk  ;  Telonkait,  an  Indian  chief,  pulled  the  doctoi*'s  ear ; 
the  man  of  peace  turned  the  other,  and  he  pulled  that.  He  threw 
the  doctor's  hat  three  times  in  the  mud  and  struck  him  on  the 
breast.  Having  been  unable  to  force  Whitman  to  some  resist- 
ance that  would  be  an  excuse  for  a  massacre,  he  desisted.  Arch- 
il)ald  McKinlay  was  chief  trader  at  Wallula.  He  called  the 
Indians  there,  shortly  after  this  occurrence,  under  pretense  of 
wishing  to  buy  horses,  and  gave  them  a  terrible  overhauling  for 
this  treatment  of  one  who  came  among  them  only  for  their  good. 
He  said  it  was  the  conduct  of  "  dogs,"  which  they  bitterly  re- 
sented. They  Anally  admitted  they  had  done  wrong.  ^McKinlay 
threatened  that  a  force  should  c(>nie  up  from  Vancouver  to  punish 
them  if  they  did  any  harm.  They  had  gone  to  the  fort  at  this 
time  with  the  apparent  intention  to  capture  it.  They  had  made 
threats  to  that  effect  that  Whitman  reported  to  McKinlay  by  a 
courier.  This  trouble  was  tided  over,  and  for  some  years  there 
was  no  particular  cause  for  complaint.  In  1S42,  Whitiiiau  went 
East,  making  the  midwinter  journey  heretofore  related.  He 
13 


194 


Indian  Massacre. 


I 

'i 
{'I 


J,     , 


I''  'i 


%  A\ 


if 


f 


returned  in  the  summer  of  1843,  with  the  lurge  emigration  tliat 
peruuiuently  settled  the  status  of  Oregon  as  an  American  country. 
He  found  his  mill  burned,  and  that  his  wife  had  been  obliged  to 
take  refuge  at  Vancouver  from  the  insolence  of  the  Cayuses. 
The  Indians  wei*e  doubtless  disturbed  by  the  interest  Whitman 
took  in  peopling  the  country  with  white  settlers.  They  looked 
with  alarm  on  this  great  invasion  of  Americans,  and  their  preju- 
dice against  Whitman  was  somewhat  effected  for  that  reason. 
So  the  three  years  passed,  from  1844  to  1847,  and  whilst  their 
prejudice  was  more  confirmed.  Whitman  was  unwilling  to  aban- 
don the  field.  He  saw,  and  frequently  spoke  of,  this  hostile  senti- 
ment, and  expressed  an  intention  to  abandon  Waiilatpu,  but 
unhappily  did  not  make  the  movement. 

DISAFFECTION   INCREASES. 

At  this  time  a  change  had  taken  place  in  the  officer  in  charge 
at  Fort  Walla  Walla.  McKinlay,  Whitman's  fast  friend,  was 
living  at  Oregon  City,  and  his  successor  at  this  post  was  Wm.  Mc- 
Bean,  who  was  also  a  Catholic.  Both  at  Whitman's  and  Spalding's 
stations  there  had  been  considei'able  improvement  among  the  In- 
dians in  their  occupations,  and  a  number  had  joined  the  church. 
But  in  1847  disaffection  became  more  manifest  among  the  Cayuses, 
and  Whitman  thought  seriously  of  submitting  the  question  of  his 
leaving  or  staying  to  their  popular  vote.  He  felt,  however,  that 
to  leave  would  be  to  abandon  the  field  to  the  Catholics,  and  that 
was  something  his  pride  could  not  submit  to.  This  season  was 
unfortunate,  because  disease  spread  among  the  natives  and  many 
died  of  it.  Whitman,  in  his  capacity  of  physician,  did  all  he 
could  for  them,  but  their  habits  of  life  were  such  that  he  could  not 
treat  them  satisfactorily. 

Whitman's  place  was  on  the  line  of  travel  taken  by  the  emigrants, 
and  was  a  place  of  general  rest  for  the  weary  sojourners  fresh  from 
the  plains.  The  presence  of  so  many  Americans  there  and  the 
fact  of  so  many  others  passing  through  to  occupy  the  country,  may 
have  had  an  unfavorable  effect. 


is-  i 

■1' ' ' 

iiii 

i  1 

{ i[ 

In 

ilr^liliii 


A  VIEW  OF  WAIILATPU. 


It  is  necessary  to  take  a  view  of  the  mission  and  its  occupants 
in  the  autumn  of  1847  to  understand  the  situation,  as  well  as  to 
appreciate  what  the  mission  had  accomplished  for  the  practical 
welfare  of  the  Indians.    The  mission  was  a  resting-place,  refuge 


Mission  Life  among  the  Induns. 


195 


or  hospital  for  emigrants  or  Indians  alike  who  might  need  its 
care.  Here  was  the  church  where  the  principles  of  religion  were 
taught  and  schools  were  established  to  educate  white  and  Indian 
children,  besides  which  every  effort  was  made  to  teach  the  Cay  uses 
and  WaUa  Wallas  the  common  arts  of  civilization  and  the  best 
methods  for  cultivating  the  soil.  For  their  benefit  not  only 
church,  school  and  library  were  sustained,  but  there  were  labor 
lessons  given,  and  saw-  and  grist-mills,  shops  and  granaries  had 
been  erected.  A  valuable  cabinet  of  specimens  of  natural  history 
had  been  collected  at  the  superintendent's  residence.  There  was 
a  spacious  building  for  the  Indians,  another  for  travellers.  The 
saw-mill  was  eight  miles  up  Mill  creek. 

On  the  5th  of  September,  1847,  seventy-two  persons  occupied 
these  premises,  consisting  of  the  Wliitmans  and  Rodgers,  the  mis- 
sionary, with  ten  adopted  children,  waifs  from  the  plains,  whose 
parents  had  perished  by  the  way.  Seven  of  them  were  the  Sager 
family,  and  there  were  three  half-breed  children.  Twenty-two 
persons  occupied  the  superintendent's  house.  Joseph  Stanfleld 
was  a  Canadian  and  Joseph  Leu-is  was  a  half-breed  Indian  who 
had  crossed  the  plains  from  Canada  the  preceding  year,  and  had 
received  employment  after  he  recovered  from  a  serious  illness. 
He  was  a  wretch,  who  should  have  had  some  love  for  his  benefac- 
tors instead  of  being  the  fiend  he  soon  proved.  There  was  Miss 
Bewley  and  her  brother ;  Mr.  Hoffman,  Mr.  Soles  and  Eliza  Spal- 
ding, daughter  of  the  missionary.  There  were  fifty  others  of  the 
last  immigration  resting  there  on  their  way  to  Western  Oregon. 
Bewley  and  Sales  were  sick  patients.  Ten  of  the  emigrants  also 
were  sick  patients.  Such  was  the  composition  of  the  mission 
family. 

whitman's  work. 

It  can  be  seen  that  Whitman's  work  was  most  beneflcient  and 
useful  to  all  mankind.  Here,  in  the  midst  of  savages.  Dr.  Whit- 
man had  lived  through  eleven  years  and  had  patiently  endured 
privations  and  hardships  to  benefit  a  race  that  could  not  appreciate 
his  devotion.  To  them  he  brought  civilized  life  and  its  comforts 
without  any  resulting  benefits  to  himself  or  to  his  family.  His 
character  commended  him  so  greatly  to  Dr.  McLoughlin  that  the 
great  chief  factor  felt  for  him  the  warmest  friendship.  Differing 
in  religion,  they  respected  each  other;  strongly  differing  in  all 
political  and  national  purposes,  they  were  more  than  frif^uds. 
While  the  Hudson's  Bay  Company  was  bringing  over  colonies  to 


I  I 


I!:     ' 


r 


■;: 

m   ' 

mU 

H  t't  ' 

196 


Indian  Massacre. 


people  Oregon  and  make  it  British  by  occupancj',  Dr.  Whitman 
went  East  to  lead  back  a  great  emigration  that  should  make  this 
country  distinctively  American.  In  all  things,  save  personal  re- 
gard, these  men  were  at  swords'  points  and  antagonized.  It  shows 
the  nobility  of  soul  that  each  possessed ;  that,  laying  aside  these 
points  of  difference,  they  met  as  something  more  than  friends. 
McLoughlin  invited  Whitman  to  Vancouver  when  the  troubles  of 
1841  occurred,  and  recommended  that  he  should  withdraw  from 
Waiilatpu  for  some  time  until  the  Indians  should  feel  his  absence 
and  ask  his  return.  This  was  sound  advici;.  A  few  weeks  before 
the  massacre  Dr.  Whitman  was  at  Oregon  City  and  visited  his 
friend  Archibald  McKinlay.  When  he  told  the  latter  that  a  chief 
had  jestingly  said  to  him  that  "the  Cayuses  had  considered 
whether  they  ought  not  to  kill  off  all  the  medicine  men,  and  thjxt 
as  he  was  greatest  among  doctors,  if  they  did  so  they  should  be- 
gin with  him,"  McKinlay  was  alarmed.  He  told  Wnitman  that 
behind  a  savage  jest  there  was  always  deeper  meaning;  that  he 
was  in  great  danger  if  such  a  remark  had  been  made.  But  Whit- 
man answered  that  he  knew  it  was  onh'  a  jest,  though  he  did  not 
like  his  position  and  did  not  intend  to  long  retain  it.  When  re- 
turning from  that  trip,  after  receiving  the  deepest  Avarning  I\I('- 
Kinlay  could  give,  Dr.  Whitman  met  a  company  of  emigrants  on 
the  way  down  to  Tne  Dalles  and  was  invited  to  talk  to  them  over 
the  evening  camp  fire.  He  did  so,  and  Judge  Grim  remembers 
well  that  he  spoke  very  plainly  of  his  danger  among  the  Cayuses 
and  said  it  was  his  intention  to  remove  before  many  months. 


^f^ 


A   TREACHEROUS  VII.LAIN. 

Joe  Lewis  was  employed  by  Dr.  Whitman  as  an  act  of  kind- 
ness, and  was  therefore  about  the  house  and  with  the  family.  So 
the  Indians  found  it  convenient  to  believe  the  various  stories  he 
told  them  of  what  he  saw  and  overheard.  It  is  not  easier  to  ima- 
gine a  blacker  soul  than  this  wretch  possessed,  and  less  easy  to 
depict  in  words  the  vileness  and  blackness  of  the  treachery  and 
falsehoods  he  proved  capable  of.  He  had  been  the  recipient  (if 
kind  treatment  during  illness,  and  when  able  to  work  was  furnisli- 
ed  employment.  All  the  instincts  of  common  humanity  would 
have  been  roused  to  appreciate  this  kindness,  but  Joe  Lewis  had 
no  such  capacity.  He  was  in  a  position  to  do  the  greatest  possible 
harm.  As  an  inmate  of  the  mission  house  he  was  privileged  to 
hear  the  ordinary  conversation  that  occurred  there.     As  a  half- 


Mission  Life  among  the  Indians. 


197 


breed  Indiaji  he  could  and  did  ingratiate  himself  with  the  Cayuees 
and  obtained  not  only  their  confidence,  but  a  certain  power  over 
their  minds  that  came  from  his  acquired  abilities  among  the  Whites. 
Lewis  insidiously  repeated  to  these  credulous  and  prejudiced  be- 
ings who  could  not  hear  a  story  they  were  not  willing  to  believe, 
conversations  that  he  pretended  to  have  overheard  in  the  doctor's 
house.  It  was  a  time  of  terrible  trial  among  them  all.  At  the 
mission  there  was  a  hospital  of  sick  patients  and  many  of  the 
Cayuses  were  sick ;  thirty  had  died  and  the  voice  of  lamentation 
and  mourning  was  all  around  them, 

CAYUSES  IX   COUNCIL. 

After  the  massacre  occurred,  Gov.  Ogden,  of  the  11.  B.  com- 
pany, came  up  in  the  interest  of  humanity  to  secure  the  safety 
and  return  of  the  numerous  captives  held  by  the  Cayuses.  Before 
his  arrival  on  December  20th,  the  Cayuse  murderers  held  a  coun- 
cil at  Umatilla,  where  BLshop  Blanchet  was  present.  lie  said  their 
object  was  to  prevent  war,  and  if  they  had  met  in  council  before 
tilt'  massacre,  most  likely  it  would  not  have  occurred.  Several  In- 
dians made  speeches  and  explained  their  various  complaints.  The 
Cliiof  Telan-Kaiht  spoke  for  two  hours.  He  recounted  the  killing 
of  tlio  two  Nez-Perces  who  went  east  with  Mr.  Gray  in  1837. 
(They  were  killed  by  the  Sioux.)  Also  that  the  young  Chief  Eli- 
jah Avas  killed  by  Americans  in  California.  He  claimed  that  as 
tlio  Indians  forgot  these  things  so  the  "Whites  could  forget  the 
massacre  at  Waiilatpu.  They  sent  word  to  Gov.  Abernethy  "that 
a  young  Indian  (Joe  Lewis)  who  iinderstands  English  and  who 
slept  in  Dr.  Whitman's  room,  heard  tlie  doctor,  his  wife  and  Mr. 
Spalding  express  their  desire  of  possessing  the  land  and  animals 
of  the  Indians;  that  Mr.  Spalding  said  to  the  doctor:  'Hurry 
giving  medicine  to  the  Indians  that  t.^ey  may  soon  die;'  that  the 
same  Indian  tolc  Cayuses :  *If  you  do  not  kill  the  doctor  soon 

you  will  all  be  dead  before  spring ;'  that  they  buried  six  Cayuses 
on  Sunday,  November  24th,  and  thi'ce  the  next  day;  that  the 
schoolmaster,  Mr.  Rodgers,  stated  to  them  before  he  died  that  the 
doctor,  his  wife  and  Spalding  poisoned  the  Indians;  that  for  seve- 
ral years  past  they  had  to  deplore  the  death  of  their  children ; 
that,  according  to  these  reports,  they  were  led  to  believe  that  the 
Whites  had  undertaken  to  kill  them  all,  and  that  these  were  the 
motives  that  led  them  to  kill  the  Americans." 


Riiu 


,) 


198 


Indian  Massacre. 


. 


]h'-     '!' 


W'^A^ 


THE  MASSACRE. 

The  morniug  of  the  massacre,  matters  were  proceeding  as 
usual  at  Waiilatpu,  and  there  was  no  indication  of  unusual  feel- 
ing on  the  part  of  the  Cayuses.  There  had  been  numerous  deaths 
among  them  from  measles,  caused  greatly  by  their  indiscretion 
and  methods  of  treatment  that  made  the  medical  advice  of  Dr. 
Whitman  and  his  prescriptions  of  small  avail.  Many  of  the 
Whites  at  the  mission  were  also  in  hospital,  and  only  that  native 
superstition  was  roused  and  controlled  reason,  they  should  have 
seen  that  they  had  no  cause  for  suspicion  that  Joe  Lewis  told  the 
truth  when  he  said  that  he  had  overheard  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Whitman 
and  Mr.  Spalding  plan  their  wholesale  poisoning.  They  believed 
Whitman  possessed  supernatural  powers,  and  were  incensed  that 
he  did  not  exercise  them  for  their  benefit. 

Early  in  the  afternoon  of  November  29, 1847,  school  had  been 
called,  an  ox  had  been  slaughtered  and  was  being  dressed  at  a 
little  distance  from  the  house,  and  quite  a  number  of  Indians 
came  about  the  same,  as  was  their  custom  when  an  animal  was 
slaughtered  and  a  carcass  cut  up.  This  unusual  number  attracted 
the  attention  of  Dr.  Whitman,  but  caused  no  alarm.  The  con- 
spirators assembled  in  this  manner,  with  arms  concealed  under 
their  blankets.  One  of  them  called  the  doctor  out,  complained  of 
illness  and  demanded  medicine.  Wlien  the  doctor  was  attending 
to  this  man,  Ta-ma-hos  came  behind  and  felled  the  doctor  with 
two  heavy  blows  of  a  tomahawk.  This  initiated  a  general  butch- 
ery, and  once  let  loose,  the  demoniac  nature  of  tiie  Cayuses  had 
full  sway.  They  killed  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Whitman,  Missionary  Rod- 
gers.  Schoolmaster  Saunders,  two  Sager  boys,  Messrs.  Marsh,  Kim- 
ball, Gill,  Gittern,  Young,  and  the  two  sick  men,  Bewley  and 
Sales.  Mrs.  Whitman  was  the  only  woman  slain ;  the  lives  of 
<ither  women  and  children  were  spared.  Mr.  Hall,  Mr.  Canfield, 
and  Mr.  Osborn  and  family,  a  cliild  of  Mr.  Hayes,  and  two  adopted 
children  concealed  themselves  in  the  confusion  and  escaped  in 
safety,  after  much  suffering  and  anxiety,  to  Fort  Walla  Walla, 
twenty-five  miles  north. 

CHIEF  TRADER  M'BEAN'S  LETTER. 

The  families  of  Sniitli  and  Young  were  at  the  saw-mill,  eight 
miles  away,  and  were  brought  to  the  station  the  next  day.  The 
intercession  of  peaceable  Nez-Percd  chiefs  was  influential  to  save 
their  lives.     There  were  four  men,  including  two  grown  up  sous. 


Mission  Life  among  the  Indians. 


199 


The  Cayuses  had  in  their  hands  fifty-one  prisoners.  The  young 
men  of  the  tribe  appropriated  the  women  and  girls  among  their 
captives  to  their  own  lust,  and  to  a  fate  worse  than  death.  On 
arrival  of  the  fugitives  at  Fort  "Walla  "Walla,  Chief  Trader  Mc- 
Beau  sent  an  interpreter  and  man  to  "Waiilatpu  to  rescue  any  sur- 
vivors, and  forwarded  letters  to  Fort  Vancouver  with  a  statement 
of  the  facts  p  ■*  he  heard  them,  and  WTote  as  follows :  "  Fever  and 
ague  have  been  raging  here  and  in  this  vicinity,  in  consequence  of 
which  a  great  number  of  Indians  have  been  swept  away,  but  more 
especially  at  the  doctor's  ("Whitman's)  place,  where  he  attended  on 
the  Indians.  About  thirty  of  the  Cayuse  tribe  died,  one  after 
another.  The  survivors  eventually  believed  the  doctor  had  poi- 
soned them,  in  which  opinion  they  were  unfortunately  confirmed 
by  one  of  the  doctor's  party  (Joe  Lewis).  As  far  as  I  have  been 
able  to  learn  this  has  been  the  sole  cause  of  the  dreadful  butchery. 
In  order  to  satisfy  any  doubt  as  to  their  suspicion  that  the  doctor 
was  poisoning  them,  it  is  reported  that  they  requested  the  doctor 
to  administer  medicine  to  three  of  their  friendu,  two  of  whom 
were  really  sick,  but  the  third  only  feigning  illness.  ^Ul  of  these 
were  corpses  the  next  morning." 

GOV.   DOUGLAS'  ACCOUNT. 

The  leaders  in  the  massacre  were  Telo  Kaikt,  his  son,  Tarn 
Sucky,  Esticus  and  Tamahos.  The  "Walla  Walla  Indians  were  not 
ini])licated.  Governor  Douglas  wrote  thus  to  Governor  Aber- 
ucthy :  "  The  Cayuses  are  the  most  treacherous  and  inti-actable 
of  all  Indian  tribes  in  this  country,  and  had  on  many  former 
occasions  alarmed  the  inmates  of  the  mission  bv  their  tumultuous 
proceedings  and  ferocious  threats ;  but,  unfortunately,  these  evi- 
dences of  a  brutal  disposition  were  disregarded  by  their  admirable 
pastor,  and  served  to  arm  him  with  a  firmer  resolution  to  do  them 
good.  He  hoped  that  time  and  instruction  would  produce  a 
change  of  mind,  a  better  state  of  feeling  towards  the  mission,  and 
he  might  have  lived  to  see  his  hopes  realized  had  not  the  measles 
and  dysentery,  following  in  the  train  of  immigrants  from  the 
United  States,  made  frightful  ravages  this  year  in  the  upper 
country,  many  Indians  having  been  carried  off  through  the  vio- 
lence of  the  disease,  and  others  through  their  own  imprudence. 
The  Cayuse  Indians  of  "Waiilatpu,  being  sufferers  in  this  general 
calamity,  were  incensed  against  Dr.  Wliitman  for  not  exercising 
las  supposed  supernatural  power  in  saving  their  lives.      They 


■•s  ■ 


!l    I 


■ililr-Wi 


200 


Indian  Massacre. 


carried  this  absurdity  beyond  that  point  of  folly.  Their  super- 
stitious minds  became  possessed  with  the  horrible  suspicion  that 
he  was  giving  poison  to  the  sick  instead  of  wholesome  medicine, 
with  a  view  of  working  the  destruction  of  the  tribe,  their  former 
cruelty  probably  adding  strength  to  this  suspicion.  Still  some  of 
the  more  reflecting  had  confidence  in  Dr.  Wliitman's  integrity, 
and  it  was  agreed  to  test  the  effect  of  the  medicines  he  had  furn- 
ished on  three  of  their  people,  one  of  whom  was  said  to  be  in 
perfect  health.  They  all,  unfortunately,  died.  From  that 
moment  it  was  resolved  to  destroy  the  mission.  It  was  immedi- 
ately after  burying  the  remains  of  these  three  persons  that  they 
repaired  to  the  mission  and  murdered  every  man  found  there. 
This  happened  at  2  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  The  Indians  arrived 
at  the  mission  one  after  another,  with  their  arms  hid  under  their 
blankets.  The  doctor  was  at  school  with  the  children.  Tlie 
others  were  cutting  up  an  ox  they  had  just  killed.  When  the 
Indians  saw  they  were  numerous  enough  to  effect  their  object, 
they  fell  upon  the  poor  victims,  some  with  guns  and  others  with 
hatchets,  and  their  blood  was  soon  streaming  on  all  sides.  Some 
of  the  Indians  turned  their  attention  towards  the  doctor.  He  received 
a  pistol  shot  in  the  breast  from  one,  and  a  blow  on  the  head  with 
a  hatchet  from  another.  He  had  still  strength  enough  remaining 
to  reach  a  sofa,  where  he  threw  himself  down  and  expired.  Mrs. 
Whitman  was  dragged  from  the  garret  and  mercilessly  butchered 
at  thedoor.  Mr.  Rodgers  was  shot  after  his  life  had  been  granted  to 
him ;  the  women  and  children  were  also  going  to  be  murdered 
when  a  voice  was  raised  to  ask  for  mercy  in  favor  of  those  whom 
they  thought  innocent,  and  their  lives  were  spared.  It  is  reported 
that  a  kind  of  deposition  made  by  a  Mr.  Rodgers  increased  the 
fury  of  this  savage  mob.  Mr.  Rodgers  was  seized,  was  made  to 
sit  down,  and  then  told  that  his  life  would  be  spared  if  he  made  a 
full  discovery  of  Dr.  Whitman's  supposed  treachery.  That  person 
then  told  the  Indians  that  the  doctor  intended  to  poison  them ; 
that  one  night  when  Mr.  Spalding  was  at  Waiilatpu  he  heard 
them  say  that  the  Indians  ought  to  be  poisoned  so  that  the 
Americans  might  take  possession  of  their  lands.  That  the  doctor 
wished  to  poison  all  the  Indians  at  once,  but  that  Mr.  Spalding 
advised  him  to  do  it  gradually.  Mr.  Rodgers,  after  this  deposi- 
tion, was  spared,  but  an  Indian  who  was  not  present,  having  seen 
him,  fired  at  and  killed  him.  An  American  made  a  similar  de- 
position, adding  that  Mrs.  Whitman  was  an  accomplice,  and  de- 


Mission  Life  among  the  Induns. 


201 


served  death  as  well  as  her  husband.  It  appears  that  he  con- 
cluded by  saying  that  he  would  take  the  side  of  the  Indians,  and 
detested  Americans.  An  Indian  then  put  a  pistol  in  his  hand, 
and  said  to  him,  "if  you  tell  the  truth,  you  must  prove  it  by 
shooting  that  young  American,"  and  this  wretched  apostate  from 
his  country  fired  upon  the  young  man  shown  to  him,  and  laid 
him  dead  at  his  feet.  It  was  on  the  evidence  of  that  American 
that  Mrs.  Whitman  was  murdered,  or  she  might  have  shared  in 
the  mercy  extended  to  the  other  females  and  children." 

"  Such  are  the  details  as  far  as  known  of  that  disastrous 
event,  and  the  causes  which  led  to  it.  Mr.  Rodgers'  reported 
deposition,  if  correct,  is  unworthy  of  belief,  having  been  drawn 
from  him  by  the  fear  of  instant  death.  The  other  American,  who 
shed  the  blood  of  his  own  friend,  must  be  a  villain  of  the  darkest 
dye,  and  ought  to  suffer  for  his  aggravated  crime." 

A  LITTLE  CRITICISM. 

In  McBean's  letter  to  Vancouver  he  gives  the  Indian  version 
of  their  case,  and  alludes  to  Joe  Lewis  as  "  one  of  the  doctor's 
party."  The  letter  of  Doiiglas  calls  this  infamous  Joe  Lewis  re- 
peatedly "an  American."  The  fact  was  that  Joe  Lewis  was  a 
Canadian  half-breed,  accidentally  at  the  mission.  He  came  there 
ill  and  was  nursed  in  hospital.  When  he  recovered  he  was  furn- 
ished work.  All  the  tenor  of  Mr.  Douglas'  letter  is  unfair,  be- 
ciiuse  it  gives  the  Indian  version  throughout.  The  Cay  uses  were 
too  sharp  to  believe  Joe  Lewis'  story  that  he  was  in  the  same  room 
with  Mr.  Spalding  and  Dr.  and  ^Irs.  Whitman  when  they  planned 
to  poison  the  Indians.  They  knew  better  than  to  credit  such  a 
story.  It  is  not  probable  that  any  well  Indian  would  go  up  with 
two  sick  ones  to  receive  medicine  from  Dr.  Whitman  and  then 
take  the  medicine,  as  is  related  by  both  McBean  and  Douglas. 
That  story  is  too  thin  for  credence.  The  story  of  Mr.  Rodger's 
deposition  and  treachery  to  the  Whitmans  is  not  even  plausible. 
All  these  matters  the  Hudson  Bay  Company  officials  repeat  so 
confidently,  could  be  easily  manufactured  as  evidence  by  the 
Cayuses.  Joe  Lewis  undoubtedly  betrayed  the  mission,  and  told 
infamous  lies  to  the  Cayuses  that  led  them  to  the  massacre.  Their 
o\\ni  bad  natures  and  the  unhappy  intrigiie  and  rivalry  of  another 
religious  party  were  the  chief  causes  of  the  massacre. 

GOV.   OODEN  TO  THE  RESCUE, 

On  the  7th  of  December,  Peter  Skeen  Ogden,  associate  chief 


il 


'  fH 

wm 

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11 

i 

'  MiM 

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:    H 

m 

■B 

Pacific  N.  \N.  History  Dapt. 

PROVINCIAL  Library 

VICTORIA,  B.C. 


1 

i 

1 

•1 

iii 

202 


Indian  Massacre. 


'l!  ' ' 


factor  of  the  Hudson  Bay  Company,  with  a  party  of  sixteen  men, 
left  Vancouver  for  Walla  Walla,  to  rescue  and  ransom  the  flftv- 
one  captives  held  by  the  Cayuses.  It  recjuired  until  the  23d  to 
collect  a  council  of  the  Cayuses,  and  then  several  days  were  spent 
in  talk  and  arranging  preliminaries.  They  were  anxious  to  avoid 
war,  and  afraid  the  Americans  would  come  in  force  from  Western 
Oregon  to  punish  them,  and  that  fear  was  soon  realized.  Mr. 
Ogden  would  make  them  no  promises  of  peace,  but  did  arrange 
for  the  ransom  of  their  prisoners  on  December  31.  He  wrote  as 
follows :  "  I  have  endured  many  an  anxious  hour,  and  for  the 
last  two  nights  have  not  closed  my  eyes,  but  thanks  to  the 
Almighty  I  have  succeeded.  During  the  captivity  of  the  prisoners 
they  have  suffered  every  indignity,  but  fortunately  were  well 
provided  with  food.  I  have  ^  ?en  able  to  effect  my  object  without 
compromising  myself  or  others.  It  now  remains  with  the  Amer- 
ican Government  to  take  what  measure  it  deems  most  beneficial 
to  restore  tranquility.  This,  I  apprehend,  cannot  be  finally 
effected  without  blood  flowing  freely.  So  as  not  to  compromise 
either  party,  I  have  made  a  heavy  sacrifice  of  goods,  but  these, 
indeed,  are  of  trifling  value  compared  to  the  unfortunate  beings  I 
have  rescued  from  the  hands  of  these  murderous  wretches,  and  I 
am  truly  happy." 

It  is  agreeable  to  find  one  officer  of  that  great  company  who 
could  write  in  plain  Anglo-Saxon,  and  make  no  half  way  excuses 
for  Cay  use  savagery.  The  active  interposition  of  the  Hudson's 
Bay  Company  alone  could  have  effected  the  noble  object  Governor 
Ogden  so  generously  accomplished,  and  we  must  give  Mr.  Douglas 
full  credit  for  his  interest  in  the  work ;  even  though  we  criticise 
the  seeming  unfairness  of  his  relation  of  the  massacre  and  at- 
tendant circumstances. 

The  Nez-Perces  remained  peaceful,  but  their  mission,  as  also 
that  of  Spokane,  was  broken  up  and  never  resumed  their  effi- 
ciencj'.  All  the  property  at  Waiilatpu  was  destroyed,  and  the 
burning  of  Dr.  Whitman's  papers  caused  a  loss  to  history  that 
cannot  be  replaced.  The  faithful  and  earnest  labor  of  many 
years  was  thus  worse  than  lost.  The  tragic  story  that  attaches 
to  the  Walla  Walla  river,  will  remain  one  of  the  many  legends  of 
the  past,  and  it  is  hardly  possible  any  other  can  ever  equal  it,  as 
the  history  of  the  Cayuses  is  almost  closed. 

S.  A.  Clarke. 


Mission  Life  among  the  Indians. 


203 


Indians  of  Puoet  Sound,  in  1852. 


"an  inspired  speculator. 

So  pleased  was  Captain  Saywnrd  witli  the  natural  beauties  of 
theeouutry — the  virginal  beauties,  yetunritled  by  coniinerce— that 
he  hired  a  cauoe,  with  an  Indian  and  his  squaw  as  the  propelling 
])ower,  and  set  out  down  the  Sound  to  Port  Ludlow,  a  distance  of 
one  hundi'ed  miles  from  Olympia.  lie  was  in  search  of  a  mill  site. 
In  all  these  many  miles  there  was  not  a  white  man  to  be  seen. 
Only  the  Indian  had 

'  A  lodge  in  this  vast  wilderness, 
This  boundless  contiguity  of  shade.' 
One  hundred  and  more  miles  of  an  unbroken  forest  of  magni- 
ficent timber,  running  back  to  the  Olympian  range  some  fifty  or 
sixty  miles  !  Although  used  to  the  pine  forests  of  the  Penobscot 
in  Maine  and  the  St.  John  in  New  Brunswick,  the  sight  of  so 
much  unclaimed  ligneous  wealth  affected  our  speculatoi*'s  brain  a 
trifle,  and  he  coiUd  scarcely  contain  himself.  '  My  God !  what  a 
country,'  he  exclaimed,  rising  in  the  canoe  at  the  same  time,  to  the 
imminent  danger  of  an  upset.  Td  like  to  turn  all  the  people  of 
the  State  of  Maine  in  here,  each  man  carrying  a  naiTow  axe.' 
With  arms  extendc  ^  and  eyes  dilated,  Sayward  gave  the  Indians 
the  impression  that  they  had  a  crazy  man  for  a  passenger,  and  ex- 
changing a  few  Avords  they  rested  on  their  paddles.  But  he  soon 
got  over  his  ecstasy  and  bade  them  go  to  work  again.  Simple 
savages !  Accustomed  to  look  from  Nature  up  to  Nature's  God, 
they  did  not  know  they  were  introducing  to  these  magnificent 
scenes  the  pioneer  of  a  race  that  only  looked  from  Nature  to  a 
market. 

the  indans  on  the  sound. 

The  site  was  chosen  at  Port  Ludlow  and  the  mill  erected  in 
March,  1853,  the  machinery  for  which  was  made  by  the  brothers 
James  and  Peter  Donahue,  then  in  the  foundry  business  in  San 
Francisco.  The  Captain  remained  at  the  Sound  till  1858.  There 
were  about  300  Chimicum  and  Clallam  Indians  on  the  site  Sayward 
selected,  but  they  gave  no  trouble.  They  moved  away  quietly 
when  requested,  especially  as  they  were  promised  all  the  lumber 
they  needed  to  build  more  substantial  huts  than  those  to  which 
they  had  been  accustomed.  The  testimony  of  Captain  Sayward 
is  interesting  as  to  the  habits  and  disposition  of  the  Sound  Indians 


,' 


.1  ,n' 


riil 


'1|l 


":i 


204 


Indian  Massacre. 


ih  n' 


at  tliiK  eurly  poriod,  before  the  Whites  eiime  in  such  numbers  as 
to  inii»inf,'(!  upon  their  freedom  and  narrow  huntin^y  grounds, 
catising  the  fatuous  war  of  185;')— 5(5,  when  the  redskins  of  Wash- 
ington Territory  heUl  a  grand  powwow  to  eonsider  the  advisability 
of  driving  all  the  white  invaders  into  the  sea.  At  that  time  Gen- 
eral I.  I.  Stevens — afterwards  killed  at  Ball's  Bluflf  with  Colonel 
liaker — was  (Governor  of  the  Territory,  and  MeClellan  was  on  his 
staff.  General  (then  Lieutenant)  Grant  was  in  the  field  fighting 
the  Indians,  and  so  was  Lieutenant  S(!ott,  son  of  Dr.  Seott,  long 
I)astor  of  CJalvary  Chureh,  in  this  city.  But  this  is  a  digression. 
Captain  Sayward  had  no  trouble  with  the  Indians.  He  employed 
a  great  many  in  and  about  the  mill,  and  always  found  them  in- 
dustrious and  trustworthy.  They  were  singularly  tenacious  in 
fulfilling  a  trust.  Often,  when  the  supply  of  whiskey  ran  short — 
for  it  is  next  to  impossible  that  a  saw-mill  can  be  run  without  the 
"  Kentucky  brew  " — he  would  send  a  couple  of  his  Indians  with 
money  to  Olympia,  by  canoe,  to  get  a  barrel.  This  is  about  as 
severe  a  test  as  can  be  given  an  Indian.  But  they  brought  the 
whiskey  home  and  delivered  it  intact.  It  is  true,  that  if  the  Cap- 
tain's back  was  turned,  after  the  trust  was  fulfilled,  they  woiUd  not 
hesitate  to  steal  the  liquor.  They  had  but  dim  ideas  of  the  law  of 
meuvi  and  tiium.  But  they  never  broke  their  faith,  no  matter  how 
strong  the  temptation,  when  intrusted  with  a  mission.  In  the 
subsequent  troubles,  when  the  life  of  every  white  man  on  the 
Sound  was  in  danger.  Captain  Sayward  found  the  benefit  of  his 
kindness  and  confidence  in  the  Indians  during  his  early  intercourse 
with  them.  The  hostiles  never  menaced  him,  and  his  property  re- 
mained undisturbed.  In  his  opinion,  so  far  as  concerns  the  In- 
dians who  came  under  his  immediate  observation  in  his  experiences 
on  the  north-west  coast,  the  poet  spoke  as  much  truth  as  poetry, 
when  ho  said : 

I  love  the  India    ;  ere  the  white  man  came 
And  taught  hir  /  vice  and  infamy  and  shame, 
His  soul  was  nc    e.     In  the  sun  he  saw 
His  God,  and  wo   -hipped  him  with  trembling  awe. 

RELIG    tUS  PECULIARITIES. 

And  this  poetic  exprt  ^sion  leads  naturally  to  the  fact  that  the 
Sound  Indians  used  to  be  very  religious,  in  their  way ;  religion 
being  defined  as  the  observance  of  certain  forms,  whether  Christian 
or  pagan.    Certainly,  the  Chimicums  and  Clallams,  simple  sons  of 


1,    !  i  1     ■, 

ill  m  >^f':  ■■ 


Mission  Lifb  amono  tub  Indians. 


205 


tlie  forest  and  the  sciv,  had  their  time  pretty  well  divided  Ix^ween 
j)n»vidiiijj^  for  their  i)hysieal  wants  and  worshipping  (h'ities,  seen 
and  unseen.  Tlie  moon  in  its  twelve  chun},'e8  reoreseiited  to  the 
Indian  twelve  gods^  and,  when  it  was  full-orbed,  a  grand  festival 
was  hehl  in  honor  of  the  deity  of  that  partieular  month.  The 
annual  festival  was  in  honor  of  the  sun,  that  luminary  being 
dignified  by  the  nanu;,  in  the  Chinook  jargon,  '  liyas  tyee  Tema- 
nowos,'  or  the  god  of  all,  the  god  of  gods.  At  these  fcistivals, 
monthly  as  well  as  annual,  all  tin;  Indians  on  the  Sound  gathered; 
there  were  thousands  in  1852  where  there  iire  hundreds  now. 
Each,  squaws  as  well  as  bucks,  v'as  i)rovided  with  a  ])ieco  of  .split 
log  called  in  the  Eastern  prairie  States  *  puncheon.'  It  was  un- 
dressed and  ftdl  of  splinters.  Seated  in  a  (nnde,  the  size  of  which 
depended  on  the  number  of  worshippers  jjresent,  they  waited  in 
silence  fwr  the  rising  of  Luna — to  these  savages  a  god,  to  the 
l)agans  of  old  a  goddess.  As  soon  as  the  silver  disk  showed  al)ove 
the  horizon,  the  chief,  or  leader  of  the  ceremonies,  led  otT  with  a 
short,  weird  chant,  which  was  taken  up  by  the  whole  assemblage, 
until,  from  the  exact  time  kept  by  beating  <m  the  'puncheons,'  a 
kind  of  rhythm  resulted— not  exactly  as  harmonious  as  that  de- 
scribed by  Milton,  when  he  said  of  the  heavenly  host  that  they 

*  Sang  hallelujahs  as  the  sound  of  seas,' 
but  a  rude  chorus,  rising  Avith  each  repetition  till  the  eighth  was 
reached,  and  then  da  cap>.  Some  of  the  notes  were  drawn  out  like 
the  wail  of  a  banshee,  and  others  dropi)ed  on  the  ear  like  the  stac- 
iiv  '■.o  of  musketry  fire.  It  is  impossible  to  describe  the  effect  pro- 
di.eed  by  this  chant  as  it  rang  through  the  solemn  aisles  of  the 
stately  forest,  while  the  lapping  waves  (their  circle  was  always 
formed  on  the  seashore)  at  the  feet  of  the  dusky  singers  mtirmur- 
ed  a  subdued  accompaniment.  This  kind  of  worship  Avas  a  test  of 
endurance.  All  night  long  it  was  sustained,  all  the  next  day,  the 
next  night  and  the  day  folloAving,  sometimes — no  food  i)assing  the 
Indians'  lips  in  the  meantime — until  one  or  more  of  the  number 
were  used  up. 

THE  NEW   HIKTH. 

It  was  at  the  grand  annual  festival  of  the  Sun,  held  at  Clal- 
lam Bay,  that  this  interesting  ceremony  was  witnessed.  There 
were  thousands  of  Indians  i)resent,  and  the  chanting  had  lasted 
for  two  days,  when  one  of  the  number  succnmbiul  to  sheer  ex- 
haustion, falling  supine  and  apparently  lifeless.    Then  the  chant 


■1 


200 


Indian  Massachk. 


ilH    I 


1 3 


ceased  and  he  was  taken  to  the  sweat-house.  After  undergoing  a 
hot  air  hath  for  some  fifteen  minutes,  lie  was  rolled  in  a  blanket, 
and  put  on  a  shelf  to  dry.  He  remained  in  this  state  for  hours, 
sometimes  days — in  fact  it  was  doubtful  if  he  could  revive. 
From  tests  made,  the  cataleptic  redskin  was  quite  insensible  to 
pain.     One  of  the  Indians,  who  spoke  a  little  English,  was  asked: 

"  Does  the  man  ever  die  f  " 

"  Sometimes,"  he  replied ;  "  sometimes  the  spirit  lose  his  way 
and  cannot  come  back.     Then  Indian  die.'' 

The  present  subject,  when  he  did  recover  consciousness,  was 
led  forth  by  his  friends  to  a  position  in  the  circle  near  the  chief. 
And  now  another  interesting  part  of  the  ceremonies  began.  The 
restored  Indian  looked  about  him  for  a  while  in  a  dazed  sort  of 
way,  and  presently  spoke,  at  first  in  a  low  tone,  raising  his  voice 
by  degrees.  There  was  a  reverential  hush  throughout  tlie 
circle,  and  every  head  was  bent,  eager  to  catch  the  words  of  the 
speaker.  He  was  considered  the  favorite  of  the  god  of  the  month, 
and  the  communication  he  had  to  make  was  given  him  Avhile  he 
lay  unconscioixs.  Often  his  speech  lasted  an  hour,  and  it  was 
generally  an  exhortation  or  tribal  lesson  to  his  fellows  on  their 
simple  duties,  and  whether  the  god  was  pleased  or  displeased  with 
their  conduct.  As  soon  as  he  had  ceased  he  commenced  to  part 
with  his  worldly  possessions.  To  one  he  gave  his  canoe,  to  another 
his  Hudson  Bay  Company  gun  or  his  bow  and  arrows,  to  another 
his  wickiup,  to  a  fourth  his  cooking  utensils,  his  horses,  etc.  At 
last,  stripped  of  all  his  goods,  he  stood  with  only  the  old  blanket 
covering  him ;  then  the  principal  chief  advanced,  and,  withdraw- 
ing the  fastening  at  the  throat,  let  this  drop  about  the  heels  of 
the  messenger  from  the  unseen,  and  he  stood  before  his  tribe 
naked  as  when  he  first  came  into  the  Avorld.  This  was  the  new 
birth.  He  was  considered  as  born  again  by  the  ordeal  through 
which  he  had  passed,  and  ready  to  commence  life  once  more. 
After  a  pause  the  medicine  man,  taking  a  brand  new  blanket, 
approached  the  "  infant  adult "  and  covered  his  nakedness,  manip- 
ulating his  head  with  eveiy  sign  of  affection,  and  crooning  a  song 
of  rejoicing  at  the  same  time.  A  mighty  shout  went  up  from  the 
tribe  as  thev  also  welcomed  the  new  chief — the  favorite  of  their 
god.  Such  was  the  scene  to  be  witnessed  at  Port  Ludlow,  or  Port 
Gamble,  Olympia,  or  some  other  selected  spot  on  the  Sound,  before 
the  white  man  invaded  the  "  forests  primeval."  It  is  to  be  pre- 
sumed the  ''  noble  red  men"  are  too  busy  nowadays  attending  to 


Mission  Life  among  the  Indians. 


207 


the  slabs  and  scantling  of  the  saw-mills ;  and  his  chants  to  the  moon, 
if  he  indulge  in  any,  are  drowned  by  the  scurr  of  a  thousand 
circulars,  converting  hio  forests  into  money  for  the  pale-faee. 
There  is  not  much  romance  or  sentiment,  Indian  or  other,  about  a 
saw-mill. 

THE  squaws'   lecture. 

•  There  was  another  curious  practice  among  the  Indians  on 
the  Sound  in  the  earlv  davs.  It  was  the  lecture  or  sermon  that, 
at  stated  periods,  was  delivered  exclusively  to  the  Indian  women. 
An  important  member  of  the  tribe,  the  big  chief  or  the  medicine 
man,  would  select  a  promontory  or  island  remote  from  the  niaiu- 
liind,  perhaps  in  the  vicinity  of  Port  Ludlow,  and  paddle  himself 
there,  solitary  and  aione,  on  a  fine  day.  Soon  all  the  squaws 
would  be  seen  following  him,  paddling  vigorously  toward  the 
common  point.  No  bucks  were  among  them  ;  they  all  remained 
on  the  mainland.  The  preacher,  instructor,  exhorter,  or  whatever 
he  was,  often  stood  in  the  water  up  to  his  knees  for  a  full  hour 
or  more  while  he  delivered  his  discourse ;  but  the  Indian  maidens 
a  id  squaws  gathered  as  close  around  him  as  their  canoes  wo'.:ld 
permit,  so  as  to  catch  every  word  that  fell  from  his  lips.  Savona- 
rola was  never  more  in  earnest  than  this  dusky  preacher ;  his 
face  and  action  showed  he  realized  the  importance  of  his  k.  wor 
He  was  supposed  to  be  instructing  the  women  as  to  their  proper 
duties  in  their  savage  life ;  but  whatever  he  said,  they  were  eager 
to  hear  it  all.  There  was  no  noise  save  the  occasional  chafing 
of  one  canoe  against  another  as  they  moved  ■with  the  slight  swell 
of  the  water.  It  is  an  exciting  spijctacle  to  see  the  dusky  women, 
wlieu  the  service  was  over,  start  in  an  emulative  race  for  the 
mainland,  their  dark  sinewy  arms  plying  the  flashing  paddle  as 
the  light  canoe  cut  swiftly  the  placid  waters  of  tne  Sound,  until 
with  laughing  banter  the  prows  touched  the  shore  and  they  re- 
joined the  bucks,  who  were  idly  awaiting  them. 

Too  grateful  for  the  blessing  lent 
Of  simple  tastes  and  miml  content." 

Geo.  E.  Barnes. 


Indians  op  Puget  Sound  and  Columbia  Kiver,  in  1850. 

General  Wool  sent  Keyes'  eon^pany  over  to  Steilacoom  during 
the  following  week,  where  he  found  the  inhabitants  in  a  wild  state 


i 


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(  M 


11  < 


I'l  ^ 


lU   -^'^ 


Sft^ 


208 


Indian  Mass\cue. 


of  alarm,  as  many  families  had  been  murdered  by  the  Indians.  On 
the  fourth  of  December,  Lieutenant  Slaughter  was  killed  by  the 
Klickitat  Indians,  headed  by  the  famous  chief  Kanaskat. 

DEATH  OP   KANASKAT. 

On  the  morning  of  the  25th  of  February,  185G,  at  Lemon's 
prairie,  about  nine  miles  above  Tacoma,  on  the  Puyallup,  Ser- 
geant Newton  posted  a  pi'ivate  named  Kehl  and  two  others  as  *a 
picket  guard  of  Keyes'  company.  The  cooks  had  already  lighted 
the  fires,  and  the  watchful  soldier  saw  a  gleam  of  light  reflected 
from  a  rifle  barrel  about  a  hundred  yards  up  the  trail  beyond  the 
bend.  Then  he  saw  five  Indians  in  single  file  creeping  stealthily 
down  the  hill,  the  one  in  front  waving  his  hand  backward  to 
caution  his  followers.  Kehl  waited  till  the  leader  was  nearly 
abreast  of  him,  and  then  fired,  when  the  gi*eat  chief  Kanaskat 
fell,  shot  through  the  spine,  which  paralized  his  legs,  but  his 
voice  and  arms  were  not  affected.  "  At  the  report  of  Kehl's  shot," 
wi'ites  General  Keyes,  "  I  ran  out  to  the  bridge,  where  I  heard 
Sergeant  Newton  crying  out,  *  VV^e've  got  an  Indian.' "  It  took 
two  soldiers  to  hold  him  as  he  tried  to  draw  a  knife,  and  as 
they  dragged  him  across  the  bridge  he  continued  to  call  out  in  a 
language  I  did  not  understand.  Some  one  came  who  recognized 
the  rounded  Indian,  and  exclaimed,  "  Kanaskat."  "  Nawitka  !  " 
said  he  with  tremendous  energy,  his  voice  rising  to  a  sci'eam — 
"  Kanaskat  -  Tyee — mameloose  nika  mika  mameloose  Bostons." 
He  added, "  My  heart  is  wicked  to  the  Whites,  and  always  will  be, 
so  you  had  better  kill  me."  Then  he  began  to  call  out  in  his 
native  tongue  which  none  of  us  could  understand.  He  api)eared 
CO  be  yelling  for  his  comrades,  and  two  shots  were  fired  from  the 
pickets  on  the  hill  when  Corporal  O'Shaughuessy,  who  was  stand- 
ing by,  placed  his  rifle  close  to  the  chief's  temple  and  blew  a  hole 
through  his  head,  scattering  the  brains  about  Regarding  the 
carcass  of  the  dead  chief  as  that  of  an  unclean  animal  wliich  men 
hunt  for  the  love  of  havoc,  we  left  it  in  the  field  unburied,  and 
went  on  our  way  to  fight  his  people.  The  death  of  their  most 
warlike  chief  and  the  decisive  victorv  we  achieved,  dismaved  the 
redskins,  and  thereafter  their  energies  were  exerted  to  avoid 
battles  with  the  regulars,  though  they  afterwards  fought  with  the 
volunteers.  We  hunted  them  almost  night  and  day,  over  hill  and 
dale,  and  through  the  densest  thickets.  It  rained  more  than  half 
the  time,  and  the  influence  of  Mount  Rainier  and  its  vast  covering 


Mission  Life  among  the  Indians. 


209 


of  eternal  snow  upon  the  temi)erature  made  the  nights  excessively 
cold.  Such  was  our  liability  to  surprise  that  we  were  obliged  to 
bo  ready  to  fight  at  all  times.  The  hardships  of  that  campaign,  in 
which  the  pluck  of  Kautz,  Mendcll,  Sukely,  and  others  was  tested, 
caused  us  later  to  regard  the  Wilderness  battles  as  recreation. 

In  the  Indian  war  of  1856  Lieutenant  Sheridan  served  under 
Col.  George  Wright  of  the  Ninth  Infantry,  whom  he  describes  as 
an  able  officer.  In  this  campaign  he  captured  thirteen  Cascade 
Indians,  nine  of  whom  were  afterwards  hanged  for  their  participa- 
tiou  in  the  massacre  at  the  '  blockhouse.' 

In  illustration  of  the  insane  hatred  of  the  Indians  which  per- 
vaded the  people  of  Oregon  at  this  time,  Sheridan  mentions  the 
hanging  in  cold  blood  of  the  family  of  a  friendly  Chinook  chief, 
Spencer,  the  interpreter  of  Col.  Wright.  His  wife,  two  young 
boys,  three  girls  and  a  baby  were  hanged  by  some  white  bar- 
barians. The  babe  was  strangled  by  means  of  a  red  silk  hand- 
kcri'liief  taken  from  the  neck  of  its  mother.  These  poor  creatures 
were  killed  in  the  spirit  of  aimless  revenge  by  citizens  who  knew 
that  their  victims  were  the  family  of  a  notoriously  friendly  and 
peaceable  chief,  who  had  nothing  to  do  with  the  '  Block  House 
Massacre.'  Spencer's  family  had  walked  into  the  settlement  under 
Hiii  protection  of  a  friendly  alliance,  and  Sheridan  declares  that 
frbis  wholesale  murder  of  innocent  and  helpless  victims  was  the 
most  dastardlv  and  revolting  crime  he  ever  knew  to  be  committed 


bv  Whites. 


Pri:8Krvin(}  the  Indian  in  Calipoknia. 


A  guutleumn  explains  the  real  cause  of  the  recent  Imliau  troubles  at  Mono 
Lake,  C^alifornia,  188!). 

"A  few  days  since  a  San  Francisco  ilispati-h  stated  that  Indiiuis  in 
Mono  connty,  California,  had  killed  a  settler  and  three  Italians,  and  that 
tidulile  was  feared,  and  Governor  Waterman  had  been  asked  to  send 
troops  there. 

A  gentleman  who  has  resided  for  several  years  in  Mono  connty,  in  the 
Bodie  section,  and  in  the  ^•icinity  of  INIono  lake,  has  lately  arrived  here  and 
gives  an  account  of  the  origin  of  the  tronblo  with  the  Indians,  which  goes 
to  substantiate  the  saying  of  some  of  the  old  settlers  of  this  state  that 
every  outbreak  of  the  Indians  has  been  brought  on  by  outrages  they  have 
suflered  at  the  hands  of  the  Whites. 

The  Mono  lake  region  is  a  desolate,  sterile  section,  much  resembling 
the  country  around  the  Dead  Sea.  The  waters  of  the  lake  are  tlioroiighly 
imi)regnated  with  borax,  salt  and  magnesia,  and  the  only  animal  life  found 
14 


I 


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WW' 

..In 


5 ' 

.       !* 


•  'i,'  Vim 


m 


81 S 


i  tj 


it  I 


\ 


14  : 


210 


Indian  Massache. 


in  it  in  a  sort  of  a  worm,  about  one-fourth  of  an  inch  iu  length,  reseinbhng 
in  appearance  a  ishrinii).  This  worm  is  of  an  oily  nature,  and  forms,  when 
blown  on  the  shore  by  the  winds,  by  combining  with  the  alkaline  water  a 
soapy  mixture,  and  frequently  a  bank  of  this  soapsuds  several  feet  in  d<>ptli 
is  deposited  along  the  shore  of  the  lake. 

The  Piute  Indians,  who  Uve  in  the  countrj'  around  Mono  lake  are  very 
fond  of  these  worms  or  shrimps,  which  they  call  "kitchavio"  and  eat 
all  tli(>y  can  get  of  them  ;  in  fact  "kitchavie  "  and  i)ine  nuts  arii  their  food 
staples. 

On  the  western  shore  of  Mono  lake  lived  a  settler  named  Louis  Sam- 
man.  He  had  resided  there  for  over  twenty  years,  raising  cattle  on  the 
stunted  pasturage  arov^nd  the  lake,  leading  a  lonely  life. 

Occasicmallj'  he  would  kill  a  Piute  and  cast  the  body  into  the  alkaline 
waters  of  tlie  lake,  where  it  would  soon  petiify.  This  fact  was  well  known 
to  the  Whites  residing  in  that  section,  and  the  gentleman  who  gives  this 
information  says  he  has  seen  four  of  these  bodies  calmly  rejjosing  at  the 
botton)  of  the  lake.  Samman's  avowed  intention  was  to  use  the  bodies,  as 
soon  as  they  became  sulliciently  hardened,  for  hitching  jDosts  and  door 
steps. 

The  Indians,  however,  were  ignorant  of  Samman's  eccentricity,  or  at 
least  had  only  heard  uncontirnied  stories  of  it.  A  few  days  before  the 
killing  above  mentioned,  a  party  of  Piutes  were  fishing  for  "  Idtchavie, " 
scooping  them  oft"  the  surface  of  the  Avater  with  willow  baskets.  In  the 
vicinity  of  Samman's  i)lace  they  saw  the  bodies  of  their  miirdered  brethren 
lying  on  the  gravelly  bottom. 

Then  the  stories  they  had  heard  were  confirmed.  They  became 
frenzied  for  revenge,  and  going  to  Samman's  cabin  took  him  out  (he  was 
alone)  and  .shot  him  through  the  heart,  carried  the  body  into  the  cabin, 
laid  it  on  the  bed,  and  to  make  sure  that  he  was  dead,  fired  another  shot 
through  his  brain.  They  then  went  several  miles  to  a  place  where  four 
Italians  were  and  killed  three  of  them,  one  escaping  to  Bodie  and  alarm- 
ing the  citixens,  telUng  them  at  the  same  time  not  to  go  out  there  for  a  few 
days,  as  the  Indians  had  sworn  to  kill  any  white  man  that  came  out.  The 
Indians  were  very  much  excitinl,  and  eager  to  avenge  the  death  of  the 
petrilied  I'iutes.  A  reipiest  was  made  on  Gcjvernor  Waterman  for  arms 
and  ammunition,  and  he  offered  to  send  trooi)s,  but  the  offer  was  declined. 
The  recjuest  for  arras  and  ammxmition  has  since  been  countermanded,  and 
things  have  (juieted  down  considerably,  but  still  the  A-igilanceof  the  people 
has  not  relaxed.  An  efl'ort  to  arrest  the  guilty  Indians  will  shortly  be 
made." 


How  "  Civilization ''  was    introduced    to    the   Natives   of 
South  and  Central  America. 

The  second  volume  ou  Central  America  just  issued,  is  one  of 
the  most  interesting  of  H.  H.  Bancroft's  "  History  of  the  Pacific 


Natives  of  Central  and  Soutfi  Ameiuca. 


211 


States."  It  deals  mainly  with  a  period  of  wliicli  the  simple  recital 
of  its  events  reads  like  a  romance.  ^Ir.  Bancroft  has  no  sympathy 
with  the  Spanish  methcd  of  colonization  and  he  never  neglects  an 
opportunity  to  point  out  the  greed  and  villainy  which  lies  under 
the  thin  veneer  of  religious  zeal  in  the  Spanish- American  cou- 
(pierors.  He  also  delights  in  laying  hare  the  hypocrisy  of  the 
priestly  chroniclers,  who  never  fail  to  find  a  good  excuse  for  the 
methods  of  the  men  who  carried  the  cross  with  hloody  hands 
among  the  ill-starred  natives  of  Central  and  South  America.  II*} 
can  see  no  redeeming  (pialities  in  Francisco  Pizarro,  Alvarado  and 
the  other  Spanish  cor.queroi\s,  siivc  their  superb  courage,  which 
never  faltered,  eveii  in  the  face  of  the  most  appalling  dangers, 
lie  has  none  of  that  half-concealed  fondness  for  these  pictures(pie 
pirates  which  is  shown  by  many  writers.  He  gives  the  plain 
truth  about  them,  scripped  of  all  the  glamor  which  the  Church  has 
cast  over  their  cruelties.  The  single  chapter  devoted  to  Pizarro 
is  an  admirable  review  of  the  methods  of  one  of  the  bravest  and 
meanest  of  the  great  adventurers  of  the  world.  Of  infamous 
origin  and  brutal  instincts,  his  low  ciinuing  and  unsurpassed 
courage  placed  him  at  the  head  of  the  lawless  crew  in  Panama  and 
made  him  surpass  in  Peru  the  crimes  with  which  Cortez  marked 
liis  bloody  march  through  Mexico.  Nothing  in  history  is  more 
cruel  than  the  massacj  ^  of  the  natives  and  the  capture  of  the  Inca, 
which  delivered  into  .ic  hands  of  these  freebooters  the  rich  em- 
pire of  Peru.  In  a  half -hour  5000  defenseless  Peruvians  were 
butchered,  without  the  loss  of  a  single  Spaniard.  The  massacre 
was  precipitated  by  the  action  of  the  Inca,  who,  when  the  Priest 
Vicente  de  Valverde  was  urging  upon  him  the  beauties  of  the 
Catholic  faith,  flung  the  Bible  to  the  earth  and  tram})led  upon  it. 
The  eifect  Avas  similar  to  that  which  would  follow  a  curse  on  the 
religion  of  Mohammed  uttered  in  an  Arabian  mosipie.  As  the 
author  says,  "To  their  brutal  instinct  was  added  a  spiritual 
drunkenness  which  took  them  out  of  the  category  of  manhood  and 
made  them  human  fiends.  We  wonder  how  men  could  so  believe; 
hut  greater  still  is  our  wonder  that  men  so  believing  could  so  be- 
have." This  massacre  was  followed  by  the  usual  sequence — a 
forced  levy  on  the  kingdom  for  treasure  as  the  ransom  of  the 
captured  monarch;  the  accumulation  of  treasure,  which  is  estinuit- 
ed  as  worth  $20,000,000,  in  one  day,  and  finally  the  farcical  trial 
and  condemnation  of  the  captive  Inca  when  no  more  gold  and  sil- 
ver and  precious  stones  could  be  wrung  from  the  people.     The 


M 


212 


Indian  Massaciie. 


'  4 

i     : 

■    .;.| 

I' 


trial  and  the  death  sc(>ne  of  the  iiiiha|)i)y  Inca  are  tohl  in  these 
few  words,  made  more  impressive  by  their  brevity : 

The  accusations  and  the  trial  wodd  both  be  laughable  were 
they  not  so  diabolical.  Pizarro  and  Alniagro  acted  as  judges. 
Among  the  charges  were  attempted  insurrection,  usurjiation  and 
putting  to  death  the  lawful  sovereign,  idolatry,  waging  unjust 
warfare,  adultery,  polygamy  and  the  emliezzlement  of  tlie  public 
revenues  since  the  Spaniards  had  taken  possession  of  the  country. 
^Vhat  more  cutting  irony  could  Avords  present  of  the  Christian 
and  civilized  idea  of  hunumity  and  the  rights  of  man  then  enter- 
tained, thau  the  catalogue  of  crinu^s  by  which  tliis  barbarian  must 
unjustly  die,  every  one  of  which  the  Spaniards  themselves  had 
committed  in  a  tenfold  degree  since  entering  these  dominions. 
Tlie  ()])inion  of  the  soldiers  was  taken.  It  is  unnecessary  to  say 
that  the  i)r"souer  was  found  guilty.  He  was  condemned  to  be 
burned  aliva  in  the  plaza. 

At  the  appointed  hour  the  royal  captive,  heavily  chain'^d,  was 
led  forth.  It  was  nightfall,  and  the  torchlights  threw  a  dismal 
glare  xipon  the  scene.  By  the  Inca's  side  walked  the  infamous 
Father  Vicente,  who  never  ceased  pouring  into  the  iinwilling  ear 
of  his  victim  his  hateful  consolations.  Upon  the  funeral  pile, 
Atahualpa  was  informed  that  if  he  would  accept  baptism  he  might 
be  kindly  strangled  instead  of  burned.  "  A  cheap  escape  from 
much  suft'ering,"  thought  the  monarch,  and  permitted  it  to  be 
done.  The  name  of  Juan  de  Atahualpa  was  given  h''  ii.  The  iron 
collar  of  the  garrote  was  then  tightened,  the  Christians  recited 
their  credos  over  the  new  convert,  and  the  spirit  of  the  Inca  hied 
away  to  the  sun.  Thus  one  more  jewel  was  added  to  the  immortal 
crown  of  Father  Vicente  de  Valverde  ! 

Soon  after  Pizarro  falls  in  a  bloody  brawl,  a  victim  to  the  lust 
for  gold  and  power  of  the  man  whom  he  had  made  rich  and 
powerful.  He  was  nearly  eighty  years  of  age  when  he  met  his 
fate,  yet  so  great  was  his  vigor  and  courage  that  he  killed  Ave 
persons  and  wounded  others  before  he  was  subdued. 

lu  the  succeeding  chapters  are  related  the  exploits  of  the 
Spanish  conquerors  in  the  various  States  of  Central  America,  and 
on  the  Isthmus  of  Darien.  The  expeditions  of  Alvarado,  the  work 
of  the  ecclesiastics  iu  Guatemala  and  Chiapas,  of  Ilerrera  in  Hon- 
duras, the  raids  of  Drake  and  Oxenhun  on  the  Isthmus,  the 
descents  of  the  buccaneers,  the  outrages  of  Morgan  at  Darien,  and 
the  exploits  of  other  cut-throats,  who  dignified  rapine  and  murder 


m ;'« ■• 


Natives  op  Central  and  South  Ameuioa. 


213 


by  the  title  of  exi)l()ratiou — these  furnish  the  materials  for  a  story 
as  thrilliiiff  as  eaii  be  found  in  the  pages  of  romance.  The  history 
is  broujjrht  down  to  the  close  of  the  eighteenth  century  and  shows, 
with  its  wealth  of  detail,  the  stagnation  which  has  always  marked 
the  colonies  of  Spain.  Those  of  the  natives  who  objected  to  the 
cruel  domination  of  the  Spaniards  were  killed.  In  Gruatemala 
alone  Las  Casas  estimated  the  number  of  those  who  were  massa- 
cred or  driven  to  deatli  by  this  brutal  treatment  at  between  four 
and  five  millions.  The  aim  of  the  invaders  was  to  wring  the 
uttermost  farthing  from  the  natives.  Some  of  them  glossed  this 
mercenary  motive  under  I'eligious  zeal,  but  this  did  not  alter  its 
cliaracter.  Even  a  man  of  high  character  like  Las  Casas,  whose 
sold  revolted  at  the  cruelties  perpetrated  in  the  name  of  religion, 
was  responsible  for  the  worst  curse  that  ever  befell  this  continent 
— African  slavery.  Tliere  are  absolutely  no  redeeming  features  in 
the  history,  except  the  dauntless  courage  and  iron  endurance  of 
the  men  who  ravished  and  depopulated  a  fair  territory  in  the  holy 
name  of  the  Church. 

"  Twelve  years  after  the  discovery  of  Hispaniola,  as  Columbus 
himself  writes,  six-sevenths  of  the  natives  were  dead  through  ill- 
treatment." 

"  Boru  by  the  law  that  compels  men  to  be, 

Born  to  comlitious  they  could  not  foresee. 

Fashioned  ami  shaped  by  no  will  of  their  own, 

A^d  helplessly  into  life's  history  thrown. " 


'      -iS 


OKI  'i  f-  ' 


,1 , 


4  i 


Hi  ■  i 

.^^i  : 

f 

JftSi 

I 

■Hm- 

1 

^M\    t  , 

( 

'  H'  ' 

1 

IKi '' 

1 

'^m^»  y' 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

Home  1  utilJing  narrative  rosiimeil.  — Improve  homestead  claim  as  I  had  the 
other. — The  market,  etc. — My  herds  of  cattle,  horses,  hogs,  etc. — Great 
prosperity. — Railroads  built  from  tide  water ;  freights,  etc. — Immigra- 
tiou. — Further  enlargement  of  my  home  and  business  by  leasing,  fenc- 
ing and  breaking  a  quarter  section  of  school  land. — Coi)y  of  lease 
and  receipt  for  second  years  i)ayment  on  the  same. — The  law  and 
custom  as  to  it. — Confirmed  by  Congress.  ^ — Serve  as  ctmuty  road 
viewer  and  on  first  grand  jury  of  Columbia  County,  and  learn  soj^e- 
thing. — Road  8Uijer\isor  of  a  twenty-mile  district.— A  review,  and 
what  J  have  learned  about  farming,  etc. — The  best  economy  while 
"8eri)euts  are  at  the  iidder." 

FALL  of  1877. — Having  built  an  addition  to  our  house,  a 
cellar  and  a  stable ;  fenced  a  garden  and  potato  field,  and  a 
pastiire  on  homestead  claim ;  plowed  most  of  the  arable  land 
on  the  same ;  sowed  it  in  fall  wheat,  and  fenced  it,  and  more, 
with  a  worm  fence ;  having  a  120  acre  crop  under  way  or  assured ; 
with  plenty  of  grain,  hay  and  straw  for  feed  and  to  sell  at  good 
prices — barley  and  oats  being  worth  one  and  one  quarter  cents 
a  pound,  and  wheat  50  cts.  a  bushel  at  home  ;  eggs  20  cts.,  butter 
30  cts.  a  lb.,  and  hay  $8  a  ton  in  the  stack — not  that  the 
rivers  going  down  to  the  sea  were  made  free  to  the  people,  but 
on  account  of  the  large  immigration — and  having  good  herds  of 
cattle,  horses  and  hogs  ;  virtually  out  of  debt,  and  having  means 
to  employ  help,  I  was  ready  to  further  enlarge  my  home  and 
business. 

The  river  freights  were  still  -vartually  prohibitory,  but  after 
a  time  railroads  were  built,  from  tide  water  reaching  into  the 
different  sections  of  this  upper  country  ;  but  the  rivers  are  to 
this  day  (1889)  held  by  the  secret  pirates  of  a  Mormon  govern- 
ment from  being  an  opposition,  independent  and  free  line  to 
the  sea. 

I  here  give  about  the  average  freights  to  1889,  from  the 
Press. — 

"They  now  [1884]  charge  on  uj)  freight  from  twenty  to  forty  dollars 
per  ton,  according  as  the  goods  will  bear  it.  Anybody  can  see  that  is 
robbery  on  a  line  of  300  miles." 

"Freights  from  Portland  [tide  water]  to  Dayton  are  now  [1884] 
twenty-seven  to  forty  dollars  i)er  ton.  From  Dayton  to  this  jooint  [seat  of 
Garlield  county]  twenty  dollars  more  per  ton  is  added.     These  rates  bleed 

(214) 


Ranch  Life  in  the  West. 


215 


OTir  people  to  doath.  None  but  the  best  country  iu  the  worhl  coulil 
stanil  "t." 

1884. — "The  (lepression  in  the  price  of  wheat  still  continncH,  and  we 
hear  of  some  Hokl  as  low  as  twenty-six  cents  i)cr  bnshd.  ^\'e  see  the  I'ortlaud 
market  price  is  .$1.05,  just  think,  seventy-five  cents  per  bushel  for  trans- 
portation and  handUng  from  our  county  (Garfield)  to  Portland,  river  route 
almost  all  the  way.  It  is  shameful."  "This  county  alone  has  about 
2,000,000  bushels  of  grain  to  expoi-t."  [And  yet  people — who  omiht  to  //«■ 
slaves,  and  theij  are, — ke2)t  voting  the  Mormons  into  ollice,  and  here  is  the 
result.  ] 

1889. — "The  Legislature  cannot  well  permit  this  bill  [to  open  the 
river]  to  die  of  neglect,  [but  as  usual  the  masons  killed  it.]  The  one  great 
grievance  of  all  Eastern  Oregon  [and  Washington]  is,  and  has  for  years 
been,  the  tax  laid  upon  its  resources  by  [masonic]  cori)orations,  that  have 
hold  the  key  to  the  transportation  business  of  that  section  through  owning 
luul  operating  the  only  i)ortage  facilities  between  the  jjoints  named  in 
the  bUl. 

True,  the  general  government  undertook  nieasures  for  a  reli«>f  of  this 
grievance  a  number  of  years  ago,  but  as  one  appropriation  after  another 
1ms  boon  swallowed  up  [by  the  gang]  iu  the  undertaking,  and  the  most 
formidable  jiart  of  the  work  is  yet  to  be  doui>,  the  people  have  naturally 
grown  tired  and  long  for  some  measure  that  furnishes  relief  for  themselves, 
as  well  as  for  their  remote  posterity." 

But  they  still  voted  the  brethren  into  office,  who  thus  stran- 
gled tlie  country's  prosperity, 

Masoiuy  is  a  wide  spreading  tree ;  its  roots  are  like  that  of  a 
cancer;  while  among  its  boughs  numerous  traitorous  insects  are 
liarbored  and  concealed,  and  under  its  protecting  foliage  the  dead- 
ly night  shade  of  conspiracy  is  reared  and  brought  to  maturity. 

And  the  people  would  unite  to  hang  outsiders  for  stealing  but 
a  few  head  of  stock ! 

To  enlarge  my  home  and  business,  I  accordingly  commencec] 
to  break  up  the  arable  land  on  the  quarter  section  of  school 
land  adjoining  my  place  above,  having  improved  it  somewhat 
before  the  land  was  surveyed,  as  before  noted. 

As  it  was  destitute  of  water  and  the  ultimate  cost  when  it 
should  be  sold  so  uncertain,  all  laud  hunters  rejected  it.  So  I 
was  in  no  hurry  about  leasing  it.  With  my  experience  in  home- 
building  I  could  see  that  if  some  one  would  take  the  land  and 
improve  it,  I  could  then  buy  him  out  for  less  cost  than  to  improve 
it  myself.  But  nobody  would  have  it.  So  the  following  Febru- 
ary, when  other  business   called  me  to  the  far  away  county  seat, 


, ;  '  f 


it   ' ' « 


•      iff, 


w 


H  u 


m 


IP 


216 


Ranch  Life  ik  the  West. 


I  weut  and  leased  it,  fts  an  enlargement  to  my  home.  And  here 
following'  is  a  copy  of  the  lease,  also  of  receipt  for  the  second 
year's  payment  ou  the  same. 


1  ,h,. .h,  ./X^'j ^  c>^«-<^L^>*<V 


nilliim  ll.o  (!,.>ftnM,i.nl  ..r  iSc  I'nlicd  Si.rn  h»  iwrfrj  rctuin  Ijnrt.  in  W.-diniilnn  TetnlMj  f.i  Srhool  inrt  t<t 

u..„„n.i  nu,|.«",  .».!.  n',,!.!...  I.,  .»  .••  "f  'h'  U«,.l.m.  \..-M,  „r  W..h,n«l..„  T-r,,..-,.  (..«ea  No,-m. 

iKt  .'JJ    Hb!!.  Ihr  C.iuwj  CimiuiMioneri  ..f  >li<-  .I'vftil  C'..uiilif»  m  uid  Tjrrilorjr.  nrc  duly  .ulh..t.lfd  inJ  «ciip»w. 

cr.<j'w  ursttM  Pint  MiJ  Itnd..  or  .n;  fotlioti  il.trtof,  for  «  urm  ul  )r-.ti  noi  .icCTjing  aii.  ..r  u.ilil  .u.h  l.„dt 

>li»ll  ba  >^ld  t 

Now  THKMl-roiu,  Till*  r-ft'MTLRr,  Mtdo  »nd  eii-cutcd  t 
A.  l)  IxT^Wi'ffliihe  ll'X'd  ..r  C.unl;  I'onimi..i..nrt.  „f  Columl)l«  rounlj.  Waihin(,t..n  Terrilorj,  p.nj  of  th» 
•m  (on,  iiid  »-'>?<^/ji^Pv  ^'^^  >^^^^2<(^^^-<Sl6^  uf  ""d  oiuBIJ  nod  Torrilurj  uf  lli«  Moind  fin, 
WlTfini^KTH,  Thftt  thi  Hid  party  of  iho  firit  p*rt,  pummtt  la  Mid  U«,  hu  grtnud,  dciniK-d,  and  to  hm  let,  ind 
);  idOt  prcMiiH  doei  ilrtot.  dfiiiiH,  >nd  tn  ftrm  lei,  with  Ibt  uid  pirtj  of  th«  Kcond  pirt,  M  ilit  ccilam  lot  piere 
or  pared    "f  (aH'l,  >jlinlc.  lyinj  and  bnnj  13  iho  Cnunly  nf  Culunibu,  T-rrit.iry  of  WMhiriilun,  ajiciiLrd  a.  f..llo» 


'  )h  •wffrilintco  with  (lie 


1  ihfl 


'iiii  iiiv-ur.i-^a  .i.i'l  )>l;iiv>f  t'i<3  L'liitttJ  Sutmi  Oovcrnmcnl.wiih  the  npptirtvii|iiCH^fiir  ihe  rcrm  uf.^ 

irTlni>eieut  Buthnrity.  ^t  tlit  annaul  rem  or  lura  of   ...  yf-^^A^fOf .,  dullirt,  pr\ynl.K'  in  Jnwfol  iiiunev  uf  iht  Unil<^ 
.tiitc^  to  tlic  Trciiiyrcr  of  Mid  couniy.  titnuilljr  In  «d»jnco,  on  ih«  ...O..r^*jvX  .CrU^vN^.'^Mh  and  ttir)  yhr 

provided  tlwnyi,  rievertholcM,  thnt  if  llic  rent  nbofc  rourved  nr  tnjp  purtton  ibrrouf,  tli'll  be  In  irrcirk  \t\  tinplld  on 

Sniiy  day  nf  pAjriiiciil  when  ilit>  «sin«  ou}{ht  lo  bo  paid  u«  aloreiaid ;  or  if  default  be  iii.m}c  in  any  id'tlio  covenant  herein 
CviilAiiicd,  oil  the  purr  or  bchnlf  uf  i.iid  party  .if  the  necond  purl,  hif  esecutun,  BdiniuiatrHtnri  or  aMii;;ns,  Ot  be  paid,  krpi 
and  pcrruniied,  then  it  ahnll  b;  Uwrul  Tor  tliu  ajid  C  <unty  Comini«4l<>i)crs  or  xuid  Cuuiity  o  rv-emor  the  >iiid  pieiitiHa, 
witlixut  any  tognl  proreti  or  warrant  ntlier  thnn  m  hcmin  rontaiiicd.  and  to  rciUDve,  •"  ciiuso  lo  be  iviuovcd,  all  pertont 
Ihtrrfrou).  ' 
»■•  ** 
J Kni  thft  aaid  pnrty  of  lb«  aecond  pirt,"3.>ol"hcrcby  covpiinnt.  ^Miuiw  and  ajirco  t"  pay  the  laid  rent  nl  the  time  and 

rtn  lliu  manner  lu'rcinloforc  ii|M'oifli.'J,  iinJ  not  li  Ic'  or  undcTlet  tho  wlinic  or  any  pjtl  of  luid  premiacs  wuhuut  the  writ. 

Tico  C"inBi.'nt  "f  the  Board  oC  Cuuniy  ruminnsinijca,  and  ahnll  and  will,  at  his  i>wn  proper  cmt  and  charjjeit,  pay  all  tuch 
ItaKCi  and  as^eaRiiK'nts  whatever,  o-i  »hiill  or  may,  during  iho  aaid  l«rni  hrreby  ^{raiiled,  Lc  charged,  iMl^ed  or  inipusfd 
[upon  the  said  prcim^eit  \  und  not  to  cut  nr  deatroy  any  timber  ffrowing  upou  aaiJ  Uiid^,  during  aaiij  leriu,  ihc  tnmt  heing 
[A^ri-t^  mrrvrif  Ay  the  laiif  parljf  nf  the  /nf  part ;  and  agreeing  al*u  tint  nil  the  ftncin;^  and  hIIht  imprnvcrKiDta  put 
f  upon  t.iid  Und,  ituiin;;  laid  Icrni,  ahil)  attach  to  and  bceoiue  a  part  of  tho  ronlty  nt  (he  cxpiratiun  of  «.iid  icriu. 

And  that  nii  the  la^t  dny  nf  tho  laid  lerni,  or  other  aoitncr  dctoriuinalion  of  tho  ritato  hoteby  (jraiucd,  iba  aaid  party 

tiif  itu^jcL'Onil  part,  hi«  exceutura,  BdminiArator*  and  ani^na,  ahall  and  will  paacaably  and  quietly,  leave,  aurrcndi'r  and 
yirld  up  unto  the  aaid  parly  of  the  fint  part,  all  and  aingular  tho  aaid  pranUei  togothcr  with  the  oppurtcnancoa. 

And  the  ftaid  party  of  the  first  purt  doM  hereby  uorenant,  prnmlaa  and  af;m,  that  the  anid  party  uf  the  wrond  part, 
'paying  the  said  rent,  and  pcrfnrming  the  coTonanta  nfuresuid,  ahall  aod  may  peacerLIy  aod  quuHy  have,  hold  and  enjoy 
ih*  Mid  preniiien  for  the  terto  aforttaid. 

In  WiT.HKSs  WiiiRBOr,  the  aaid  partiea  hare  hcreanto  aat  thair  hands  aOd  tciJa,  the  day  and  year  firetabova  written 


iiipDed  acftlcd  and  delivered  In  preaence  of 


School  Land  Lease. 

(Beduccil  to  one  half  of  tin*  oi  igUial  s"ze,) 


(217) 


h 


i; 


1,  M   , 


!>''  ■\ 


f^^ 


218 


Ranch  Life  in  the  Weht. 


m 


1 1  i 


;il 


•1 


"  Tlio  orgunic  act  of  CougroHs  doi-larcH  thiit  'ull  lawH  paHHod  by  tlio  logis- 
lativo  AsHcmbly  aucl  Governor  of '  Wualiiugtou  territory,  sliaU  be  Hubmitteil 
to  Congress,  and,  if  disapproved,  Bliall  bo  null  and  of  no  efl'eet." 

"Tboaet  of  bS07,  making  tlio  bi-annual  eossionsof  tho  legislature  be- 
gin two  montliH  oarli(>r  in  tho  odd  year,  vaa  not  diHapi)roved  by  CongresH, 
but  by  virtue  of  tho  nde,  'Hileneo  gives  assent,'  irns  tipprDri'd," 

And  the  legislature  henceforth  acted  accordingly — as 
though  the  act  had  been  formally  approved.  As  did  tho  courts 
and  people  as  to  the  other  acts  of  the  legislature.  //  was  and 
is  the  laiivcrsdl  cnsf())iif<>r  lavs,  to  he  in/orce  until  congress,  or  the 
courts,  or  thehyisloture  abroijates  them.  And  so  it  was  with  this 
school-land  act.  It  was  forthwith  made  available  and  largely 
availed  of.  And  on  its  being  questioned,  as  all  laws  are  for  a 
price,  the  IT.  S.  Attorney  General  wrote  as  follows,  to  the  terri- 
torial Delegate  in  Congress. 

(  DEl'^UaMKNT    OF   JlSTIOK. 

I  WASHiNtJToN,  June  7tli,  1880. 

Siii: 

It  seems  to  mo  upon  a  careful  reading  of  the  law  referred  to  that  the 
commissioners  themselves,  as  rei)ri'seuting  the  county,  are  invested  with 
power  to  i)rotect  the  interests  of  the  county  in  sections  IG  and  36,  ■which 
were  reserved  by  Congi-ess  for  the  benefit  of  the  common  schools  therein. 

I  infer  this  from  the  aiithority  given  them,  to  locate  other  lands  in  case 
Boctions  16  and  36  are  occupied  by  actual  settlers  jirior  to  the  survey  theiy - 
of.  Under  this  authority  to  locate,  they  nuiy  take  possession,  and  so  of 
sections  16  and  36,  if  not  occupied  by  actual  settlers  i)rior  to  the  survey 
thereof. 

The  statiite  gives  to  the  territory  the  title  and  the  right  of  i)osses8iou. 
and  the  i)ro2)er  representatives  of  the  tenitory  who  for  this  purpose  are, 
I  in-esume,  the  county  commissioners,  may  institute  proceedings  to  defend 
that  ijossession,  or  to  recover  it  as  against  trespassers. 
Very  r-^spectf u  Uy, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

Chas.  Devens, 

Attorney  General." 

From  the  Press. — '•  WAiiLA  Walla,  Oct.  14th,  1882.  For  the  informa- 
tion of  "Inqtiirer"  it  is  stated  that  many  years  ago  the  legislature  of  "Wash- 
ington territory,  by  solemn  enactment,  authorized  the  commissioners  of  the 
different  counties  to  lease  school  lands,  the  rents  to  be  added  to  the  school 
fund  of  the  county  -wherein  the  lands  were  situated.  Does  "Inquirer" 
■vsish  to  decrease  the  school  fund  by  abolishing  the  practice  ?  If  so  he 
must  either  ai)peal  to  the  legislature  to  rejieal  the  law,  or  induce  a  court  of 
competent  jurisdiction  to  declare  the  act  as  unauthori2;ed. " 


18H-,.— 
ar(!  .ioitig  con? 
liind:.  are  leas( 
tract,  the  leasi 
lease,  tvhiih'.  si 
before  the  Ter 
and  the  leases 
lire  sold,  tho  o 
iniiiscd  ])rico, 
even  at  tho  loM 
.secured  of  S'A) 
now  obtained 
iitillions  of  doll 

In  1888 
Congress  for 

Tho  follow 
upon  the  schoo 

AVuEltliAS, 

territory  was  ri's 

Wheheas, 
territory,  by  an 
the  several  coun 
nut  exceeding  si 
school  fund ;  ani 

A\'nEUEAS,     ' 

cultivation  there 

nieuts  thereon  ai 

ef  cultivation,  ai 

said  im})roveniei 

Whereas,  '1 

Be  if  eiuwlcn 

.several  counties 

reside  in  the  act 

2,  iHCi),  entitled, 

itigton  territory,' 

hereby  is,  confir 

dated  and  confir 

Approved,  I. 

I  spent  ] 
Marcii,  1878,  i 
Asotiii  country 
of  county  com 


Eanch  Life  ik  the  West. 


219 


IHH'), — "Tli(<  coininissionorH  of  Kin<^  county,  [Wostern  WiishintJftou] 
lilt'  .ioiiig  coiisiilfnililc  ImsincsH  in  tlic  way  of  Iciisinj^  hcIiooI  IuikIm.  'J'1u<so 
liiiids  iiri!  leased  in  traets  of  ICiO  iiereH,  or  less,  at  ten  dollars  a  year  for  eaeh 
tract,  the  l(>ase;i  nimiiii^?  for  six  years.  (LnrkiiiH  liretlireii  could,  and  did 
lease,  ir/talit  sritinns  muX  held  tlieni|.  It  is  inipossilde  to  sell  tlicse  Linds 
heforo  tho  Territory  becomes  a  State.  Tliey,  however,  are  in  jirea^rcMjuest, 
au<l  tlie  lenses  are  ea!j:erly  sou^^ht,  it  heiiiLC  understood  tliiit  w  lien  tin?  ]:uids 
are  sold,  tho  occupants  sliall  have  tlie  first  ri^^ht  to  imrcha.-te  at  the  ap- 
pniised  i)rico.  Th(>  cinuity  is  entitled  to  7r>,(MMt  acres,  and  if  all  leased 
oveu  at  the  low  i)rice  of  ten  dollars  a  year,  a  rcn-euuf?  would  thereby  lii' 
,m'curi>d  of  .i?r)()0()  or  more.  AVith  no  ellbrt  made  in  tiie  ])ast,  iU'lM  a  year  is 
HOW  obtained  in  this  way.  Tlu-  school  lauds  of  King  county  will  be  worth 
millions  of  dollars  iu  time  to  come." 

In  1888  there  were  5000  such  leases  as  mine  held,  and 
()on}i;ress  formally  approved  tho  same  as  follows: — 

"  Washington  Tkkkitory  Soiiooi.  Lands. 

The  following  is  an  act  of  Congress  "for  tho  relief  of  certain  settlers 
upon  the  school  lands  of  Washington  territory:" 

Wheheas,  Sections  Ki  and  H'J  of  each  township  of  land  in  Washington 
tenitory  was  reserved  unto  that  territory  for  school  purposes  ;  and 

Whkheas,  On  Decendter  2,  180!),  tho  legislative  assend)ly  of  that 
territory,  by  an  act  duly  passed,  authorized  the  county  commissioners  of 
the  several  counties  in  that  tenitory  to  lease  said  lands  for  a  term  of  years 
not  exceeding  six  years,  the  money  received  therefore  being  )daced  in  the 
school  fund ;  and 

WiiEKKAS,  Tho  lands  so  leased  are  greatly  enhanced  in  value  by  the 
<!ultivation  thereof,  and  the  lessees  thereof  have  made  valuable  improve- 
ments thereon  and  incurred  large  expense  iu  rtnlucing  such  land  to  a  state 
of  cidtivaticm,  and  will  incur  much  loss  if  they  are  caused  to  abandon  their 
said  improvements  and  cultivations  ;  and 

Whekeas,  The  validity  of  the  said  leases  is  questioned  ;  therefore, 

lie  it  eumii'ii,  etc.,  That  the  action  of  the  county  commissioners  of  the 
several  counties  of  Washington  territory  under  the  authoiity  sujjposed  to 
reside  in  the  net  of  the  legislative  assembly  of  said  territory  t)f  Decend)«>r 
2,  IHC)!),  entitled,  "an  act  to  ijroxide  for  the  leasing  of  school  laud  iu  Wash- 
iu^ton  territory,"  when  had  in  c(mformitv  to  said  act,  be,  and  the  same 
Lprel)y  is,  confirmed,  and  that  said  ai't  be,  aud  tha  same  is  hereby,  vali- 
dated and  confirmed. 

A^jproved,  August  0,  1888." 

I  spent  par*:  of  the  following  months  of  February  and 
March,  1878,  in  viewing  out  and  locating  county  roads  in  the 
Asotiu  country,  being  appointed  with  two  others  by  the  board 
of  county  commissioners  to  act  in  that  capacity. 


I  i^. 


P. 


■  I-  >l,':»lf  -t" 


.  i 

■   q 

11  % 

\  H,S  A    :■    '-  ^f 

''hb^  ; 

i 

Ip  ;  :■' 

1 

iS  ^R    ■  ^ 

'  '  r:1    ■■    '  : 

'  }  ^^^■h 

i 

'.i  ^^HH 

1 

! 

'  '^Kr 

1 

\  ^ 'fli 

(R    i 

"if    ii 

1  W:0 

1 

220 


Ranch  Life  in  the  West. 


Then  I  hired  two  men  to  make  rails  at  twenty  dollars  per 
thousand,  one  to  help  farm  and  break  prairie  on  the  school 
land  claim  at  thirty  dollars  a  month,  and  one  to  attend  to  the 
cows,  hogs,  chickens,  and  assist  about  the  house. 

Was  road  supervisor  of  this  district,  then  over  20x20  miles 
in  extent.  That  spring  we  got  the  thi'ough  road  to  Dayton 
and  Lewiston  opened  all  the  way  for  the  first. 

In  June  I  served  on  the  grand  jury  of  the  first  court 
session  ever  held  in  Columbia  county ;  wherein  I  experienced 
that  it  is  an  easy  matter  to  indict  au  outsider,  while  worse 
criminals  (being  in  a  charitable  order)  are  secure  against  out- 
raged justice. 

Then,  until  harvest,  I  was  engaged  mostly  in  hatiling  over 
10,000  rails  from  the  mountains  and  fencing  the  school  land  I 
had  leased  and  partly  broke  out.  Some  of  the  rails  T  bought 
at  forty  dollars  per  thousand,  delivered  on  the  ground. 

"Book"  or  Greeloy  farming  is  good  in  its  place,  but  would 
not  pay  here ;  and  he  who  was  educated  in  such  a  schf)ol  and 
was  bigoted,  or  could  not  bend  to  adverse  circumstances  or  ex- 
ceptions to  accepted  general  rules  could  do  a  thing  in  but  oue 
way,  would  break  up  verj''  quick  or  fail  in  making  anything  to 
break.  There  are  circumstances  iu  which  it  is  the  best  econ- 
omy for  the  settler  to  raise  wheat,  horses,  hogs  and  calves 
together  in  the  same  field  (though  frequently  done  when  not 
the  best  economy)  and  to  raise  potatoes  by  dropping  the  seed 
as  he  plows  the  ground,  run  over  it  with  a  harrow,  let  them  go 
until  fall,  and  then  plow  them  up  or  turn  the  hogs  in  to  harvest 
them.  Sometimes  good  cultivation  of  a  crop  pays  best,  and 
then  again  no  culture  at  all  is  the  best  economy.  I  can  raise 
more  truck  with  a  team  and  plow  than  alone  with  a  hoe. 
Horse  flesh  is  cheaper  than  that  of  a  man — if  he  be  a  man— 
and  is  more  pleasant  to  wear  off.  I  can  ride  over  more  ground 
than  I  can  walk  over.  A  farmer  and  his  family  should  not  be 
harder  worked  or  fed  than  his  cattle,  and  then  should  have 
leisure  and  plenty  that  is  good,  too.  I  have  read  expert  testi- 
mony in  agricultural  papers  and  books  until — like  reading  law 
books — I  did  not  know  anything  for  certain.  I  have  experi- 
mented and  closely  observed  iu  every  branch  and  phase  of 
work  I  ever  pursued.     Have  plowed  bodies  of  land  up  to  the 


Ranch  Life  in  the  West. 


221 


heam,  and  adjoining  it  have  skinned  the  ground  and  skipped  a 
foot  at  every  fnrrow  and  tnvu  for  acres  together.     Have  rolled 
grain  before  it  was  up,  and  when  it  was  six  to  eight  inches 
lii'di  with  .!,  heavv  four-horse  roller  (which  I  had  read  would 
even  kill  Canadian  thistles).     Have  rolled  it  iu  the  dust ;  in 
the  mire;  and  have  not  rolled  it  at  all.     Have  sown  it  on  foot, 
ou  horseback,  and  oiit  of  a  wagon  ;  iu  the  spring,  summer,  full 
and  winter  time ;  and  have  Just  let  it  volunteer  from  the  last 
crop.     Have  harvested  it  with  cradle  and  rake;  with  reaper; 
lie.uler,  and  have  turned  stock  in  to  do  it.     Have  threshetl  with 
machine ;  tramped  it  out  Avith  a  bunch  of  horses,  and  have 
pounded  it  out  with  a  club.  And  in  potatoes  and  other  truck  have 
experimented  as  wideh',  and  in  their  different  varieties,  and  in 
each  and  every  case  have  been  both  ridiculed  and  flattered  by 
others.     Have  broke  horses  under  the  saddle;  to  the  Avagon, 
plow,  harrow,  and  have  more  frequently  just  went  to  work  with 
them  without  any  breaking;  and    have   fed   them   ou  patent 
medicine,  wheat, — until  I  fouuflered  four  at  a  time,  until  they 
learned  better  and  could  safely  eat  it  from  a  pile  on  the  ground, 
aud  have  let  them  get  their  living  on  the  range. 

Have  killed  hogs,  planted  gardens,  and  layed  worm  fence 
ill  all  stages  of  the  moon — in  sunshine,  moonshine,  aud  in  the 
shade.  Have  piit  salt  and  pepper  in  cows'  tails  to  cure  the 
"  hollow  horn,"  and  have  cut  off  pigs  tails  to  make  them 
weigh  411  pounds  with  but  little  feed.  Have  worked  sixteen 
hours  a  day,  and  have  followed  the  seiusible  eight  hour  ni/sfciii,  of 
ehjht  hours  for  work,  eight  hours/or  sleep,  U7id  eight  hours  /or  re- 
eri'iition  ami  study. 

And  I  have  learned  that  iiie  one  of  any  of  these  ways  is 
the  best  for  the  farmer,  that  i.i  the  easiest.  Just  so  long  as  it 
is  fixed  that  he  is  to  get  but  a  hard  living  anyway,  aud  the 
profits  of  his  toil  goes  to  enrich  mystic  gangs  of  "serjMiuts  at  the 


H(l(le 


r. 


\  If 


■.m 


CHAPTER  XV. 

Land  jiampinf; — First  serious  case  in  the  "France  settlement." — Our 
graveyard  started. — The  "i)()or  man's  fiiend. " — Street  fight  with  a 
jumper. — "Hurrah  for  Whetstone  Hollow  ! " — Public  sentiment  as  to 
such  cases. — When  the  courts  and  jjress  stand  iu  with  the  peoi>le,  and 
when  against  them. — Laud  sharks. — How  petty  thieves  are  shot  down 
with  imi)unity. — Home  wreckers. — How  my  pros2Jerity  made  me  au 
object  of  envy  and  ravage. — A  murderous  consjjiracy  by  gentlemen 
with  great  influence  at  coui-t  to  jump  my  pre-emiition  and  school-land 
portions  of  my  well  earned,  improved  and  stocked  home. — The  lying 
l)retexts  that  were  invented  and  used  as  a  bUnd. — Jump  all  the  water 
on  my  ^jlace. — "If  you  want  any  water,  dig  for  it !" — Wanted  to  g(>t 
me  into  the  gang's  coui-t. — How  I  repossessed  my  own. — "  WUl  fix  you 
by  heli)iug  H —  jump  yoiir  school  land!" — How  I  had  befriended 
them. — "Damned  be  he  who  first  cries  hold:  enough!" — Tries  to 
drive  me  off  with  a  gun. — And  we  get  better  acqtiainted  ;  get  friendly, 
and  he  agrees  to  (juit. — ^How  I  was  perft)rming  my  homage  against  a 
lurking  foe. — His  object. — Is  set  to  resume  the  conflict. — "An  outrage 
for  one  man  to  own  all  the  land  and  the  water,  too! " — "Will  settle  it  with 
an  oiuice  of  lead  !"  etc. — Boasts  of  his  bacldng  and  influence. — "We 
•  ^\•ill  make  it  hot  as  heU  for  you  now." — "I  have  taken  your  school 
land,  E — ,  your  i)re-eniption,  and  by  G-d !  we  will  soon  have  a  man 
on  your  homestead  ! " — A  man  loans  me  his  i)istol  for  defense,  and  then 
eggs  on  the  jumper. — ^The  lying  gang. — "But  trutli  shall  conqiier  at 
the  last. " — Jumper's  many  wicked  threats. — Try  to  have  him  bound 
over  to  kee^J  the  peace. — My  instructions  from  the  i)eace  oflicer. — "Be 
prepared  to  defend  yourself  and  sow  the  ground." — He  loans  me  seed 
for  the  jmrpose. — "There  comes  [Jum2)er]  now  with  a  gun!" — "Let 
us  go  out  and  see  what  he  is  going  to  do  with  it !" — "I  don't  care  a 
damn  what  he  does  with  it !  " — How  he  followed  me  around  the  field 
•with  a  cocked  carbine  in  both  hands. — Quits  r  ad  has  a  secret  confer- 
ence.— "I  ask  you  as  a  friend  and  neighbor  to  quit  sowing  wheat  and 
leave  the  field,  for  there  is  going  to  be  trouble  ! " — "Look  out  for  him 
now  !'■ — Belches  out  at  the  end  of  a  .'stream  of  itrofanity,  "turn  back! 
leave  the  field  I  and  don't  come  back  naiy  time  1 " — "I  will  fix  you  !" 
CiVK'A-,  hiinij!  '^lu'ill  fi'ill  i/oK .'"  criich;  Ixiikj.' — I  retiirn  the  fire  iu  quick 
succession,  thus  saving  my  liie.—Posifin',  a-rttdn,  iiicoii/rorcrlilila 
proof  &»  to  the  same.— How  he  missed  me  by  a  scratch  and  killed  the 
horse. — "There,  France  is  shot!" — The  lying  and  per'  xred  gang.— 
"  Where  logic  is  inverted  and  wrong  is  called  right.'-  \m  charged 
with  murder ! — The  wo\ild-be  assassin,  home  ravager  and  riivislu'r  is 
shielded,  venerated  and  revenged  by  his  gang. — "If  by  this  means  wo 
can  further  our  cause,  the  private  assassin  deserves  our  a2)plau8e."— 

(222) 


Shanghaied  to  the  Gang's  !6astile. 


223 


Am  tlirowu  into  jail  -vvitbout  a  heariug. — Held  iu  jail  nearly  ten  months 
begging  and  demanding  a  trial. — Can  never  get  either  a  trial  or  hear- 
ing.— "Virtue  distressed"  conld  get  no  iiroteetion  here. — Am  betrayed, 
sold  and  given  away.  —  "His  glories  lost,  his  otnse  betk.wed  ! " — 
Shanghaied  to  the  gang's  bastile  in  double  irons. — "Oh!  'twas  (oo 
much,  Ido  dreadful  to  endure  ! " — "He  jests  at  sears  that  never  felt  a 
wound  !  "—"Is  this  then"  thought  the  youth,  "is  this  the  way  to  free 
man's  sjjirit  from  the  deadening  sway  of  worldly  sloth  ;  to  teaeh  him 
while  he  lives,  to  know  no  bliss  but  that  which  virtue  gives?" — 
Examples  of  other  cases,  and  what  the  law  is. — My  case  as  established 
and  the  law,  etc.,  as  to  the  same. 

"But  ideasurcs  are  like  jioi^ijies  siirer.d, 

You  seize  the  flower,  its  bloom  is  shed; 

Or  like  the  snow  fall  in  the  river, 

A  moment  white — then  melts  forever; 

Or  like  the  boreaUs  race. 

That  flit  ere  you  can  point  their  jilace; 

Or  like  the  rainbow's  lovely  form 

Evanishing  amid  the  storm. " — Bunis. 

1  HE  first  serious  land  jumping  in  the  "France  Settlement" 
was  that  of  a  man  who  jumped  a  claim  belonging  to  Miss  B — , 
1878.  In  moving  on  to  it,  the  jumper  left  a  wagon  tire,  leaning 
against  some  other  traps,  on  an  elevation  above  the  house  ;  the 
tire  got  started,  and  bounding  into  the  door  crushed  a  hole  into 
the  head  of  a  two  or  three  year  old  child,  playing  l)y  its 
mother's  side.  l»^t,  it  lingered  until  a  doctor  arrived  and  sewed 
up  the  sca1[',  i:io  brain  oozing  out  tneanwhile.  Oh,  Avhat  a 
piteous  sigl't ! 

The  lov'  or  yaided  himself  on  being  above  all  other  doctors 
"the  pPiJi' mai.'s  fn'-:^d,"  a.  d  therefore  charged  only  $150  for 
his  trip  of  30  n:'^i  i  and  "surgical  operation." 

Thus  was  our  graveyard  started. 

Then  the  jumper  was  driven  from  the  place,  though  he 
was  technically  right. 

About  this  time  there  was  also  an  attempt  at  claim  jump- 
ing near  Dayton.  A  man  had  filed  on  a  claim  and  then,  having 
sold  it  l>  "VQ  proving  up,  erroneously  thought  he  could  there- 
fore leg.ii'  ■'  /il'i  the  same  right  on  another  claim.  After  he  had 
lived  on  Hi;  ;  improved  this  other  claim,  a  man  doing  business 
iu  town  filed  a  contest  at  the  land  office  and  was  about  to  win 


i  (  Fii  V, 


It  t| 


i'^ 


m 


11    ' 


•'if 


224 


Defending  my  Life  and  Home. 


the  place  by  law.  So  many  of  the  neighbors  turned  out, 
destroyed  with  fire  the  lumber  he  had  put  on  the  place  for  a 
house,  and,  armed  with  shot  guns  and  pistols,  went  hunting  for 
him  in  a  body  to  the  county  seat,  where  they  challenged  the 
jumper  out  of  his  house  of  business  and  shot  him  down  in  the 
street,  and,  after  he  was  down,  amid  shouts  of  "  hurrah  for 
Whetstone  Hollow ! " 

There  was  not  even  an  arrest  made,  nor  any  indictment 
found,  as  the  jumper  was  not  a  member  of  the  gang. 

One  of  the  shooters  rested  his  pistol  on  his  arm  and,  as  he 
smoked  his  pipe,  lU'zed  aAvay  at  the  lone  man.  This  shooter 
was  then  elected  a    :  commissioner. 

These  sample  ca  prove  that  the  sentiment  and  judge- 
ment of  the  people  were  dead  against  land  jumpers,  even  when 
they  were  technically  right.  And  that  the  courts  stood  in 
against  them,  when  they  did  not  belong  to  the  gang.  Indeed, 
the  homebuilders  were  having  such  a  hard  time  of  it,  that  one 
could  not  be  convicted  of  any  crime  for  killing  a  man  who  was 
trying  to  rob  him  of  his  home  or  any  part  of  it — even  if  the 
jumper  was  technically  right — unless  the  homebuilder  was  be- 
trayed, sold,  or  given  away  by  his  lawyers,  and  the  jury  packed 
against  him.  "Were  it  otherwise,  the  laws  and  courts  would  be 
worked  so,  as  to  rob  every  homebuilder  of  his  home ;  for  there 
is  always  a  technicality,  a  clerical  "  error,"  or  something  hidden 
to  be  dug  up,  and  sustained  by  the  court,  token  the  mystic  sign  is 
given. 

Cumlensedfrom  the  Press. — "The  land  sharks  are  j  ubilant  over  [a  ^^ctory  ] 
as  it  is  the  commencement  of  the  harvest  they  exiject  to  gather.  But  tlie 
settlers  on  the  lands  are  organized,  and  any  of  their  creatures  whom  they 
will  incite  to  locate,  will  be  met  with  a  long  rope  and  a  short  shift.  The 
Sttitesmiiu  will  side  with  the  farmers  against  both  the  railroad  and  the  laud 
jumpers." 

' '  That  the  ring  of  land  sharks  exists  in  this  city  [WaUa  WaUa]  and 
have  no  earthly  way  of  maldng  a  linng,  except  by  blackmailing  settlers  on 
the  public  lands,  by  reason  of  their  knowledge  of  the  land  laws  and  their 
access  to  the  records  of  the  land  office,  is  an  undoubted  fact.  By  black- 
mailing the  settlers  and  bulldozing  the  laud  officers  they  keep  eveiybod;' 
in  a  state  of  terror.  We  know,  for  a  fact,  of  contests  being  inaugurated 
for  no  other  i)urpose  than  forcing  the  original  locator  to  buy  the  gang  ofl".  " 

"Mr.  Arthurs  is  a  native  of  Tennessee,  and  is  a  true  and  consistent 
democrat,  and  it  would  not  be  safe  for  any  man  to  attempt  to  locate  on  his 


iti     til'' 


Shanghaied  to  the  Gang's  Bastile. 


225 


domain,  even  if  it  bo  forfeited,  for  be  is  one  of  tbe  many  wbo  bave  sworn, 
tbat  no  jumper  will  ever  attempt  a  similar  game  a  second  time." 

"Indeed,  in  all  new  and  sparsely  settled  sections  of  tbis  great  rejiub- 
lic  tbe  law  is  interpreted  to  suit  tbe  sentiment  of  tbe  community.  If  a  man 
jumps  a  piece  of  land,  beld  ligbtfully  by  a  neigbbor,  be  knows  tbat  be  is 
looking  directly  into  tbe  uuizzle  of  a  loaded  Wincbester,  wbicb  is  liable  to 
go  off  any  moment.  It  all  depends  on  tbe  nen-e  of  tbe  injured  party.  If 
tbe  gun  does  go  off,  tbe  coroner  and  bis  ueigbbors  gatber  togetber,  talk  tbe 
matter  over,  and  render  a  vertlict  of  justifiable  bomicide.  Tbis  is  wby  M — , 
wbo  sbot  and  killed  young  L —  last  week,  is  a  free  and  mucb  respected 
citizen  to-day." 

It  is  popular  also,  to  shoot  down  harmless  petty  thieves, 
even  in  town,  when  they  dont  belong  to  tho  gang. 

"C — ,  in  wbose  buck  P —  poured  a  dose  of  sbot,  is  still  aUve  in  tbe 
city  jail.  Some  of  tbe  sbot  lodged  in  tbe  lungs,  and  tbe  spine  must  cer- 
tiiiuly  be  injured.  Tbere  is  little,  if  any,  sympatby  expressed  for  tbe 
w  letcb,  and  bis  deatb  would  not  increase  it.  It  is  well  k  jwn  tbat  in 
nearly  every  house  in  tbe  city  fire-arms  are  kept  expressly  for  burglars, 
and  it  is  only  because  peoi^le  do  not  wake  up  quick  enougb,  tbat  more 
house  breakers  are  not  sbot." 

Aftei-wards. — "C — ,  tbe  burglar,  wbo  was  so  prettily  pepjjered  by  P-, 
a  few  weeks  since,  was  yesterday  sentenced  to  nine  years  in  tbe  iieniten- 
tiary." 

A  homebuilder  knows  at  the  outset  enough  to  calculate  on 
opposition  from  home-wreckers ;  he  also  knows  that  the  chief 
fundamental  principle  and  object  of  good  government  is  not  to 
rob  and  murder  him,  but  to  encourage,  uphold,  protect,  defend 
ami  venerate  the  true  homebuilder;  and  that  this  is  vouch- 
safed and  vowed  by  all  civilized  governments  on  the  earth. 
And  he  who  violates  this  solemn  vow  is  a  traitor  and  a  thief. 

Here  is  a  sentiment,  that  is  proudly  proclaimed. 

"  The  poorest  man  may  in  his  own  cottage  home  bid  defiance 
to  all  the  force  of  the  crown.  It  may  be  frail,  its  roof  may  shake, 
tilt!  wind  may  blow  through  it,  the  storms  may  enter,  the  rain 
may  enter, — but  the  King  of  England  cannot  enter !  All  his  forces 
dare  not  cross  the  threshold !  I " 

In  the  spring  of  1878,  Mr.  E  -  and  other  charitable  breth- 
ren located  a  steam  saw-mill  a  mile  from  my  place,  knowing 
there  would  be  no  accessible  water  for  their  use  during  the 
most  of  the  year,  except  it  be  at  my  place.  Digging  for  water 
had  proved  a  failure  thereabouts,  and  the  settlers  were  watering 
15 


(  .  ^^■ 


■':  i[  :iP 


•& 


226 


Defending  my  Life  and  Home. 


their  stock  at  and  hauling  water  from  my  place  for  domestic 
use.  This  demand  with  my  various  herds  of  stock  and  others 
that  were  transient,  was  about  equal  to  the  supply  of  my 
springs.  Mr.  E —  was  fully  informed  as  to  this  matter  before 
he  Located  the  mill,  but  turned  a  deaf  ear ;  evidently  having 
conspired  at  the  outset  to  intrigue,  tramp  or  shoot  me  down, 
and  jump  my  place. 

The  fact  that  I  had  earned  this  part  of  my  home  by  hard 
and  persistent  toil,  had  paid  for  it,  and  had  an  undisputed  U. 
S.  Patent  for  the  same,  was  spurned  with  charitable  (?)  con- 
tempt, as  having  such  influence  at  court  as  would  shield  them 
in  murdering  justice,  law,  and  the  most  sacred  rights  and 
cherished  feelings  of  man. 

Mr.  E —  never  even  asked  me  to  grant  him  or  them  any 
privilege,  whatsoever. 

However,  wl  .en  the  water  at  the  mill  had  failed,  a  neighbor 
said  to  me  that  he  could  make  some  money  in  supplying  the 
mill  with  water,  if  I  would  permit  him  to  haul  it  from  my  place; 
that  he  would  tap  the  stream  some  distance  below  the  main 
head  springs  and  the  fence  that  enclosed  them,  run  it  into  a 
box,  placed  over  the  stream,  so  as  not  to  interfere  with  its  other 
uses,  and  be  subject  to  my  desires  as  to  the  same.  I  agreed  to 
this,  he  did  as  he  agreed,  and  we  never  disagreed. 

In  May,  also  in  1878, 1  suffered  a  man  to  put  up  a  cabin  on 
a  corner  of  the  school-land-tract  that  I  had  leased,  as  before 
shown,  under  the  pretext  and  promise  of  stopping  but  a  short 
time,  when  the  water  there  would  fail,  and  he  would  locate  and 
move  his  cabin  on  to  some  vacant  land.  He  repeatedly  declar- 
ed that  I  had  befriended  him,  when  in  need,  as  none  other 
would  do,  and  that  'he  surely  would  never  make  me  any 
trouble,"  etc. 

Afterwards,  however,  he  said  that  he  was  advised  by  a 
("charitable")  lawyer,  that  the  law  by  which  such  lands  were 
leased,  was  invalid,  so  that  he  could  ignore  it,  and  was  en- 
couraged by  other  brethren  to  stick  to  this  land. 

But  he  could  never  show  wherein  this,  if  true,  would  give 
him  any  legal  or  moral  right  to  the  same.  For,  although  it  was 
surveyed  land,  he  could  not  file  on  it  at  the  land  office,  which 


Shanghaied  to  the  Gang's  Bastile. 


227 


domestic 
ud  others 
ly  of  my 
ter  before 
kly  having 
me  down, 

le  by  hard 
isputed  U. 
le  (?)  con- 
lield  them 
•ights   and 

them  any 

a  neighbor 
)plying  the 
a  my  place; 
sv  the  main 
^in  it  into  a 
;h  its  other 
[  agreed  to 

a  cabin  on 
as  before 
lut  a  short 

locate  and 
idly  declar- 
aone  other 
ce  me   any 

rised  by  a 
lands  Avere 
id  was  en- 
would  give 
ougli  it  was 
iffice,  which 


office  acquiesced  in  the  leasing  of  it.  He  could  not  even  file  % 
contest  there. 

Mr.  Jumper  was  a  frequent  visitor  at  the  saw-mill. 

He  was  an  old  hand  at  the  jumping  business,  and  had  been 
run  out  of  two  or  more  places  for  trying  to  kill  men  for  their 
claims,  so  it  was  said,  and  was  regarded  as  a  hard  and  desperate 
citizen.  He  threatened  my  life  and  property  continually  and 
in  all  manner  of  ways,  both  to  me  and  to  others,  so  that  it  Avas 
notorious.  Boasted  of  his  influence  and  backing,  and  openly 
swore  that  he  "was  like  Macbeth, — Damned  be  he  who  first 
cries  hold,  enough  !  " 

Once,  while  I  was  working  on  the  land,  he  brought  his  gun 
out  to  kill  or  drive  me  off.  There  were  others  present,  so  he 
left  his  carbine  midway  and  came  up,  with  brag  and  bluster,  to 
me,  to  whip  me.  He  also  had  a  big  dagger  on  him.  But  when 
I  shoved  my  hand  in  my  pocket,  with  neither  brag  or  bluster, 
he  suddenly  stepped  back,  left,  and  afterwards  swore  that  "but 
for  one  thing  he  would  have  shot  all  of  us  dead." 

I  kept  right  on  my  even  course,  as  I  had  been  doing  all 
those  years. 

Had  there  been  any  law  that  would  reach  the  gentleman, 
he  would  have  been  taken  care  of  years  before.  But  he  was  a 
man  of  linked,  secret  influence  and  backing. 

I  had  seen  in  my  school  books  pictures  portraying  the 
pioneer  of  a  century  ago,  performing  his  homage  with  a  musket 
slung  to  his  back,  to  protect  him  against  lurking  savages,  armed 
with  bows  and  tomahawks  and  crowned  with  feathers ;  but  here 
I  was  —like  many  others,  and  after  a  hundred  Fourth-of-July 
orations  and  solemn  vows — performing  my  homage  in  like 
manner  against  a  more  dangerous,  lurking  and  linked  foe,  arm- 
ed with  improved  rifles  and  gin,  and  crowned  with  the  flag  of 
my  country. 

When  Mr.  Jumper  had  thus  got  better  acquainted  with  me 
—that  he  could  not  drive  me  to  his  terms,  and  also  found  he 
could  make  no  crack  or  pretext  wherein  his  lawyer  gang  and 
court  could  enter  a  wedge  of  plunder,  we  got  sociable  when  we 
met,  talked  the  matter  over  in  a  friendly  way,  at  various  times, 
and  he  gave  up  the  job — and  started  in  to  jump  another  claim. 
Said  he  "  did  not  want  to  farm  any,  as  that  did  not  pay  the 


ri! 
IfJ! 


i    I 


nii 


ll'l 


3,( 


!i£aiiil 


I '  ■■  " 


i 

Mb, 

■1,.; 

¥    1 


228 


Defending  my  Life  and  Home. 


farmer,"  but  had  claimed  my  place  as  a  "business  venture," 
etc.,  would  not  trouble  me  any  more,  and  would  leave  the 
place.  Meanwhile,  he  was  hauling  water  from  my  spring. 
His  object  was  to  drive  me  to  buy  him  off,  or  kill  me,  if  he 
found  that  to  be  practicable,  or  his  backers  give  the  sign. 
And  other  brethren  standing  ready  to  take  his  place,  and  be 
bought  off  in  turn  if  that  plan  proved  successful. 

The  man  to  whom  I  had  given  the  priviloj^e  to  haul  water 
for  the  saw-mill,  quit  it  after  a  month  or  two ;  others  continued 
it  for  a  time  without  any  consent  or  objection  from  me,  till  the 
grand  worthy  master  of  the  saw-mill  (whom  I  had  seen  parad- 
ing the  Bible  through  the  streets  with  his  gang)  came  over 
with  his  force  of  men  and  hell,  and  stealthily  put  up  a  big 
tank  some  distance  above  the  other  and  away  from  the  stream, 
on  ashy  ground  that  would  take  in  the  leakage  and  overflow, 
riMi  pipes  from  it  through  my  fence  to  the  springs ;  took  all  the 
water  into  his  tank,  and  posted  a  notice  forbidding  "  all  persons 
from  taking  any  water  as  it  belonged  to  him."  The  thief  had 
Jumped  the  place  !  sneering  and  jeering  at  suggestions  of  his  own 
force  that  he  respect  my  rights. 

And,  presto  !  my  other  jumper  springs  up  and  renews  his 
claim  and  threats  to  me,  and  to  others  ;  declared  it  to  be  "  an 
outrage  for  one  man  to  own  all  the  land  in  the  country  and  the 
water  too,"  tore  down  my  fences,  etc.,  swore  he  would  now 
settle  me  with  an  ounce  of  lead,  etc.,  etc.,  boasted  that  "  they 
would  make  it  as  hot  as  hell  for  me  now,"  that  *'  he  had  taken 
my  school  land.  E—  had  taken  my  pre-emption,  and  by  G — d! 
we  will  soon  have  a  man  on  your  homestead !  "  And  was  more 
hostile  than  ever  before. 

A  man  who  had  condemned  and  opposed  the  gentleman, 
and  volunteered  to  loan  me  his  gun  to  defend  my  life  against 
him,  had  since  been  made  to  understand  that  he  was  a  secret 
sworn  brother  as  was  also  the  worthy  grand  master,  so  he  now 
urged  him  on  and  promised  him  assistance  against  me.  Said 
he  "  was  hound  to  assist  him." 


"  Only  the  actions  of  the  just, 

Smell  sweet,  and  blossom  in  the  dust." 

I  courteously  protested  to  the  worthy  grand  master  against 


Shanghaied  to  the  Gang's  Bastile. 


219 


(lopriviug  me,  as  well  aa  others,  of  "  even  water  for  domestic 
use  !  "  ami  this,  too,  without  ever  asking  me  for  any,  to  which 
lie  replied  with  grinning  contempt,  *'  If  }  on  want  any  water  dig 
for  it ! "  forbid  me  interfering  with  his  grasp  on  it,  or  stand  in 
his  way,  or  "  he  would  whip  me,  would  fix  me  by  helping  the 
other  jumper  to  get  away  with  my  school  land,"  that  "  the 
place  was  not  mine,  and  he  would  prosecute  me  in  the  courts 
of  justice  (?)  for  $40  or  $50  a  day  for  every  day  the  mill  was 
idle,"  etc.,  etc. 

After  the  water  had  been  shut  off  from  the  people  long 
enough  for  them  to  feel  it  well,  and  the  jumping  of  it  had  be- 
come notorious,  in  spite  of  the  lying,  thieving  gang  to  blind  the 
facts,  and  I  had  examined  my  patent  and  the  numbers  closely, 
to  see  whether  I  really  did  own  the  place  against  such  a  bold, 
braz(ni  and  boisteroias  claim  of  the  worthy  grand  master,  then 
I  tore  the  water  pipes  up,  re-possessed  and  held,  my  own 
against  the  gang  of  lying  thieves,  till  they  were  re-enforced  by 
the  Government  they  prostitute  to  murder  and  ravage,  against 
which  "all  wisdom,  all  virtue,  all  courage,  are  vain." 

"  But  trath  sha!   conquer  at  the  last, 
F  ir  roimd  and  rouml  we  run, 
And  ever  the  right  comes  uiJi^ermost, 
And  ever  is  justice  done." 

The  worthy  grand  master  graded  an  expensive  road  to  a 
spring  in  a  deep  ravine,  moved  his  water  tank  from  my  place 
to  it  when  it  went  dry,  as  he  had  been  informed  it  would  be- 
fore he  located  his  mill. 

He  then  made  another  road  to  the  deeply  embedded  Pataha 
creek ;  this  not  being  very  practicable  either,  he  got  a  secret 
ring  brother  interested  to  go  to  buy  the  same  water  privilege  I 
had  freely  given  my  neighbor  at  the  outset,  and  which  he  him- 
self had,  till  he  jumped  the  whole  stream  and  violated  evp"y 
principle  of  truth,  justice  and  decency  towards  his  benefactor. 
Indeed,  I  refused  an  offer  of  $150  for  but  four  months  use  of 
the  same  water  privilege  I  accorded  him  without  charge.  There 
was  a  good  vacant  stock  range  on  the  school  section,  and  back 
of  it  in  the  mountain,  but  it  was  quite  destitute  of  accessible 
water.     It  was  to  utilize  this  range  that  an  owner  of  a  large 


1,,     , 

it   ' - 


iv 


.J      ;)'/ 


1 


^ll 


ll 


230 


Defending  my  Life  and  Ho>ie. 


herd  offered  lue  $150  that  I  I'efused,  to  simply  accommodate 
the  charitable  mason. 

August  22,  1878, 1  started  from  the  house  with  a  load  of 
wheat  to  sow  my  breaking  on  the  school  laud  part  of  my  now 
envied  home,  accompanied  by  two  mounted  men  to  assist  me 
(of  late  years  I  had  sown  all  my  grain  on  horseback). 

Others  were  afraid  to  go  with  me  as  they  might  get  hit 
when  I  was  being  "  shot  out  of  the  field,"  as  Jumper  had  sworn 
he  Avould  do,  if  I  undertook  to  sow  the  ground  (but  a  peace 
officer  had  declined  to  interfere,  advising  me  to  "  be  prepared 
to  defend  myself  against  him,  and  thus  work  the  land.")  But 
these  two  men  were  on  friendly  terms  with  Jumper,  and  ther'j- 
fore  not  considered  in  danger,  though  there  was  something 
said  in  jest  about  "  drinking  gunpowder  "  as  we  started.  We 
had  proceeded  but  a  few  rods  when  we  met  the  "  secret  ring 
brother  from  the  saw-mill;"  stated  his  business,  when  I  invited 
him  to  go  along  up  to  the  field  and  we  would  talk  about  the 
water  matter  on  the  way. 

We  stopped  at  one  end  of  the  breaking  opposite  Jumper's 
cabin  when  I  handed  my  two  men  each  a  one-half  sack  of 
wheat  on  their  horses,  and  they  struck  out  to  sow  and  soon 
separated.  I  was  mounting  with  a  sack  myself — having  just 
made  the  ring  brother  mad  by  refusing  his  request  for  water— 
when  he  exclaimed,  "  There  comes  [Jumper]  n  nv  ivitJi  a  gun.'' 

Sure  enough,  he  was  coming  as  a  desperado  with  his  cocked 
carbine  in  both  hands  to  take  the  place,  and  was  about  to  meet 
one  of  my  men.  I  said,  "  Come  let  its  go  out  and  see  what  he  /s 
going  to  do  tvith  it." 

"  I  don't  care  a  damn  tvhat  he  does  tvith  it  !  "  was  the  reply. 
I  struck  out  and  joined  the  man  at  his  work,  (and  a  man,  who 
teas  living  tvith  Jumper  and  had  foUoived  him  out  of  the  house, 
passed  by  us  and  joined  the  secret  ring  brother  at  my  ivagon.) 

Jiimper,  with  his  cocked  carbine  in  both  hands  and  finger 
on  the  trigger,  closely  followed  us  around,  rolling  out  a  tirade 
of  boisterous,  bullying  profanity  and  threats,  fired  with  gin, 
trying  to  drive  us  out  of  the  field,  I  having  nothing  but  my 
cocked  pistol  in  hand  for  defense  ;  whenever  he  would  bring 
the  muzzle  of  his  gun  at  me,  I  was  always  a  little  ahead  with 
my  pistol  at  him,  he  wanted  a  close  dead  shot,  and  tried  several 


A      i : 


Shanghaied  to  the  Gang's  Bastile. 


231 


times  to  f^et  it;  ouce  he  aimed  at  my  companion,  when  he 
threw  lip  his  arms  ami  brushed  down  his  sides,  saying,  "Don't 
point  your  gun  at  me,  you  see  I  am  not  armed !  "  and  exhorted 
him  to  "  quit  now,  that  he  kneio  I  wouUl  die  rather  than  be 
driven  out  of  my  own,"  and  after  thus  following  us  around,  he 
did  quit,  evidently  hdvlutj  given  up  the  Job. 

But  he  went  and  had  a  lengthy  conference  with  the  secrt^i 
brother  and  other  friend  at  my  wagon.  (I  had  less  dread  ol 
dying  in  such  a  cause  than  desire  to  live  by  its  sacrifice,  and 
when  my  time  comes  let  it  be  in  such  a  fight.)  My  companion 
not  being  used  to  sow  grain  in  this  way,  I  continued  to  ride 
close  Avith  him  to  teach  him,  when  Jumper,  from  the  ever  after 
fteeret  conference  toith  the  ring  hrother,  came  tearing  and  boiling 
with  venom — hunting  my  life  I  telling  my  other  hand  on  the 
way  to  "  leave  the  field  as  a  friend,  for  there  Is  going  to  be  troidtle." 
(My  companion  says,  "  look  out  for  him  noiv !  "  I  thought  I 
could  throw  myself  on  the  side  of  my  horse  for  protection  as 
readily  as  I  often  picked  my  hat  from  the  ground.)  Coming  on 
with  blood-shot  eyes,  and  with  the  most  horrid,  wicked,  flam- 
ing look  ever  seen  in  the  visage  of  man,  overtakes,  heads  us 
off,  belches  out  at  the  end  of  a  stream  of  profanity,  ^Uurn  back! 
leave  tlicjield  !  and  dont  come  back  nary  time  !  I  ivlllfix  you  !  and 
then  I  will  kill  you  !  "  as  he  blazed  away  — twice,  I  returning 
the  fire  in  rapid  succession. 

My  first  and  his  second  shot  were  fired  together,  thus 
making  a  louder  report  than  any  other. 

My  horse  flaring  and  me  dodging  kept  me  from  shooting 
at  the  first  shot,  and  as  my  companion  also  dropped  down  on 
his  saddle,  I,  as  well  as  Jumper,  thought  he  Avas  hit — though, 
of  course,  shooting  at  me  ;  quickly  re-loading  with  the  lever, 
and  stepping  up  closer  and  more  to  the  side,  so  as  to  aim  be- 
hind my  companion  at  me,  he  quickly  fired  agaiii  ^r.ing,  "/ 
ivlll  kill  you  !  "  but  at  the  same  instant  my  companion,  reaching 
back,  struck  down  the  muzzle,  so  the  charge  crashed  into 
tlie  rump  of  his  horse — ranging  downward  and  diagonally 
toward  me,  I  emptying  my  pistol  into  him  in  about  five 
seconds.  My  four  bullets  ranging  downward,  thus  stopping 
him  from  emptying  his  filled  magazine  into  me,  though  he  still 
had  strength  enough  for  a  terrific,  sanguinary  struggle— that 


'11 


lit 


232 


Drfendinq  my  Life  and  Home. 


fnlloii'cd  my  shots — for  control  of  the  f^'un,  IMy  co.  .luion 
having  gripped  it  as  he  struck  it  clown.  Juniper  thus  jerked 
him  off  his  sinking  horse,  clubbed  him  against  the  head  with 
the  gun  breech,  and  dragged  him  forty  feet  over  the  ground,  so 
that  it  took  another  man  to  control  it,  just  as  he  had  got  it  re- 
loaded and  cocked  again. 

Then  Jumper  went  to  his  house,  hoasfnl  that  "  lie  hod  shot 
mi/  cDiii/Kiiiion  (IS  well  as  vie,"  and  in  12  hours  died,  but  neither 
of  us  was  shot. 

The  "  secret  ring  brother  "  and  companion  run  away  (from 
the  wagon)  at  the  onset  of  the  fight,  reporting  that  I  was  shot. 

A  neighbor  at  a  distance  on  hearing  the  carbine  shots 
exclaimed,  "  there  !  France  is  shot .' " 

The  foregoing  is  not  only  a  true  account  of  the  fight,  etc., 
and  prelude  to  it,  but  the  facts  as  stated  were  so  transparent, 
evident,  consistent  loilhaJ,  and  susceptible  oi/Ktsiticc,  certain  jiroof, 
that  it  should  carry  conviction  to  every  mind,  for  there  was  no 
hinge  or  loop  to  hang  an  honest  doubt  upon,  and  any  one 
swearing  to  the  contrary,  or  diversely,  Avould  gain  intelli- 
gent, honest  belief,  would  be  a  self-convicted,  perjur*  ',  and, 
if  given  justice,  would  be  punished  accordingly.  No  one  but  a 
thief  ever  has  or  will  dispute  this — such  as  are  liars  and 
thieves  of  the  first  magnitude. 

Inventions  of  the  enemy  : 

"  Where  logic  is  inverted  and  wrong  is  called  right." 
"  Where  honor  is  lost  and  valor  fled. 
And  all  her  virtues  numbered  with  the  dead  ! ' 

I  neglected  to  swear  out  a  complaint  against  the  secret 
ring  brother  &  Co.,  (who  will  be  known  in  my  epitome,  Chap- 
ter XVIII,  as  the  "  Distant  and  ofiicious  witness ")  when, 
presto  I  he  swore  out  one  against  me,  charging  me  with 
murder  1  And  his  companion  at  the  wagon  was  suppressed, 
and  then  spirited  away,  for  he  Avanted  to  tell  the  truth.  And 
other  secret  brethren — including  some  who  were  on  friendly 
and  sociable  terms  with  me  just  before  (though  not  all  such) — 
now  whipped  into  line,  snapped  and  snarled,  consp'.^ed,  in- 
trigued, and  wickedly  lied  and  swore  to  stab  me  down,  to  wring 
and  suck  my  heart's  blood  in  revenge  for  their  Daniie,  and  to 


■i   I 


r2.saj 


■  li , 
I- 


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l^'l 


1        'r^' 


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Wl\ 

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1 

■■ 

B' 

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Bi 

■Hi 

iij^H 

B 

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V] 


234 


Defending  my  Life  and  HoMEi 


praise  and  venerate  tlieir  dead  brother-assassin,  liome  ravager, 
and  ravisher  ! 

' '  And  if  by  tliis  means  we  further  our  cauae 
The  i^rivate  assassin  deserves  our  applause." 

The  day  before  the  fight,  Mrs.  E repelled  the  charita- 
ble and  to  be  venerated  Dauite  brother  from  her  bed  and 
house  with  a  pistol,  while  struggling  to  ravish  her !  And  the 
very  day  of  our  fight  her  husband  started  out  with  a  gun  to 
kill  this  to  be  sarctified  saint,  for  his  brutal  attempt. 

"  With  the  cloak  of  the  Bible  their  2ii'ostitutiou  to  veil, 
The  Devil's  a  saint  till  he  shows  us  his  tail." 

Certainly,  none  of  them  ever  SAVore  or  said  anything  against 
me  but  what  could  be  shattered  by  its  own  rottenness  alone,  as 
well  as  by  their  slimy  characters.  Certainly,  there  was  no  man 
or  woman,  that  was  not  a  thief  at  heart,  that  did  not  rejoice 
that  the  to  be  sanctified  saint  of  these  Mormons  was  dead. 

His  owji  brother-in-law  said,  that  "he  ought  to  have  been 
killed  years  before  for  his  crimes !  " 

But  what  could  I  do  ?  What  could  anybody  do  ?  When 
thrown  into  prison  without  any  hearing  ;  forced  to  employ  and 
trust  black-leg  shysters,  who  are  secret  sworn  brethren  to  the 
enemy,  stand  in  to  keep  you  in  prison  for  witnesses  to  be 
falsely  held,  tortured,  tampered  Avith  and  spirited  away,  and 
a  jury  selected  by  secret  brethren ;  and  you  are  stabbed  and 
bled  at  every  pore,  and  j'our  ruin  fixed  !  Practises  every  kiud 
of  deception,  treason  and  cruelty  known  to  the  villainous, 
slimy  trade,  destroys  correct  and  indisputable  diagrams  of  the 
scenes  of  strife,  and  rejects  the  measurement  of  the  ground  at 
the  last  minute  ! 

Assured  by  them  that  3'ou  have  "  done  nofhing,^^  and  will 
be  freed  with  a  trial,  and  j^ou  fear  no  danger,  for  you  know  uo 
guilt. 

But  can  never  get  any  trial,  or  freedom,  or  even  a  hearing, 
"  That  keep  the  words  of  promise  to  our  ear,  and  break  it  to 
our  hope.  Told  me  such  tliinp;s — oh  !  with  such  devilish  art." 
That  squelches  alike  the  bad  character  of  the  secret  brother, 
and  that  of  your  own  that  was  good  from  childhood.  Also 
sixty  per  cent  of  your  witnesses  and  sixty  per  cent,  of  valuahle 


!   !• 


Shanghaied  to  the  Gang's  Bastile. 


23o 


facts  kuown  to  the  remainder,  aud  endeavors  to  squelcli  your 
own  evidence  entlrehj  as  "  unnecessary."  And  when  a  court  and 
executive  are  but  servile  tools  of  such  a  liideous,  grimly,  slimy, 
midnight  Mormon  gang,  who  recognizes  no  such  thing  as  right 
or  wrong,  heart  or  conscience,  justice  or  humanity  ! 

"  Is  this  tlieu,"  thought  the  yoiith,  "  is  this  the  way 
To  tree  man's  spirit  from  the  ileaileiiiug  sway 
Of  worhlly  sloth — to  teach  him  while  he  lives, 
To  know  uo  liliss  but  that  which  virtue  gives  ?  " 

"  Oh,  that  a  uream  so  sweet  so  long  enjoy '<!, 

Should  be  so  sadly,  cruelly  destroy'd  ! 

His  faith  was  liartered  aud  the  crime  was  done." — Mnnre, 

How  Trials  of  the  Brethren  are  Managed,  etc. 

B 's  trial  for  shooting  an  tmarmed  man  (S )  doi^n  in  the 

-  was 


street.     "  Evidence  was  introduced  to   show   that   S — 
quarrelsome,  and  had  been  involved  in  several  rows  elsewhere." 

[Such  evidence  was  squelched  in  my  case.] 

Another  sample  case.  — "One  hundred  and  thirty-six  ques- 
tions of  fact  wero  propounded  to  the  jur}-,  and  which  they 
stviif^rled  with  until  they  answered  them. 

[i^o  questions  were  asked  the  jury  in  my  case,  nor  did  any 
of  the  jury  ask  any  guestioiis.]  "  The  argument  of  counsel  occu- 
pied about  eighteen  hours,  one  of  the  counsel  occupied  nearly 
half  that  time  in  opening  the  argument.''  [In  my  case  my 
counsel  (?)  talked  about  fifteen  minutes,  but  my  case  was  never 
opened,  presented,  plead,  or  argued  at  all.'\ 

"Virtue  distressed  "  could  get  uo  protection  hei'e. 

"And  shall  no  cumo  for  perjury  bo  paidV 
No  veugeauc(>  \ indicate  the  friend  betrayed?" 

Another  sample  case. — "  The  jury  returned  to  ask  '  If  a  man 
had  a  deadly  weapon  in  his  hand,  and  another  thought  he  was 
about  to  use  it  against  him,  and  siiot  tlip  former  :  ^  ould  it  be 
manslaughter  or  murder  ? '  The  Judge  replied  that  it  would 
bo  i^either." 

"Pat  say,  vain  tritter,  must  thy  years  be  told, 

"W  hat  bliss  is  centred  in  another's  gold'? 

Let  angry  Heaven  dart 

Its  forked  lightning  through  your  guilty  heart." 


■  ■' 


\m 


mw 


^^4  ^ 

>  7 


wm^ 


iiiiii 


I'  r 


I 


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i  ; 


236 


Defending  my  Life  and  Home. 


Hi 


In  another  case  the  Chief  Justice  of  Washington  Territory 
charged  the  jury  as  follows  : 

"  The  law  is,  that  if  a  person,  or  his  family,  or  his  friends, 
are  assailed  or  approached  in  such  a  way  and  under  such  cir- 
cumstances as  to  induce  in  him  a  reasonable  belief  that  he  or 
they  are  in  imminent  danger  of  unlawfully  loosing  life  or  suf- 
fering great  bodily  harm,  or  being  driven  from  his  dwelling,  or 
that  his  dwelling  is  in  imminent  danger  of  being  unlawfully 
entered  or  destroyed,  or  seriously  injured,  he  will  be  justified 
or  excused  in  defending  himself,  or  his  family,  or  his  friends, 
or  his  dwelling,  as  the  case  may  be,  although  as  a  matter  of 
fact  he  be  mistaken  as  to  the  actual  extent  of  the  danger,  or 
the  danger  be  not  real,  but  only  apparent.  Of  course,  it  makes 
no  diflfereuce  under  this  law  whether  the  dwelling  endangered 
or  in  question  is  a  Chinese  tent  or  a  >  hite  man's  building. 
You  are  insti'ucted  that  evidence  of  good  character  is  compe- 
tent in  favor  of  a  party  accused,  as  tending  to  show  that  he 
would  not  be  likely  to  commit  the  crime  alleged  against  him, 
and  in  doubtful  cases,  evidence  of  previous  good  character  is 
entitled  to  great  weight  in  favor  of  innocence.  And  if,  from 
the  evidence,  you  find  that  any  fact  necessary  to  establish  the 
defendant's  guilt  of  any  grade  of  crime  is  in  doubt,  then,  if  tlie 
prisoner  has,  by  evidence,  satisfied  you  that  he  was  up  to  the 
time  the  oft'ense  is  alleged  to  have  been  committed,  a  man  of 
good  character,  the  presumption  of  law  is  that  the  (^'apposed 
crime  is  so  inconsistent  with  the  former  life  and  character  of 
the  defendant  that  he  could  not  have  intended  to  do  the  crim- 
inal act,  and  it  would  be  your  duty  to  give  the  defendant  your 
benefit  of  the  presumption,  and  acquit  him.  All  killing  of  man- 
kind is  unlawful  except  such  as  happens  from  mere  accident 
or  mistake,  or  is  done  in  obedience  to  public  duty,  or  iu  lawful 
defense  of  person,  habitation,  or  property." 

'  Of  tlie  wealth  of  nmnkiiul  they  all  seize  n  share, 
Ami  riot  alike  iu  the  spoils  of  the  fair." 

Sec.  778  of  the  Territorial  Code  says,  "That  all  person  accuseil  of 
crime  in  any  court  of  this  territory,  whether  by  indictment  or  otherwise, 
shall  be  admitted  tt)  bail  by  the  court,  where  the  same  is  pending,  or  by  a 
judge  m  vacation,  Avhen  it  shall  appear  to  the  court  or  judge,  that  the  iu- 
cused  has  oH'ered   to  go  to  trial  in  good  faith,  and  without  collusion  with 


|:; 


ill 


Shanghaied  to  the  Gang's  Bastile. 


237 


vituesses,  and  had  been  cleuied  a  trial  by  the  cotirt and  tbo  l)ail 

b(jud  in  such  cases  shall  be  reasonable  and  at  the  sound  discretion  of  the 

coixrt. 

Yet  1  was  held  to  languisli  in  jail  nearly  ten  months,  ahcnys 
begging  for  a  trial  or  hearing,  and  loas  less  j^repared  every  day  it 
uris  delayed.  And  the  Judge  offered  to  grant  it  forthwith,  and 
yet  I  coidd  never  get  any  hearing  or  trial,  for  when  the  thing  did 
at  last  come  off  it  was  fixed  and  managed  so  that  it  was  a 
{ raitorous  Job,  and  not  a  trial  at  all.  Nor  could  I  get  rid  of  the 
shysters,  when  I  found  them  out,  or  attend  to  my  case  my- 
self, as  I  tried  so  hard  to  do. 

Any  one,  who  denies  any  of  this,  is  a  liar,  a  thief  and  a  cur ! 

"  Man,  false  man,  smiling,  destructive  man !  " 

"  Distinction  neat  and  nice  which  lie  between 
The  poisoned  chalice  and  the  stab  unseen." 

"  Oh,  'twas  too  much — too  dreadful  to  endure  .'" 

A  sample  of  a  Judge's  charge  in  behalf  of  a  mason,  even  when 
the  public  sentiment  was  so  bitter  against  him  that  a  guard 
had  to  be  stationed  at  the  jail  to  keep  him  fi'om  being  lynched 
in  daylight,  till  sent  out  of  the  County.  The  officials  who  se- 
lected the  jury  being  secret  sworn  brethren,  of  course,  he  was  to 
be  .ivjquitted  anyway.  However,  the  Court  said,  as  is  usual  for 
the  brethren : 

"In  order  to  convict  hira  of  the  crime  alleged  in  the  indictment  or  of 
auy  lesser  crime  included  in  it,  every  material  fact  necessaiy  to  constitute 
such  crime,  must  be  proved  beyond  all  reasonable  doubt,  as  defined  in 
these  instructions. 

"And  if  you  entertain  auy  such  reasonable  doubt  upon  any  single  fact 
or  oloment  necessary  to  constitute  the  crime,  tlu-u  the  prisoner  is  entitled 
to  the  benefit  of  such  doubt,  and  it  is  your  sworn  duty  to  find  a  verdict  of 
iK'cpiittal. 

"The  defendant  is  entitled  to  every  presumption  of  innocence  com- 
imtiblc!  with  the  evidence  in  the  case,  and  if  it  is  possible  to  account  for 
tlio  killing  of  the  dc  -eased  upon  any  other  reasonable  hyi)othesis  than  that 
of  the  guilt  of  the  der'endant,  it  is  your  duty  to  acquit  him. 

' '  There  is  evidence  in  this  case  tending  to  show,  that  the  killing  was 
in  self-defense  by  the  defendant,  and  was  an  excusable  or  justifiable  homi- 
cide. I  therefore  instruct  you  upon  the  doctrine  of  self-defense  and  justi- 
fiable homicide,  as  follows: 


m 


•b*iii 


^T^m. 


3..   ,^ 


' 


■\   i 


li 


II 


m 


>     'i 
*     'i 

If   1    f 


If   i' 


|il 


238 


Defending  my  Iaye,  and  Home. 


"Where  an  assault,  threatening  instant  and  gi'eat  bodily  harm  ia  maihi 
tipon  one  in  a  jjlaee  where  he  has  a  right  to  be,  he  is  not  obliged  to  retreat, 
Tint  may  stand  his  ground  and  use  all  force  reasonably  necessary  to  repel 
tlio  assault  and  relieve  himself  from  the  danger.  S — ,  if  so  assailed,  is  excus- 
able, if  he  acted  according  to  the  circiimstances  as  they  appeared  to  him. 
[The  other  man  Avas  not  armed.]  And,  if  he,  acting  honestly  upon  such 
appearance,  did  no  more  than  it  was  reasonable  for  him  to  believe  necessary 
for  his  defense,  he  ia  excusable  for  all  consequences  of  his  acts. 

"Or,  if  S — ,  from,  the  circumstances  as  they  ai)i)eared  to  him  at  the 
time  of  shooting,  had  good  reason  to  believe,  and  did  believe,  that  I) —  was 
about  to  assault  him,  and  if,  \inder  sui-li  appearance's,  it  was  a  reasonable 
measure  to  adopt,  to  prevent  a  collision,  to  exhibit  the  pistol,  and  the  pis- 
tol was  accordingly  exhibited,  not  \^  ith  intent  to  assault  D —  but  as  an 
honest  act  of  i>recautiou,  to  insure  his  own  safety  by  intimidating  D — ,  or 
by  having  it  ready  in  case  of  an  assault  upon  himself,  and  thereupon  D — 
assaulted  S—  with  sucdi  violence  as  reasonably  to  induce  S —  to  beheve 
himself  in  danger  of  his  hfe  or  great  bodily  harm,  and  8 — ,  so  believing, 
shot  D — ,  then  S —  ia  excusable  and  should  be  accpiitted  of  every  grade  of 
crime.  S — ,  acting  excusably  upon  circiimstances  aa  they  appeared  to  him, 
would  not  be  less  excusable  if  it  afterwards  turned  out,  or  not  api)ears  to 
you,  that  the  api3earances  were  deceitful  and  that  he  was  actually  mistaken 
as  to  the  reality,  extent  or  character  of  the  danger. 

"It  is  also  vour  province  and  vour  dutv  to  take  into  consideration  the 
general  character  of  the  deceased,  as  a  violent,  quarrelsome  and  bad  man, 
at  and  immediately  before  the  time  of  the  homicide,  so  far  aa  the  same  is 
shown  by  the  evidence  oflered  in  the  case,  if  you  believe  the  same  is  shown 
1  ly  the  evidence  to  have  been  known  to  the  defendant,  at  the  time  of  the 
killing. 

"So  also,  any  threats  made  by  the  deceased  against  the  inisoner  im- 
niediately  before  the  homicide,  that  were  known  to  the  i)risoner  at  the  time 
of  the  occurrence,  should  be  considered  by  you  when  discussing  and  pass- 
ing upon  the  right  of  the  prisoner  to  act  uiion  ajjpearances. " 

Auother  Judge  in  another  case  "  advised  the  jury  that  the 
accused  shoukl  receive  the  benefit  of  his  record  and  good 
character  previously." 

Self-Defensr. 

When  and  how  a  man  can  slay  another  and  have  the  law  on  his  side. 
A  well-known  judge  said  to  a  reporter  one  day  recently  :  "It  woud  be 
interesting  to  show  what  constitutes  the  right  of  self-defense  as  laid  dowu 
in  the  law  books.  The  right  of  self-defense  is  founded  on  the  law  of  nauirc, 
and  is  not  superseded  by  the  law.^  of  society.  It  ia  a  right  which  every 
one  brings  into  society,  and  retains  in  society,  except  so  far  aa  the  laws  of 
society  have  curtailed  it.    Every  man  has  a  right  to  defend  himself  against 


I)  W 


Shanchaied  to  the  Gang's  Bastile. 


239 


au  attack  tlireateniug  liim  with  death  or  serious  bodily  harm,  and  his  iuno- 
lence  will  be  presumed  until  his  guilt  is  established  beyond  a  reasonable 
(luubt.  The  right  is  based  on  necessity,  and  aiises  where  one  manifestly 
intends  and  endeavors,  by  violence  or  surprise,  to  commit  a  known  felony 
on  the  i^erson,  habitation  or  property  o£  another.  It  is  a  defense  against  a 
Ijresont  unlawfiil  attack ;  as  where  an  assault  is  made  with  a  deadly  weapon, 
or  where  one  is  assaulted  in  his  habitation,  or  where  a  forcible  felony  is  at- 
tempted. The  law  of  self-defense  does  not  reipiire  one,  whose  hfe  has  been 
threatened,  to  seek  the  i)rotection  of  the  law;  nor  is  he  obliged  first  to  call 
(lu  the  authorities.  The  omission  to  seek  i)rotection  from  the  authorities 
does  not  deprive  him  of  the  protection  of  the  law,  or  of  his  rights  of  self- 
defense. 

"  The  right  of  self-defense  is  not  hmited  to  the  actual  danger  threaten- 
od.  The  danger  of  death  or  great  bodily  harm  must  be  either  real,  or  be 
honestly  believed  at  the  time,  to  be  imminent  and  on  sufficient  gi-ounds. 
A  reasonable  api)rehension  of  danger  is  sufficient;  and  a  reasonable  groiind 
for  belief  that  there  is  a  design  to  destroy  hfe,  to  rob,  or  commit  a  felony; 
a  reasonable  and  well-grounded  belief,  a  behef  aiising  from  ai)pearance3 
that  the  danger  is  actual  and  imminent.  Guilt  must  depend  on  the  circum- 
stam-os  as  they  ap^jeared  to  him.  Apparent  danger  is  a  mixed  question  of 
liuv  and  fact.  A  man  is  justified  in  acting  for  his  defense  according  to  the 
ciiTiimstances  as  they  apjiear  to  him. 

"The  law  of  self-defense  does  not  requu-e  one  whose  life  has  been 
threatened  to  leave  his  house  or  to  secrete  liimself  to  avoid  his  foe.  "When 
a  person  withoitt  fault — in  a  place  where  he  has  a  right  to  be — is  ^•iolently 
assailed,  he  may,  without  retreating,  repel  force  by  force,  in  the  reasonable 
exercise  of  his  right  of  self-defense.  He  is  not  obUged  to  retreat  or  go  to 
tl  d  wall  from  an  assailant  armed  with  a  deadly  weapon,  and  if  he  is  driven 
to  the  Avail  so  that  he  must  be  killed  or  sustain  great  bodily  harm,  and, 
therefore,  kills  his  assailant  it  is  excusable  homicide.  He  is  not  obhged  to 
retreat,  but  may  pursue  until  he  is  out  of  danger,  and  may  kill  to  get  out 
of  danger;  but  when  the  attack  is  not  felonious  the  rule  of  law  is  difl'erent. 

"A  man  is  not  required  to  do  everything  in  his  power  to  avoid  the 
necessity  of  slaying  his  assailant.  Where  there  is  no  escape,  after  retreat- 
ing as  far  as  possible,  killing  will  be  justifiable,  so  where  retreat  is  im- 
possiMe  or  perilous,  or  would  increase  the  danger,  or  where  further  retreat 
is  prevented  by  some  impediment,  or  was  as  far  as  the  fierceness  of  the 
assault  ijerniitted.  But  if  the  assaulttnl  party  is  in  fault,  he  is  bound  to 
retroiit  as  far  as  he  can  safely  do  so;  he  is  reijuired  to  decline  the  combat 
iu  good  faith,  and  if  he  uses  all  the  means  in  his  power  to  escajjc,  even 
kiUiug  iu  self-defense  is  lawful.  But  if  a  man  seeks  to  bring  on  a  difficulty 
and  slays  his  adversary  he  can  not  avail  himself  of  the  plea  of  self-defense. 
That  a  party  has  been  struck  gives  him  no  right  to  retaliate  by  an  assault. 

"An  act  done  from  necessity  raises  no  presumption  of  a  criminal  in- 
tent; but  the  necessity  must  be  actual,  imminent,  and  apijarent,  with  no 


«■ 


.    .* 


,  jii 


J     1 


-■iP4i<^i^(fH^|HP 


240 


Defending  my  Life  and  Home. 


ill! 


other  probable  or  j^ossible  means  of  eacaije.  It  must  be  great,  and  must 
arise  from  imminent  peril  to  life  or  Umb.  Men,  when  threatened  with 
danger,  must  determine  the  necessity  of  resorting  to  self-defense,  and  they 
wiU  not  be  held  responsible  for  a  mistake  in  the  extent  of  the  actual  danger, 
nor  be  subject  to  the  peiil  of  making  that  guilty,  if  aijpearancea  prove 
false,  which  Avould  be  innocent  if  they  proved  true.  There  must  be  at  least 
an  apparent  necessity,  an  actual  necessity,  or  a  reasonable  belief  of  such 
necessity,  to  ward  off  some  imi^endiug  harm.  Necessity  is  a  defense  when 
the  act  charged  was  done  to  avoid  irreparable  evil,  from  which  there  was 
no  other  adequate  means  of  escape,  and  the  remedy  was  not  disproportion- 
ate to  the  threathened  evil;  and  the  necessity  must  not  have  been  created 
by  the  faiilt  of  him  who  pleads  it,  nor  be  occasioned  by  him,  nor  be  the 
result  of  his  own  culimbihty,  nor  be  rashly  rushed  into;  and  in  cases  of 
assault  or  intrusion  by  strangers  no  more  force  than  is  necessaiy  must  be 
used  in  repelling  the  assault. 

"The  right  of  seK-defense  does  not  include  the  right  of  retribution. 
A  party  assaulted  is  justified  in  using  such  force  as  is  necessary  to  repel  an 
assailant,  but  no  more,  and  if  ur  necessary  force  is  used  he  becomes  the 
assailant.  The  degree  of  force  must  not  exceed  the  bounds  of  defense  and 
prevention,  and  this  depends  on  the  circumstances  of  each  case,  and  the 
condition  of  both  parties  may  be  considered.  A  party  in  possession  of 
proj^erty  may  use  force  sufficient  to  protect  it.  Whether  a  man  is  justified 
in  em^jloyiug  in  the  first  instance  such  means  of  resistance  as  will  produce 
death,  depends  on  the  circumstances  and  the  nature  of  the  attack,  and  he 
may  not  always  use  a  deadly  weapon,  and  it  is  still  fui-ther  wrong  if  it  is  a 
concealed  weapon.  But  if  the  taking  of  life  is  necessary  it  vill  be  excus- 
able. It  is  always  excusable  when  in  defense  of  life,  yet  it  requii'ea  a  great 
dispaiity  of  size  and  strength  and  a  very  violent  attack  to  excuse  the  taking 
of  life.  A  party  may  use  whatever  force  is  necessaiy  to  avert  the  apparent 
danger,  although  it  may  afterward  ajipear  that  the  gun  was  not  loaded, 
and  that  there  Avas  no  real  danger." — Louisville  Commercidl. 

"  He  jests  at  scars,  that  never  felt  a  wound." 
"  And  now  one  cannot  but  complain  here  of  fortune  as 
still  envious  of  virtue,  and  hindering  the  performance  of  glori- 
ous achievements ;  this  was  the  case  of  the  man  before  us, 
when  he  had  just  attained  his  purpose,  for  he  then  stumbled 
at  a  certain  large  stone  and  fell  innocently  into  the  hriids  and 
power  of  felons,  robbers,  perjurers,  and  thieves." — History. 

Sec.  D5(J  of  (he  Waskinytun  Territory  Code  says:  "No  distinction  shall 
exist  between  an  accessory  before  the  fact  and  a  principal,  or  between 
imnciijals  in  the  first  and  second  degree  and  all  persons  concerned  in  tie 
commission  of  an  offense,  whether  they  directly  counsel  the  act  constitut- 
ing the  offense,  or  counsel,  aid  and  abet  in  its  commission,  though  not 
present,  shall  hereafter  be  indicted,  tried  and  punished  as  principals," 


d  must 
3(1  with 
ad  tliey 
danger, 
33  prove 
!  at  least 
of  such 
Lse  vlieu 
lere  was 
jportiou- 
1  created 
)r  be  tlie 
cases  of 
raust  be 

tributiou. 
3  repel  an 
jomea  the 
;f  ense  and 
3,  and  the 
jsession  of 
la  jiistified 
U  proibice 
;k,  and  lie 
g  if  it  is  a 
be  excuH- 
:e8  a  great 
the  takiug 
_  apparent 
ot  loaded, 


Shanghaied  to  the  Gano  s  Bastile. 


241 


Yet  none  of  those  who  "  counseled,  aided  and  abetted  "  my 
conduct  were  found  guilty  of  any  crime,  not  even  the  justice  of 
the  peace,  under  whose  direct  advice  (the  day  before)  I  acted 
to  the  letter.  And  he  oflfered  to  and  did  loan  me  the  very  seed 
for  the  very  same  stated  purpose  I  ^cas  solving  at  the  fight,  (as  I 
Mould  not  thresh  till  late  in  the  fall)  and  he  knew  every  phase 
(if  the  case. 

But  after  the  fight  confessed  (like  the  brother  that  loaned 
me  his  pistol)  that  he  "  would  have  to  do  just  as  the  [black-ley 
leader  of  the  linked  mob]  said." 

As  hard  as  I  tried,  I  could  not  get  even  this  witness  sub- 
poenaed to  testify  at — what  was  called —  my  trial  (?j. 

And  I  "  imist  not  tell  of  any  of  these  vilhinies  or  die,"  miist  I? 
You  damned,  cowardly  midnight  assassins,  traitors  and  thieves. 

Nor  were  any  of  those  who  "  counseled,  aided  and  abetted  " 
their  Danite  Jumper  molested  at  all. 

S<K.  058  of  the  Code  sat/s:  "Every  person  who  shall  become  an  ac- 
cessory after  the  fact  to  any  felony  may  be  indicted,  convicted  and  iJunish- 
ed,  whether  the  ijrincipal  felon  ehaU  or  shall  not  have  been  convicted  pre- 
viously, or  shall  or  shall  7iot  be  amendable  to  justice  by  any  court  having 
jurisdiction  to  try  the  principal  felon  and  either  in  the  county  where  such 
person  shall  become  an  accessor^',  or  in  the  county  where  such  (ijrincipal) 


felonev  shall  have  been  committed." 


day. 


Yet  none  (/  the  sworn,  slimy  gang  have  been  molested  to  this 

"Oh  !  'tis  not,  Hinda,  in  the  power 

Of  fancy's  most  terrific  touch 

To  paint  thy  pangs  in  that  dread  hour — 

Thy  silent  agony — 'twas  such 

As  those  who  feel  could  paint  too  well, 

But  none  e'er  felt  and  hved  to  tell  I  " — Moore. 

Sec,  1079  of  Code  sni/s:  "In  i:)rosecution  for  capital  offenses,  the  de- 
fendant may  challenge  ijeremptoiily  twelve  (12)  jurors." 

I  was  not  permitted  to  know  or  to  find  out  anything  about 
the  jury  so  as  to  challenge  anybody.  Was  forced  to  trust  to 
shysters  who  were  masons  and  odd-fellows  themselves. 

The  prosecution  (if  you  know  which  side  I  mean  by  that) 
used  all  of  their  challenges,  and  had  a  servile  gin-soaked  mason 
to  select  others. 
16 


1      I: 


i      J 


i        i\ 


i\'\ 


m 


'til' 

ill' 

!   ! 


\*  Ui 


Pn 


242 


Defending  my  Ltfe  and  Home. 


' '  Yes — if  tliprc  be  some  Lapiiier  splii're 
Where  fadeless  truth  like  ours  is  dear: — 
If  there  he  any  land  of  rest 
For  those  who  love  and  ne'er  forget." 

"And  must  I  leave  thee  withering  here, 

The  sjiort  of  every  ruffians  tread, 

The  mark  for  every  coward's  spear?  " — Moore. 

Sec.  10S2  of  Code  says: — "Challenges  for  cause  shall  be  allowed  for 
such  cause  as  the  court  may,  in  its  discretion,  deem  sufficient,  having  ref  er- 
euc(!  to  the  causes  of  challenge  prescribed  in  ci\il  cases,  as  far  as  they  may 
be  applicable  and  to  the  substantial  rights  of  the  defendant." 

Yet  there  were  no  challenges  for  cause  made  in  my  case, 
and  both  masons  and  odd-fellows  sat  on  the  jury. 

"  It  is  not  easy  for  those  who  have  not  suffered  wrong  from 
this  cause  to  conceive  the  depth  of  indignation  and  bitterness 
of  dismay  which  an  honest  and  truthful  man  feels,  on  finding 
himself  defeated  in  a  righteous  cause,  sworn  out  of  court,  out 
of  money  and  even  reputation,  and  placed  in  an  utterly  false, 
invidious  and  unmerited  position  by  placid,  habitual,  reputable, 
unflinching  perjurers.  He  had  i  elied  upon  the  sanctity  which 
the  tender  conscience  attaches  to  an  oath,  for  all  he  requires 
for  his  vindication  is  merely  the  admission  of  the  simple  truth. 
But  the  consciences  to  which  he  appeals  are  seared  by  the 
practice  of  hypocrisy  and  falsehood,  and  looking  upon  an  affi- 
davit, oi'al  or  written,  merely  as  a  convenient  weapon  of  legal 
warfare,  to  be  used  with  regard  not  to  truth,  but  to  expediency, 
he  becomes  the  victim  of  his  own  trust  in  others'  inviolable 
veneration  for  an  oath. 

If  the  best  cause  is  thus  liable  to  be  overthrown,  and  the 
aims  of  justice  frustrated  by  the  overreaching  of  perjury,  the 
question  is  forced  upon  us  :  Is  this  vice  to  be  allowed  to  tri- 
umph over  and  to  trample  trusting  uprightness  under  foot '? " 

"The  bud  bit  with  an  em-ious  worm, 

Ere  he  can  sj^read  his  sweet  leaves  to  the  air." 

"  All  things  else  that  have  any  strength  are  mortal  and 
short-lived  ;  but  truth  is  a  thing  that  is  immortal  and  eternal. 
It  affords  us  not,  indeed,  such  a  beauty  as  will  whither  away 
by  time,  nor  such  riches  as  may  be  taken  away  by  fortune,  but 


Shanghaied  to  the  Gang's  Bastile. 


243 


righteous  rules  and  laws.  It  distinguishes  thera  from  injustice 
and  puts  what  is  unrighteous  to  rebuke." 

"  Good  men  then  will  greet  it  with  a  smile." 

Sec.  llOo  of  Cdt/n  .s'/)/s.-  As  to  causes  for  new  trials  or  arrest  of  judg- 
meut.  "Ai)plioatiou  must  bo  made  before  judgment  and  may  bo  granted 
for  the  following  causes — For  newly  discovered  evidence  material  for  the 
defendant,  which  he  could  n(jt  have  discovered  with  reasonable  diligence 

and  produced  at  trial.     Accident  or  surprise Misdirection  of 

jury  by  court  in  a  niatciial  matter  of  huv,  excepted  to  at  tlio  time.  When 
the  verdict  is  contrary  to  law  and  evidence.  Excei)ti()ns  may  be  taken  by 
the  di'fendant,  as  in  civil  cases,  on  any  matter  of  law  by  which  his  sub- 
stantial rights  are  prejudiced." 

Samples  have  been  given  of  the  material  and  vital  evidence 
which  I  could  not  produce  at  that  time  on  account  of  traitor- 
ous duress  and  heiw^ forced  to  trust  to  the  shysters.  And  the 
verdict  was  so  plainly  contrary  to  law,  and  the  evidence,  even 
as  it  was,  that  after  the  verdict  of  murder  in  the  second  degree 
was  rendered  (and  a  ten  year's  sentence)  I  demanded  of  the 
foreman  of  the  packed  jury  to  knoAV  on  "  what  point,  or  on 
vflvdt  ground,  or  on  what  evidence  they  found  their  verdict  ?  " 
And  he  could  not  give  any  ;  said  he,  "  if  I  Jiad  not  shot  so  often 
they  could  not  have  made  anything  out  of  if.'' 

And  this  when  it  was  established  that  the  danger  was 
apparent,  believed,  and  real,  even  after  I  laid  done  shooting.  (See 
Epitome  to  the  Governor,  Chapter  XVIII ) 

And,  certainly,  my  "  substantial  rights  tvere  prejudiced  "  by 
such  a  job  and  verdict. 

"  How  many  warm  friends  turn  cold  and  clammy  when  a  man 
is  ill  tnnible  ? " 

As  to  "  A'vident  or  Surpri-e."  Was  not  the  whole  outrage  an 
"  accident "  to  me  ? 

"What  can  a  victim  do  in  his  own  behalf  when  held  clown  in 
jaii,  and  the  officials  belong  to  the  secret  government  and  gang, 
first,  last,  and  all  the  time.  And  even  spy  and  rifle  his  correspon- 
dence ! — lawless  as  such  conduct  is — and  stand  in  with  the  shys- 
ters and  gang,  to  deceive,  hai'rass  and  bleed  him  at  every  pore  ! 

Two  witnesses  had  been  thrown  and  held  in  jail  on  a  false 
charge,  and,  without  a  hearing,  tormented  and  frightened  till  they 


t;-i'V 


'^mi 


«  ' 


iH!tH| 


•1  •^' 


244 


Defending  my  Life  and  Home. 


would  swear  that  Juini)ei''s  carbine  was  pointed  at  my  near  (un- 
armed) companion,  and  not  at  me  when  lie  fired. 

It  required  three  or  four  mouth.s  of  this  treasonable  treat- 
ment and  management,  intrigue  and  cruelty  to  bring  one  of  them  to 
terms  and  six  months  longer  to  fix  the  other.  And  they  were  held  and 
tormented  and  frightened,  and  my  trial  {?)  delayed  arcordinc/ly,  while  I 
was  pleading  and  begging  for  a  trial ! 

"  Wisdom  and  truth  may  seek  to  convince,  or  eloquence  to 
charm,  but  only  one  influence  can  be  built  upon  as  certain — the 
magnetic  attraction  of  superior  villainy." 

"I  saw  those  frieiwls  in  fruitless  sorrow  mourn, 
From  mirth,  society,  subsistouee  toru." 

One  of  my  (?)  shysters  told  me  at  the  onset  of  my  "  trial  " 
that  one  of  these  witnesses  "  still  stated  to  him  the  very  same 
account  of  the  fight  that  he  had  to  him  and  to  so  many  others  all 
the  time  from  the  fight,  and  that  H  still  agreed  ivith  my  oicn  as 
to  every  point."  And  that  he  "  knew  nothing  to  the  contrary  as 
to  the  other,"  adding  that  "  You  will  soon  go  home  now."  And 
neither  I  nor  my  friends  knew  of  the  success  of  this  trick  till  it 
teas  sprung  on  the  stand. 

How  is  that  lor  a  "  Surprise,"  and  another  reason  for  a 
new  trial  ?  And  when  it  could  easily  be  proven  that  one  had 
even  made  an  affidavit  to  the  truth,  as  I  liave  given  it  before, 
aud  the  other  had  told  the  truth  so  often  to  others — including 
his  wife — that  she  did  'not  know  that  he  had  ever  said  anything  to 
thecontrary  till  years  afterwards,  and  to  this  day  (1889)  he  ridicules 
the  idea  that  Jumpier  was  trying  to  kill  anyone  but  me,  and  a  week 
ago  said  that  "  neither  he  nor  anyone  else,  as  far  as  he  k%  iv,  ever 
believed  to  the  contrary." 

But  even  had  the  jury  believed  it,  the  idea  of  its  being 
murder  for  defending  a  friend's  life  against  such  an  animal  and 
under  such  circumstances ! 

The  English  and  Indian  languages  are  too  barren  of 
epithets,  and  hell  is  too  mild  to  do  such  gentlemen  justice  I 

On  my  "  gentlemen  of  the  bar  "  refusing  to  move  for  a  new 
trial,  I  was  doing  so  myself  when — as  usual — I  was  beat  dcnvu 
by  their  plea  to  the  court  in  opposition—^*  that  they  had  couu- 
ciled  with  the  other  members  of  the  bar  and  found  that  it  ivould 
not  be  to  their  client's  interest  to  have  a  new  trial." 


ShANOHAIED  to  the   CtANo's   Ba8TILE. 


245 


"  Each  star  of  hope  tliat  cheorM  liim  on — 
llis  jiflories  lost — his  caus-'  h  trai/eil." 

"Aud  though  llis  life  has  itasH'tl  away, 

Liko  lightuiug  on  a  Ktorniy  (Liy. 

Yet  shall  his  death-hour  leave  a  track 

Of  glory,  i)enuanent  ami  bright, 

To  which  the  bravo  of  after-times. 

The  snft'ering  brave,  shall  long  look  back 

With  proud  regret — and  by  its  light 

Watch  through  the  hours  of  slavery's  night 

For  vengeance  on  the  oppressor's  crimes!  " — ^f<>lll•l'. 

"  He  has  retired,  it  is  true,  but  liis  ambitiou,  thoia^^h  seem- 
inj^'ly  smothered,  still  burus  within,  and  his  principles  are  uu- 

iiltereJ." 


'  Is,  I'M 

J! 


,i 


i 


*  >*? 


'  f  3 


l!i 


•5| 


pn 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

A  pilf/rimrtr/fl  ihroiti/h  In-ll .' — Bovon  yoarw'  expoiiouce  in  the  Seatco  contract 
liiistilo. — TliG  kind  of  a  licU  niid  Hwincllo  tliis  wuh. — Ho\/ I  was  talu'ii 
there. — A  three  or  four  days  journey  by  wagon,  boat  and  rail — How  1 
wan  judged  by  people  on  tlie  road. — Sympathy. — "Either  innocent  of 
erime,  or  a  very  bad  man. " — The  set  questions  asked  by  those  who 
had  suffered  likeA\-ise. — Description  of  the  liastile. — How  I  was  im- 
pressed.— The  kind  of  people  I  found  the  piisoners  to  be. — And  tiic 
ofhi'ials. — How  they  were  employed. — What  they  had  done  and  what 
they  had  not  done. — Their  complaints,  etc. — Jumping  awny. — The 
crooked  and  rocky  road  to  liberty. — "Who  got  there  and  how. — The 
in(iuisition  of  tho  mind. — How  prisoners  are  driven  to  the  frenzy  of  des- 
l)air  and  death. — "What  they  earned  and  were  worth  to  the  gang.  — Whatit 
cost  the  people. — What  they  got  to  eat  and  wear. — How  they  were 
treated  when  well  and  when  sick. — The  i)unishments. — How  I  w^  en- 
gaged while  in  the  midst  of  flaming  desolation. — Crazy  prisoners. — 
The  good  and  bad  qualities  and  conduct  of  the  officials. — The  redeem- 
ing feature  of  the  institution. — The  different  nationalities  and  occupa- 
tions rei)i"esented  and  theu"  experiences. — One  of  the  Polaris'  crew;  six 
months  on  an  ice-floe, — The  good,  bad  and  mixed.— The  innoceut, 
guilty,  and  the  \ictims  of  circumstances,  whiskey  and  accidents. — Ju- 
equahty  of  sentences  and  treatment. — Robbing  the  cradle  and  the  grave 
for  seventy  cents  a  day. — How  the  prisoners  lived  auc'  died. — The  ceii- 
Horsliip  on  correspondence,  nud  the  real  object  of  the  same. — Asiic 
prison. — Shanghaied  prisoners  try  to  make  theii*  cases  known  to  tli 
2mblic. — How  the  Governor  stood  in  with  the  gang. — Letters  smug^Jcd 
by  ministers,  members  of  the  Legislature,  humane  giiards,  etc. — 
Squelching  letters  of  \-ital  importance. — "Damn  you,  you  can't ^^roce 
it!  " — Like  abuses  in  the  Insane  asylum. — The  remedy. — A  ph'd  tlmt 
any prisunei'  sluill  <d  leamt  he  (wcovded  a puhllchenring  nud  let  /Z^c I'eoi'le 
jndcje. — The  worst  criminals  not  in  prison  but  in  office. — Their  ^•ictilus 
crushed. — A  ■pe^,  prisoner  turned  in  with  a  bottle  of  whiskey  and  a 
l)istol  in  his  pockets. — Tha  visiting  preachers. — What  they  thought  of 
the  prisoners  and  of  tlie  officials. — One  that  was  a  thorough-bred  and 
would  fight  the  devil  iu  any  guise. — Wliat  he  did  for  refonn,  and  how 
he  was  bounced. — CauAvrite  to  him  yourself . — Cruel  deception. — False 
and  cheating  hopes. — "There  is  France  !  If  he  had  n.  >t  1  <'ii  so  anxious 
about  getting  home,  he  would  have  been  <  "t  Zo/  ago.'  .Mu.st  keei) 
still  and  not  bore  anybody. " — Hoir  th' 
died  ! — How  other  prisonei-s  were  shaii 
conduct." — Strikes,  etc. — How  officials 
ers  justice. — How  "heaven  is  sometimes 
measures  that  we  mete." — How  prisoners  are  rob  d. — Women  jirisou- 
ers,   and  how  they  were  treated. — Visits  of  the  Legislature,  etc. — A 

(216) 


ineeh  lanf/uisiied  and 

■Badconi'     t."— My 

interested  again.  .  a  i)nsou- 

just  avul  pays  us  back  iu 


How  TO  IluN  A  Kkfoum  Puison. 


217 


jjiisoncr  iimkes  u  great  HiH'L'fli  aud  his  tooth  are  pulloil  out  for  tho 
troublo  it  iiiiikcH  tho  ofliciiils.  Wliat  tlio  Ijo^,nslatnro  Haiti,  mi<l  what 
thrv  dill. — Tho  iianUmiiig  powor  uiid  how  it  wan  exoroisod.  — 'i'iio  lie, 
that  "to  hoar  jJiisonorH  talk  thoy  aro  all  iuuoceut. " — Roadiug  mutter, 
etc.— How  to  oout  i>\  prisouors. — How  they  got  rovongo. — How  juisou- 
ors  should  l>o  troatod. — Whoro  thoy  sliould  bo  kopt. — How  u  prisou 
niiould  be  couduotod  to  be  Holf-Hupiiortiug  and  to  rol'orm  those  who 
iiood  roforniiiig. — H(av  to  onforoo  tlio  waerod  n;^lit  of  ju'titiou,  and  tho 
fs(thor  Hoooud  thought  of  tlie  i)ooi)lo. 

1  ERRITORIAL  prisoners  had  benu  kopt  in  the  dift'orent 
oouuty  jiiiln (where  they  shouki  have  remained),  but  at  the  then 
last  session  of  the  legislature  there  was  a  proposition  in  the 
interest  of  the  people,  that  the  general  Government  sell  to  the 
torritory  for  $30,000,  on  time,  its  prison  situated  on  McNiela 
Island,  Puget  Sound.  The  prison  cost  the  United  States 
.*r)0,(iOO  and  was  worth  with  the  ground  over  $100,000. 

But  a  gang  of  Free  Masons  wanted  to  get  the  j)risouers  by 
contract,  and  got  a  committee  of  their  brethren  appointed  to 
examine  the  property  and  report  it  to  be  "  unsafe  for  keeping 
prisoners."  This  was  a  brazen  falsehood — it  being  as  safe  as 
porhajjs  any  other  prison  in  the  United  States,  it  being  built 
of  iron,  stone  and  brick,  and  on  the  general  plan  of  all  United 
States  prisons,  and  being  on  a  small  island.  Moreover,  no 
prisoner  had  ever  broken  out  of  the  prison. 

Here  the  prison  could  be  maih^  self-supporting,  and  without 
any  abuse  of  the  prisoners,  but  as  the  legislature  contained 
masons  enough  to  control  its  proceedings  it  discarded  the 
generous  oifer  of  the  Gi^vernment,  and  gave  to  the  aforesaid 
biotliren  a  contract  for  the  keeping  of  all  territorial  prisoners 
for  six  (6)  years,  giving  them  seventy  cents  per  day  for  each 
prisoner,  and  all  their  labor,  besides  paying  for  their  transporta- 
tion to  the  prison.  Others  would  keep  the  prisoners  for  much 
less  pay,  but  they  were  ignored. 

The  contractors  built  a  prison  of  wood,  40x150  feet,  two 
stories  high,  at  a  cost  of  about  $4,000,  in  the  woods  on  the  N. 
P.  railroad  near  a  coal  mine,  in  which  they  expected  lo  utilize 
tlioir  labor.  They  also  run  a  cooper  shop  making  fish  barrels, 
and  had  a  tract  of  land  to  clear,  grub  and  cultivate,  also  a  brick- 
yai'd,  and  wei'e  to  cut  wood  for  the  railroad  and  build  short 
branches  for  the  same.     A  large  sash  and  door  factory  was  also 


It! 


11! 


^"  '■ 


^1 


■1  ■ 


248 


A  Pilgrimage  in  Hell. 


built  and  r.in  with  the  prison  labor  —  and  all  for  the  benefit  of 
the  gang. 

In  two  or  three  weeks  after  my  sentence,  one  of  these  con- 
tractors (full  of  gi).)  came  for  me  and  another  prisoner.  I  was 
taken  out  in  the  yard,  double-ironed  by  a  blacksmith,  and  we 
started  by  wagon  for  Walla  Walla,  where  we  would  go  by  rail 
to  the  Columbia  river,  thence  by  boat  to  Portland  and  Kalama, 
thence  by  the  N.  P.  railroad  to  the  Seatco  Bastile. 

I  had  often  desired  to  travel  over  this  route,  but  not  as  a 
desperado  and  in  double  irons.  But  this  is  the  way  I  was 
driven  from  the  country  where  I  had  worked  so  hard  and  pros- 
pered so  well. 

I,  however,  expected  that  my  stay  at  the  prison  would  be 
brief,  and  I  could  then  travel  as  I  pleased. 

We  were  three  or  four  days  on  the  road,  and  the  pas- 
sengers and  others  I  met  were  very  friendly,  refusing  to  be- 
lieve I  was  such  a  bad  man  though  I  told  them  that  twelve 
men  had  been  found  who  had  sworn  it  without  asking  a  single 
question.  One  group  decided  after  discussing  the  matter,  that 
"  he  is  either  entirely  innocent  of  crime,  or  else  a  very  danger- 
ous man,"  but  they  were  generally  unable  to  understand  how  I 
could  be  convicted,  having  such  a  strong  case  of  self-defense, 
and  considered  it  a  great  outrage  that  "the  Governor  was 
sworn  to  correct."  There  were  some,  however,  who  had  had 
like  experiences  with  the  courts,  and  simply  asked  me  a  few 
questions.  "  Was  the  man  you  killed  or  those  backing  him 
masons  or  odd-fellows  ?  "  "  Were  they  who  selected  the  jury  ?  " 
"  Wa'i  the  Judge  ?  "  "  Were  your  lawyers?  "  And  when  I  had 
answered  "  Yes !  "  to  each  question,  thi/  understood  the  matter, 
and  gave  me  their  like  experiences.  And  there  were  some  who 
knew  one  of  my  attorneys  in  Oregon,  which  was  enough  for 
them  ;  said  "  he  had  conspired  to  murder  a  man  for  his  money  " 
—anyway  he  had  got  away  with  the  murdered  man's  money. 
And  we  wondered  whether  the  people  would  ever  learn,  with- 
out flaming  experienco,  to  discard  their  seci-et  sworn  enemies 
for  office  or  trust.  Arriving  at  the  prison  we  were  turned  iutd 
a  hall,  22x90  feet,  up  stairs  ;  the  dining-room,  kitchen,  tailor 
and  shoe  shop,  and  the  guards'  quarters  being  on  the  same 
floor  ;  the  cells  being  below  and  generally  used  only  to  sleep  in. 


ill 


nefit  of 

ise  con- 
I  was 

and  we 
by  rail 

ialania, 

ot  as  a 
Y  I  was 
ad  pros- 

ould  be 

the  pas- 
ig  to  be- 
t  twelve 

a  single 
iter,  that 

danger- 
d  how  I 

defense, 
or  was 

lad  had 
e  a  few 

ing  him 


■  wy 


9" 


m  I  had 

matter, 
)me  who 
kugh  for 
jmoney  " 

money. 
I'n,  witli- 
lenemies 

led  into 
In,  tailor 
lie  same 

sleep  in. 


i\  ffig!  iff  tail. 


1 


(    '1 


(249) 


'ii    m 


250 


A  PiLGKlMAGE  IN  HeLL. 


"  ^-ili 


I    i 


iU:: 


ni 


I  thouglit  it  liai'cl  usage  to  be  ironed  like  a  felon,  having 
prided  myself  on  my  good  and  peaceable  character,  and  know- 
ing that  a  jury's  verdict  did  not  change  a  fact ;  but  I  thought 
this  would  end  at  the  prison.  I  was,  however,  soon  undeceived, 
for  when  the  prisoners  came  in  from  work  the  sight  and  clatter 
of  chains  was  deafening  and  damnable,  nearly  all  being  in 
heavy  double  irons,  riveted  to  their  legs,  wearing  them  day  and 
night,  sick  or  well  — all  the  time.  Here  were  liuls  and  ri)t<is 
that  were  true  emblems  of  practical  masonry,  and  solid,  livid 
proof  of  its  cruel  inhumanity  to  other  men. 

"  The  Imntetl  citiztu  his  death  demands, 
Is  thus  cast  into  the  Lorturer's  hands. " 

"  Be  not  abashed,  resign  thy  fear, 
Though  -weak  and  small  tho-i  art, 
'T'vas  honest  labor  brought  tl^ee  here, 
And  freedom  bids  thee  part." 

"  Thus  spoiled  and  degraded,  they    were   delivered  over    without  pro- 
tection, the;/  ami  their/iimilies,  to  the  insults  0/  hired  bundi'li." 

"  Consider  the  absolutely  defenseless  condition  of  the  ac- 
cused, the  whole  power  of  the  body  politic  is  n)arshalled 
against  the  individual,  it  is  the  commonwealth  against  the 
citi;2en.  A  grand  jury  has  declared  his  probable  guilt  without 
giving  him  a  hearing  ;  an  organized  and  secret  tribunal  [of 
masons]  has  furnisiied  the  trusted  officers  of  the  law  [also 
masons]  tlie  names  of  the  accusers,  and  the  judicial  power  of 
the  State  has  been  brouglit  into  action  to  compel  their  pres- 
ence before  the  bar  of  Justice  (V).  If  necessary  the  most 
talented  and  unscrupulous  advocates  in  the  land  are  summoned 
to  aid  the  already  seemingly  invincible  combination  of  power. 
In  what  painful  contrast  is  tlie  position  of  the  prisoner,  fre- 
quently suffering  physically  from  confinement,  and  mentally 
from  the  terrible  nature  of  the  struggle  for  life  and  liberty  iu 
Avliich  he  is  engaged  ;  often  with  insufficient  or  treachcrom 
thieving  counsel,  and  without  the  ojiportunity  of  searching  out  his 
own  ivitnesNcs,  or  having  others  perform  this  necessary  labor  fur 
him.  The  jury  asks  the  question,  "If  this  man  is  not  guilty 
why  is  he  here  ?     Why  are  all  these  officials  paid  by  the  ytuio 


I. 


How  TO  Run  a  Refoum  Prison. 


251 


to  convict  him  ?  "  and,  token  a  secret  sign  is  given,  answers,  "  Of 
course  lie  is  guilty,  or  lie  would  not  be  here."  Thus  the  prisons 
contiiin  so  large  a  proportion  of  innocent  men  -  a  proportion 
increatilng  year  %  year. 

The  juror  who  is  false  to  his  duty  is  worse  than  any  crim- 
inal he  may  condemn.  He  is  false  to  his  citizeushij»,  false  to 
his  duty,  false  to  his  oath,  false  to  his  God.  In  violation  of  his 
oath  he  places  upon  his  fellow-citizen,  his  fellow-man  a  brand 
of  :'uf*my  which  shall  never  be  removed,  he  deprives  him  of 
that  greatest  of  civil  I'ights,  liberty  !  degrades  him  temporarily 
to  servitude,  and  places  him  witliin  the  walls  of  a  house  of 
torture,  whence  he  shall  come  forth  to  be  followed  by  scorn, 
relentless  and  remorseless." 

"  Go,  cracify  that  slave.     For  what  oflfense  ? 
Who  the  accuser  ?    Where  the  evidence  ? 
For  when  the  life  of  man  is  in  debate. 
No  time  can  be  too  long,  no  ere  too  great, 
— Hear  all,  weigh  ail  Avith  caution." 

An  offense  against  the  gang  is  committed,  an  outsider  is 
arrested,  the  whole  official  system  is  put  in  motion  to  concoct 
evidence  of  his  guilt,  the  wretched  man  is  flung  into  prison  and 
is  kept  there  until  his  health  is  broken  down,  his  hopes  of 
justice  extinguished,  and  his  means  of  defense  extorted  and 
wasted  away,  an  accommodating  judge  and  jurors,  who  are 
tools  of  the  gang,  are  selected  by  officials  Avho  are  brother 
members  of  the  same  to  try  the  case,  and  the  whole  secret  gang 
— their  press  and  all — are  let  loose  with  a  significant  sign  of 
pillage  and  revenge,  arrogance  and  spleen. 

"  And  thou — cvirst  man  or  friend,  what'ere  thou  art, 
Who  found'st  this  burning  i)lague-si)ot  in  my  heart. " 


"li 


''I 


5  ^ 


1     -i-'''*!).!  It 
L      k    -  ill 


n    i  4 


it! 


"  Disguise  thyself  as  thou  wilt,  still  slavery  !  still  thou  art 
a  bitter  draught ;  and  though  thousands  in  all  ages  have  been 
made  to  drink  of  thee,  thou  art  no  less  bitter  on  that  account. 
I  began  to  figure  to  myself  the  miseries  of  confinement.  I  was 
going  to  begin  with  the  millions  of  my  fellow-creatures  born  to 
uo  inheritance  but  slavery,  then  I  took  a  single  captive,  and 
having  first  shut  him  up  in  his  dungeon,  beheld  his  l)()dy  half 


;,*:'  Vi 

mm' 

F     "'il; 

'■']  ^  1 '' 

ii 

IHiiii 

252 


A  Pilgrimage  in  Hell. 


i'    i 


I    ' 


i 

■Jf 

■1 

1 

;(; 

wasted  away  with  long  expectations  and  confinement,  and  felt 
what  kind  of  sickness  of  heart  it  was  which  arises  from 
hope  deferred.  Upon  looking  nearer  I  saw  him  pale  and  fever- 
ish ;  in  thirty  years  the  western  breeze  had  not  once  fanned 
his  blood,  nor  had  the  voice  of  friend  or  kinsman  breathed 
through  his  lattice  of  iron.  His  childi*en — bnt  here  my  heart 
l)egan  to  bleed  —  and  I  was  forced  to  go  on  with  another  part 
of  the  portrait.  He  lifted  up  a  hopeless  eye  towards  the  door, 
than  cast  it  down,  shook  his  head,  and  went  on  with  his  Avork 
of  affliction ;  he  gave  a  deep  sigh — I  saw  the  iron  enter  into  his 
soul — I  burst  into  tears." 

I  found  the  prisoners  at  the  Seatco  prison  to  be  about  an 
average  lot  of  men — not  any  more  feloneous  on  the  average 
than  the  same  number  found  at  a  horse  race,  a  dog  fight,  or 
picked  up  promiscuously  most  anywhere.  One  of  the  guards, 
being  an  old  military  and  naval  officer,  frequently  said  that 
"  the  boys  here  would  average  well  with  those  of  the  army  or 
navy  during  the  war,"  and  a  prisoner  said,  he  "  had  left  his  coat 
hanging  in  the  hall  several  months  with  several  dollars  in  the 
pocket,  and  no  one  had  stolen  it  yet."  However,  petty  thieves 
or  kleptomaniacs — as  they  are  considered  when  they  have  in- 
fluence at  court — afterwards  came  and  were  always  with  us. 

Many  of  the  prisoners  were  guilty  of  the  crimes  charged 
against  them,  and  freely  confessed  it ;  but  knowing  of  so  many 
worse  criminals  Avho  were  acquitted  with  just  as  strong  proof 
against  them,  and  others  who  were  not  even  molested,  that  tliey 
did  not  think  they  had  got  equal  justice,  and  many  of  these  in- 
tended, when  released,  to  join  one  or  more  of  the  secret  "  charit- 
able "  brotherhoods  so  that  they  too  could  commit  crimes  witli 
impunity.  "  For,  Avhile  they  (the  brethren)  never  omitted  any 
sort  of  violence,  nor  any  unjust  sort  of  punishment  against 
outsiders,  as  they  were  not  to  be  moved  by  pity,  and  are  never 
satisfied  with  any  degree  of  gain,  they  were  secret  partners 
with  the  worst  robbers.  For  a  great  many  then  fell  into  that 
practice  without  fear,  as  having  tlieir  secret  influence  for  their 
security,  and  depending  on  them  that  they  would  save  them 
harmless  in  their  particular  robberies  and  other  crimes,  and 
would  inflict  punishment  on  their  enemies  on  the  smallest 
occasions,  and  esteem  every  man  that  endeavored  to  lead  a 


s     if;: 


111  , 


How  TO  EuN  A  Reform  Prison. 


253 


virtuous  life  their  enemy,  and  the  knowledge  of  the  possession 
of  property  or  anything  desirable  to  them,  is  the  signal  for 
attack." 

Many  prisoners  also  complained  of  the  inequality  of  sen- 
tences, considering  the  cases  and  characters  of  the  men,  many 
having  the  worst  of  these,  and  old  offenders,  too,  getting  the 
lightest  sentences,  while  others  having  the  best  of  cases  and 
characters,  and  it  being  their  first  and  only  offense,  and  more 
accidental  than  intentional,  would  get  five,  ten  and  fourteen 
years. 

"  Who  blame,  where'er  they  go  from  pole  to  ijole, 
And  for  oue  single  blemish  damn  the  whole." 

Other  prisoners  were  innocent  of  any  crime — they  being 
simply  plundered  and  thus  put  out  of  the  way  to  keep  them 
from  "  making  trouble  "  or  being  in  the  way  of  their  midnight 
robbers,  they  were  also  very  profitable  to  the  contractors — 
these  are  not  convicts,  they  being  kidnapped,  not  convicted,  they  are 
the  victims  of  cruel,  dastardly  persecutions. 

"But  oh  !  what  sorrows  rend  the  tender  heart, 

With  home  '  sweet  home  '  that  dearest,  darling  child  to  part" 

"  But  hear  our  i)rayer — the  ruffian  sword  employ  ; 
Drive  us — but  spare  your  efforts  to  decoy  ; 
Spare  to  your  ^iotinl8  those  heart-rending  throes, 
Which  the  jioor,  cheated  self -destroyer  knows ! 
The  maddening  thought  that  by  your  arts  enticed, 
Our  folly  drained  the  bowl  which  you  had  spiced. 
And  closed  their  suffering  by  an  easy  death." 

I  found  that  the  prisoners  were  not  ironed  on  account  of 
bad  conduct,  but  to  save  expense  in  guarding  to  the  contract- 
ors and  to  gratify  their  personal  love  of  cruelties  by  thus  ag- 
gravating the  prisoners'  lot.  And  this  aggravation  caused  many 
a  man  in  *l'e  rage  of  despair  to  jump  away — more  than  it  ever 
held  from  it,  and  they  jumped  Avith  nothing  but  bitterness  in 
their  souls. 

"Still  our  bosoms  ne'er  at  rest, 
Thirst  for  the  blood  that  warms  the  traitor's  breast 
Yet  vengeance  still  sur%-ives,  than  life  more  dear, 
Taunts  every  groan  and  prompts  the  exulting  sneer." 


I  ,<  1 1| 


!>;,.  .' »    hz  il 


J.i  o 


[J      !■ 


11 


'!    3      I 


254 


A  Pilgrimage  in  Hell. 


I  was  told  how  peaceable  men  Avere  kept  ironed  for  weeks 
and  months  when  even  confined  to  their  beds  with  sickness, 
and  how  a  dose  was  forced  down  one  who  forthwith  died,  etc., 
as  mere  examples  of  the  kind  of  care  and  charity  accorded  the 
helpless  sick  in  their  gloom  of  black  misfortune  and  helpless 
despair.  And  they  knew  whereof  they  spoke,  and  could 
abundantly  justify  in  details  of  facts. 

"  There  is  an  inquisition  of  the  heart  more  cruel  in  its 
machinery  than  any  ever  invented  for  the  body." 

I  said  that  "  I  did  not  calculate  to  stay  there  but  a  short 
time,  as  I  was  innocent  of  any  crime,  having  only  defended  my 
life  and  home  ;  and  that  I  could  show  and  prove  this  so  plainly 
that  none  could  honestly  doubt  it ;  that  /  loas  not  convicted  but 
shanghaied ;  that  I  was  sold  and  betrayed  and  not  defended  ;  that 
besides  this  showing  I  had  some  friends  left  who  would  get  up 
a  strong  petition  to  the  Gf)vernor  for  my  restoration." 

But  it  was  prophesied  that  I  "  would  find  it  a  narrow, 
crooked,  miry,  stumpy  and  rocky  road  to  liberty,  as  others 
with  good  cases  and  many  friends  had  failed  to  get  there  ;  that 
the  Governor  was  evidently  secretly  interested  with  the  con- 
tractors and  others,  in  holding  on  to  men,  because  they  could 
not  get  pardoned  as  Avas  usual  from  other  prisons,  or  even  get 
the  abatement  of  time  for  good  conduct  that  was  common  else- 
where, and  aliuays  in  the  power  and  province  of  the  Governor  to 
hestoiv. 

Some  also  believed  that  the  Judges  were  likewise  interested 
against  the  prisoners'  justice,  as  they,  too,  were  willing  that  in- 
nocent men  should  suffer  at  seventy  cents  a  day  besides  their 
labor. 

That  these  suspicions  were  reasonable,  I  also  give  this 
from  the  Press : 

"  Alhany,  N.  y.,  Juue  22,  1886. — Judge  Nott  auuoiinced  to-day  iu 
the  Albany  CJonuty  Court  that  he  had  heen  approached  by  Suijerintendent 
- — — ,  of  the  Albany  penitentiary,  -with  an  offer  of  !■>"(),  for  each  long  term 
a  piisouer  waa  sent  there.  This  attempt  at  bribery  created  a  profound 
sensation. " 

It  is  evident  that  this  Judge  and  Sui)eriutendent  did  not 
belong  to  the  same  secret  sworn  brotherhood,  or  he  would  not 
have  dared  to  expose  the  business.     And  at  Seatco  the  prisoners 


How  TO  Run  a  Reform  Prison. 


255 


were  worth  $300  or  S^OO  each  per  ^-ear  to  the  gang,  and  the 
press  of  the  territory',  being  mostly  in  the  control  of  the  same 
brethren,  was  muzzled  as  to  such  outrages,  except  to  deny 
their  existence. 

The  following  day  after  my  arrival  I  was  taken  out  to  the 
blacksmith-shop  where  the  irons  I  had  on  were  exit  off,  and  a 
pair  of  heavier  ones  substituted,  they  being  connected  with  a 
chain  long  enough  to  step  ;  reports  wei-e  then  sent  out  that 
"  this  was  done  because  I  was  such  a  bad,  desperate  man." 

"  To  impress  terror  on  their  feelings  by  every  atrocious  cruelty  that 
could  deter  them  from  expressing  their  disaijprobation  of  these  excesses." 

And  a  censorship  Avas  placed  on  the  victims'  correspond- 
ence so  as  to  bury  the  truth  and  make  this  a  secret  prison. 

I  was  then  set  to  work  in  the  cooper-shop — they  Avanted 
to  make  a  cooper  of  me  so  I  would  be  a  profit  to  the  gang  of 
!?2  or  $3  a  day.  It  is  evident  that  they  knew  in  advance,  in  a 
secret  tvay,  that  the  GoA'ernor  would  hold  on  to  me,  though 
knowing  I  ivas  shmujhaied  and  never  convicted.  HoAvever,  I  did 
not  oAA'e  the  devils  anything,  and  therefore  I  was  no  mechanic  ; 
finding  I  Avas  no  account  as  a  cooper,  I  was  given  the  job  of 
saAving  off  the  ends  of  the  staA'es  for  the  others  to  cooper ;  this 
was  a  good  job  for  the  place,  and  I  retained  it  as  long  as  I 
worked  in  the  shop — about  a  year. 

The  coopers  Avere  given  tasks,  being  about  three-quarters 
of  what  would  be  a  Journeymen's  days  work  at  $3  a  day.  But 
it  should  always  be  remembered  that  the  inquisition  of  the 
mind  that  many  prisoners  suffer  on  account  of  their  persecu- 
tions, is  enough  for  them  to  endure  AA'ithout  being  compelled  to 
labor  at  all,  tvhcrein  they  can  have  no  possible  interest ;  "  Doomed 
to  deal  out,  forbidden  to  enjoy."  And  then,  they  suffer  for  not 
having  the  vacations  and  recreations,  and  suitable  fare  that 
others  enjoj' ;  therefore  prisoners  should  not  be  required  to  do 
more  than  lialf  a  regular  days  work,  unless  it  be  intended  to 
hrmk  them  down  and  drive  them  to  the  frenzy  of  despair  and 
set  them  against  work  the  rest  of  their  lives,  as  AA'as  done  in  many 
cases  at  Seatco,  and  these  too,  who  had  been  industrious  workers 
all  their  lives. 

Influential   members   of  secret   charitable    brotherhoods, 


256 


A  Pilgrimage  in  Hell. 


I   i   !if''!f' 


iU 


h  \ 


\i 


when  iu  prison  for  a  time,  never  work  much,  and  their  health  is 
better  than  other  prisoners'  who  work  hard.  There  are  other 
modes  of  exercise  besides  that  of  unpaid,  thankless  toil,  and  this 
toil  is  rarely  any  benefit  to  the  State.  It  is  stolen  by  the  gany 
who  never  work  themselves,  and  if  Ihey  drank  less  whiskey 
would  be  in  pretty  good  health. 

A  cooper  here  kept  an  account  of  what  he  earned  for  this 
secret  gang.  It  amounted  to  about  $3,500,  and  although  he 
had  never  been  punished — except  as  all  others  in  a  general 
way — and  never  openly  charged  with  any  misconduct,  yet  he 
could  not  get  even  the  abatement  of  time  provided  by  law. 
How  does  this  "  benefit  society  ?  " 

As  an  example  of  how  they  would  take  the  advantage  of 
one's  ignorance  and  industry  I  give  this  :  Prisoners  were  issued 
some  tobacco  each  week,  but  not  enough  for  those  much  ad- 
dicted to  its  use,  so  one  of  the  coopers  told  the  superintendent 
that  he  would  make  an  extra  barrel  each  day  for  a  week  if  he 
would  give  him  twenty-five  cents  worth  of  tobacco.  "I  will  do  it, 
by  G-o-a-  d,"  was  the  reply,  and  at  the  end  of  the  week  he  paid 
it,  and  then  told  the  victim,  to  "just  keep  on  making  four 
barrels  a  day,  as  that  would  be  his  task  thereafter,  without  any 
extra  tobacco." 

But  for  the  reasons  heretofore  given  this  was  more  than 
he  could  do  and  do  well,  and  consequently  stood  siege  after 
siege  of  bread  and  water  punishment,  he  being  driven  to  retali- 
ate with  bad  work,  etc.,  etc.,  and  they  had  to  take  him  out  of 
the  shop  and  put  him  at  common  work  ;  and  when  his  time  had 
rightfully  expired,  he  was  kept  on  several  months  longer  (at 
seventy  cents  a  day  and  his  labor)  "  because  of  his  bad  con- 
duct." 

This  bread  and  water  punishment  was  to  put  a  man  into  a 
darkened  cell  without  a  bed,  and  starve  and  in  winter  freeze 
him  for  from  one  to  twenty  days  at  a  time.  There  should  neuer 
and  need  never  be  any  worse  punishment  for  even  real  devils 
and  the  worst  cases  in  prison.  This  ought  not  to  l>e forgotten. 
This  was  supposed  to  be  the  only  punishment  at  Seatco ;  but 
prisoners  were  tortured  there  in  various  other  ways  also. 


How  TO  RiTN  A  Reform  Prison. 


257 


Kilth  is 
other 
id  tills 
le  gamj 
'hiskey 

or  this 
uf^h  he 
general 
yet  he 
by  law. 

itage  of 
e  issued 
uch  ad- 
itendeut 
3k  if  he 
ill  do  it, 
he  paid 
ag  four 
tout  any 

•re  than 
ge  after 
|o  retali- 
out  of 
time  had 
nger  (at 
]a.d  con- 

into  a 
fcr  freeze 
ild  never 
[l  devils 
Kirgotten. 
Ico ;  but 
lo. 


"  Whore  o'er  bor  sbambles, 

Torture  jjauts  for  liroatb, 

And  wbere  to  look,  to  tbiuk,  is  death." 

So  grasping  were  the  contractors  that  they  would  work 
men  on  the  verge  of  the  grave.  One  being  ill  and  unable  to 
work  Avas  thrust  in  the  bread  and  water  cell,  as  was  frequently 
done ;  when  let  out  he  was  insane  ;  he  lay  in  his  cell  a  few  days 
Avith  his  clothes  on  and  uncarod  for,  when  I  helped  him  up  to  the 
hall  and  got  him  into  the  "  hospital  "  (?)  tailor  and  shoe-shop — 
which  was  all  one.  He  did  not  know  anyone,  and  was  picking 
his  clothes  and  begging  for  water  ;  he  had  typhoid-pneumonia. 
While  in  the  bread  and  water  cell,  for  days  he  drank  dirty 
water  to  slake  his  burning  thirst.  He  finally,  by  a  mere  scratch, 
recovered,  but  was  unable  to  walk  without  crutches  for  a  long 
time.  He  said  that  I  had  saved  his  life.  This  was  when  an 
ex-Governor  Avas  the  Doctor. 

"  We  know  the  savage  for  what  he  is,  the  same  every- 
Avhere,  the  same  ruthless,  cruel,  blood-thirsty,  treacherous  and 
tyrannical  animal,  ruling  only  by  the  strong  hand,  and  with  no 
innate  conception  of  goodness  or  virtue." 

Others  were  forced  out  to  work  when  ill,  and  soon  after- 
wards died. 

A  man  was  sick  for  over  a  year,  so  that  he  frequently 
had  to  be  assisted  to  walk ;  yet  he  was  kept  in  heavy  double 
irons  all  the  time.  After  the  prisoners  were  finally  taken 
away  from  the  contractors,  he  got  full  abatement  of  time  for 
"Lis  uniform  good  conduct"  in  spite  of  the  abuse  tending  to 
drive  a  victim  to  desperaition. 

As  an  example  of  how  trifling  and  aggravating  these  masons 
Avere,  I  give  this  :  Every  one  was  expected  to  furnish  his  own 
comb  ;  but  as  one  prisoner  came  in  they  kept  his  comb.  It 
was  a  broken  piece,  but  was  all  he  had,  and  he  wanted  it ;  so 
they  trifled,  lied  and  humbugged  him  about  it  till  he  re- 
fused to  "go  out  to  work  until  he  got  it ; "  consequently  they 
kept  him  on  bread  and  water  (a  very  little  bread)  sixty-three 
out  of  sixty-eight  days  till  he  was  almost  dead  and  could  hardly 
walk,  then  they  gave  him  the  comb,  and  he  resumed  work.  He 
was  a  pious  man  and  had  been  a  preacher. 

Another  was  treated  the  same  way  over  a  little  tobacco  ; 

17 


2r)8 


A  PlLaRIMAGE  IN   HeLL. 


he  finally  got  his  tobacco  aud  resumed  work- 
Sheriff. 


-he  had  been  a 


'*Si)irita  of  fire,  that  brood  not  long, 
But  flash  resentment  back  for  wrong, 
And  liearta  where,  slow  but  deep,  the  seeds, 
Of  vengeance  ripen  into  deeds." 

'♦  Know  their  rights  and  knowing  dare  maintain." 

Even  when  prisoners  are  wrong  in  such  little  things,  it 
should  alwaj/s  be  considentd  that  they  may  he  in  a  dress  of  mind 
that  makes  them  morally  irresponsible  for  lohat  they  may  do,  and 
are  not  really  themselves  Only  tyrants  and  devils  will  aggravate 
and  then  torture  men  when  in  such  a  frenzied  condition. 

A  prisoner  was  keeping  a  diary  of  what  transpired  at 
Seatco,  but  the  warden  took  it  from  him  with  a  severe  warning 
to  uncover  nothing  of  their  evil  doings  if  he  valued  his  liberty. 
They  were  midniyht  men  and  they  tcanted  to  make  this  a  secret 
prison. 

I  was  taken  from  the  cooper-shop  and  set  to  clearing  land 
and  farming ;  the  devils  not  content  with  ravaging  the  home  I 
had  made  before,  they  wanted  me  to  build  and  work  another 
for  them  to  enjoy.  But  I  was  worn  down  and  had  also  learned 
as  much  as  an  Indian  by  this  time,  and  considered  home-build- 
ing a  humbug,  so  I  did  not  build  very  well  or  speedily.  There- 
fore they  cut  the  irons  off,  and  turned  me  loose  to  work  in  and 
have  charge  of  the  dining-room,  etc.,  and  of  the  other  prisoners 
while  at  their  meals.  I  now  ate  in  the  kitchen,  and  lived  as 
well  as  the  guards  or  anybody  on  the  ranch. 

I  could  have  run  away  from  the  prison  almost  any  day,  as 
I  was  given  no  limits,  and  could  go  fishing  between  meals  and 
my  work.  But  conscious  of  my  innocence  I  felt  that  I  must 
surely  get  out  without  running,  and  I  was  doing  all  I  could  to 
this  end,  as  will  hereafter  appear ;  and  that  the  road  was  in- 
deed "  narrow,  crooked,  miry,  stumpy,  rocky,"  and  ambushed 
with  mystic  devils  armed  with  poisoned  arrows  that  they  shot 
in  the  dark. 

After  being  in  the  dining-room,  etc.,  for  about  two  years,  I, 
with  others,  was  employed  by  a  sub-contractor  at  seventy-five 
cents  a  day  to  build  a  store  and  dwelling  house  by  the  rail- 


r 


How  TO  Run  a  Reform  Prison. 


2oa 


road.  One  day,  when  this  was  about  completed,  while  I  was 
buruiug  a  pile  of  logs  in  the  brush  some  distance  from  the 
buiUliug,  one  of  the  prisoners,  having  about  a  lifetime  sentence, 
skipped  out,  and  holding  that  I  knew  of  his  going,  and  had 
seen  him  pass  by  without  giving  an  alarm,  I  must  be  punished 
accordingly,  ns  was  usual  in  such  cases  ;  though  I  had  told 
them  at  the  outset  that  "  /  would  not  (juard  a  fdloic-prisoncr 
from  his  liberty,"  So,  for  revenge,  I  was  put  in  double  irons 
again,  given  a  nine  foot  saw  to  run  alone,  and  was  to  bo  con- 
sidered and  run  like  a  saw-mill  rushed  with  orders — to  make 
wood  for  the  railroad. 

Oh  !  my  countrymen,  what  a  saw-mill ! ! 
The  guard-and-chief-worthy-grand-master  was  drunk  and 
mad  ;  in  fact,  he  was  always  drunk  and  mad  ;  he  drank  a  quart 
of  bad  whiskey  every  day,  but  he  could  not  run  that  saw-mill 
to  a  profit.  So  he  drank  more  whiskey  and  died.  And  the 
escaped  prisoner  was  never  caught. 

"  He  neither  stayed  to  soothe  or  force, 

But  wisely  stole  away." 

I  was  then  transferred  to  the  tailor-shop,  where  I  slept; 
hut  I  was  a  poor  tailor — then  to  the  kitchen,  but  I  was  a  very 
poor  cook.  So  not  being  fit  for  anything  else,  I  was  made 
room  warden — that  is  I  had  charge  of  the  big  hall,  and  to  a 
great  extent  over  the  conduct  of  all  the  prisoners  while  t  hey 
were  in  it — about  one-third  of  the  daytime— which  position  I 
retained  during  the  last  several  years  at  Seatco,  and  I  do  not 
think  that  any  prisoner  thus  employed  ever  got  along  better 
with  both  prisoners  and  such  officials,  as  will  hereafter  ap- 
pear. 

However,  with  all  of  his  meanness  and  thievery  in  other 
respects,  the  warden  was  good  to  work  under — that  is  to  those 
engaged  on  the  inside.  I  do  not  know  of  his  ever  finding  any 
fault  with  any  of  my  work,  or  much  with  that  of  others, 
aud  he  was  my  boss  the  most  of  the  time  I  was  in  prison ;  he 
would  frequently  tell  me  to  tell  the  guards  "  to  go  to  hell"  etc., 
if  ihey  assumed  any  authority  over  me. 

This  hall  was  the  only  redeeming  feature  of  the  Seatco 
institution ;  it  gave  all  an  opportunity  to  exchange  reading 
matter,  and  to  acquaint  themselves  with  the  knowledge  and 


t 

-(      '        )      ' 

1,  ill 


is  ;f. 


;y. 


i'  i 


H' 


2G0 


A  PlLORIMACIK  IN   HeIJ. 


exporijMicos  of  the  others,  juitl  luiiuy  cf  them  hnd  hjid  hits  of  it 
bewidoH  their  oxperieuces  with  hiwyers  luul  courts  that  give  tlie 
Avorst  ehiinu  ters  the  lightest  sentences,  bankrupts  and  convi(!ts 
the  innoct>nt,  and  diarges  $900  to  settle  a  dispute  over  a  !?'.) 
calf,  and  gives  an  outsider  against  a  miduight-iuan  no  justice 
at  any  price. 

Such  free  assnciation  of  j>jv'.s'0)icr.9  {anl  ncwspapn's)  .should  he 
(jrnntcd,  let  it  he  understood,  to  enable  them  lo  htp  up  ictfh  the 
times,  so  as  to  hold  :;c)nio  ground  against  the  world  whose 
spotted  hands  are  to  be  ever  raised  against  them. 

Some  of  them  wei'e  around-the-world  sailors  ;  one  was 
Avith  the  ill-1'ated  Polaris  and  six  months  on  an  ice-floe  ;  some 
hud  been  through  the  war  on  either  side  and  that  Avith  Mexico, 
and  Avore  the  scars  ;  one  Avas  Avounded  as  Avas  Gartield,  and  re- 
covered Avithout  any  fuss  or  physicians  ;  one  Avas  a  brother  of 
and  ou  the  stafl'  of  a  famed  general ;  another  Avas  Avith  Walktu' 
in  his  expeditious  to  Mexico  and  Central  America  ;  nearly  every 
nationality  and  country  Avas  represented,  and  a  Mohammedan 
Avho  Avished  hims(4f  back  in  India,  and  there  Avere  Indians  of 
many  tribes. 

Many  of  the  inmates  Avere  ravaged  home-builders ;  then 
there  Avere  professional  sports  and  crimiuals,  Avho,  Avhen  guilty, 
stood  th^nr  imprisonment  best ;  home-builders  stood  theirs  the 
Avorst — they  "  Avanted  to  go  home  !  "  Men  Avho  strike  out  in  n 
Avilderness  to  carve  out  homes  Avith  their  oavu  hard  labor  are 
not  criminals,  nor  are  they  coAvards  or  cringing  slaves. 

One  of  these  had  put  the  proceeds  of  two  farms  in  the 
States,  and  six  years  hard  labor  into  a  home,  and  considered 
himself  Avortli  $50,000,  Avheu  the  masons  robbed  him  of  it,  and 
shanghaied  him  here  to  keep  him  from  "making  trouble" 
about  it,  and  his  Avife  and  children  had  to  work  out  for  a  living. 
He  was  advised  that  he  Avould  be  pardoned  (?)  if  he  Avould  not 
return  to  recover  his  oAvn.  His  sentence  was  ten  years.  He 
was  held  several  years  till  the  plunder  was  secured,  and  the 
thieves  could  say,  "  Damn  you,  you  can't  jyrove  that  we  did  it," 
and  his  friends  had  delivered  up  their  property  too,  then 
he  was  granted  a  new  trial,  and  declared  to  be  "  innocent 
of  any  crline"  And  masons  say,  "  We  have  a  good  Judi- 
ciary."     Other    victims    could   never  get    any   trial   as  then 


How  TO  lluN  A  Refcjiim  Puison. 


2ni 


c(,i(l(l  "  jinnr  tliat  t/ici/  did  il,"  and  tlii.H  "  inako  trouble." 
So  these  liiul  to  sulVri  pi-fjlougecl  iniseries  uot  to  l>o  'loHcvibecl 
iu  their  gloom  of  black  uiisfortuue.  Quite  a  number  of  mere 
boys  Avere  also  inmateH  at  Hevfaity  cents  a  (lay  and  their  labor, 
and  they  wtnit  out  mueli  worse  than  when  they  came.  One 
had  honestly  made  and  saved  and  loaui'd  !?'200  or  !?;)()(),  wiiich 
ho  would  lose  if  not  reh^'.sed  a  short  time  before  his  time  ex- 
pired, and  he  begged  the  Governor  to  allow  him  to  preserve  it, 
but  the  Governor  being  his  enemy,  hrld  hiia  to  (lie  lust  da//,  and 
though  the  people  (without  any  di.ylight  opposition)  had 
strongly  petiti(nied  for  his  release  also.  But  what  do  black-leg 
officials  care  for  the  mere  will  of  the  people,  or  the  well-being 
of  outsiders. 

"  They  sneer  at  i)loacling  nrtne's  tearful  eye — the  '  cold  sucer  which  speaks 

the  caukerod  heart,  * 
Aiul  themselves  are  giiilty  of  '  Crimea  which  load  the  groaning  earth  with 

shauie.'" 

And  tliero  were  men  fifty  to  sixty,  and  even  seventy  years 
old  who  had  never  been  even  arrested  before,  and  were  inno- 
cent yet.  But  practical  masonry  in  its  greed  and  "  charity  "  (?) 
robs  the  cradle  and  the  grave. 

And  there  were  insr.ue  men  who  were  beaten  and  kicked  ; 
one  such,  however,  Avas  not ;  trc  he  Avoukl  have  killed  his  tor- 
menter  too  quick  and  sui  e. 

There  ranged  from  about  fifty-five  to  one  hundred  prisoners 
at  a  time,  but  several  would  come  and  go  nearly  every  month — as 
many  as  one  could  be  intimatejy  acquainted  Avith  and  tlieir 
.'arious  cases.  I  frequently  assisted  them  in  th^ir  correspond- 
ence as  to  their  cases,  etc.,  and  know  whereof  I  Avrite  as  to  the 
same. 

About  two-thirds  Avere  native  born.  About  twenty  per 
cent,  were  innocent.  Over  fifty  per  cent,  of  those  who  were 
guilty  were  caused  directly  or  indirectly  by  whiskey.  And 
many  Avho  Avere  innocent  had  only  dared  to  defend  them- 
selves against  whiskey. 

A  majority  of  the  prisoners  would  vote  for  prohibition  of 
Avhiskey. 

About  twenty  per  cent,  of  those  who  were  guilty  were 
natural  born  criminals  and  generally  calculated  to  join,  after 


,^   I 


1?^ 


t     ' 

f 


i:,llf: 


2G2 


A  Pilgrimage  in  Hell. 


m 


tlieir  release,  some  secret  charitable  gan<^,  "  so  that  they  too 
■would  have  overpowering  influence  at  court,  and  could  commit 
crime  Avith  impunity." 

Impiisonraent  will  never  reform  even  those  who  need  re- 
forming, upJil  the  courts  and  prison  officials  and  Governors  are 
reformed — they  being  ^t'orse  criminals  than  the  worst  they 
send  and  hold  in  prif5ou.  //  is  amazing  (lad  facts  so  simple  and 
vital  should  not  ()e  ohvious  to  all. 

"  The  AVISO  may  preach,  but  Asisor  nature  hIioavs 

That  half  our  horooH  but  from  miduight  scuniudrols  rose." 

For  the  last  s  3veral  years  the  big  hall  in  the  prison,  when 
all  Avere  in,  reseiii1)led  a  Avestern  saloon  except  the  bar  ;  card 
playing,  Avitli  Faro  and  other  gambling  games,  checkers,  chess, 
etc. ;  reading  and  talking,  chewing  and  smoking,  and  sometiiues 
singing  and  dancing,  with  an  occasional  fight.  HoAvever,  but 
one  man  Avas  ever  thu.s  laid  up  for  repairs — this  being  done  to 
the  "  hardpist  case  in  the  prison  "  bj'  "  the  most  peaceable  ami 
meek  of  all  " — Avith  a  knife. 

They  did  their  own  butchering  at  Seatco,  and  so  grasping 
Avere  these  charitable  brethren  tliat  they  did  this  on  Sunday, 
and  they  frequently  used  stock  that  had  been  killed  by  the 
railroad  or  Avas  suffering  from  disease. 

This  prison  av.is  difl'erent  from  any  other  in  the  Avorld, 
there  Avas  no  discipline,  or  humanity,  or  care  for  reform;  but 
rather  a  school  for  crime  ;  the  officials  being  teachers  by  })vo- 
ceptand  example — the  GoA'ernor  being  Avorthy-grand-high-chief 
of  villainy.  Work  and  money  wan  all  they  Avauted.  They  Avore 
a  grasping,  vulgar,  smutty-mouthed,  profane,  cavd-playiug, 
lying,  drunken,  brutal  outfit  of  masons. 

Every  means  Avas  nst'd  to  prevent  prisoners  from  getting 
out  legitimately— the  GoA'ernor  being  a  Avilling  tool. 

These  official  gentlemen  Asould  alienate  prisoners  from 
their  friends  in  Avays  that  were  dark  and  cruel,  and  th(>  ])etty 
tricks,  juggles,  frauds  and  cold-l)l<)oded  lying  one  had  to  sutVi'r, 
Avas  a  burning  torment  to  tlie  brain.  By  preventing  them  fi^m 
Avriting,  by  holdin";  back  and  squelching  their  letters,  by  lying 
about  their  conduct  and  their  cases.  For  example  :  A  prisoner's 
folks  had  Avritten  to  him  in  regard  to  his  appealing  his  case  to 


How  TO  EuN  A  Eeform  Prison. 


263 


the  supreme  court,  and  registered  tlie  letter ;  this  was  held  back 
for  over  a  year  till  it  was  too  late  to  do  him  any  good.  Another, 
on  hearing  that  the  Governor  was  going  to  a  place  near  where 
his  folks  were,  wrote  to  his  wife  accordingly,  so  she  could  meet 
and  plead  his  case  to  him  ;  this  was  held  back  till  the  Governor 
had  returned. 

And  many  letters  were  never  heard  from  at  all. 

They  took  all  the  writing  material  they  could  find  from 
the  prisoners  (they  robbed  them  of  it)  and  made  it  a  rule  that 
none  should  write  more  than  one  letter  a  nioi-th. 

This  I  say  was  evidently  done  to  alic^ifj.  them  from  their 
friends  and  a  helping  hand.;  as  though  friends  at  such  times 
didn't  drop  oft'  fast  enough  anyway,  and  also  to  prevent  victims 
of  the  gangs  from  making  their  cases  known  and  thus  "  make 
trouble "  by  exposing  their  villainy,  and  as  though  they 
could  not  squelch  and  steal  letters  fast  ent)ugh  as  it  was. 

Will  you  just  think  of  the  condition  of  m(ni  who  were  un- 
expectedly convicted?  Their  business  and  family  matters  un- 
settled ;  and  having  been  betrayed  and  sold  by  their  attorneys, 
their  cases  not  worked  up  so  as  to  enable  them  to  properly 
present  them  to  the  deaf  and  stony-hearted,  grasi  ing  and  high- 
priced  executive,  or  higlier  court ;  and  giings  of  robl)ers  left 
free-handed  and  encouraged  to  ravage  tlieir  unprotected  homes, 
property,  and  families — from  Avhom  they  have  been  kidnapped 
and  torn  by  j^rostitiiting  the  courts,  and  tvith  whom  they  are 
now  to  be  cut  off  from  all  certain  comrtiunicatvm. 

And  then,  for  the  G(<  »rnor  to  give  as  a  reason  for  holding 
them  in  siich  secret  bastiK ,  that  "thoy  might  make  trouble'' 
with  these  same  f-ourt-prostituti'  g-home-ravagers  and  thieves 
— his  brethren ! 

And,  moreover,  although  there  was  a  daily  mail,  it  was 
ouly  delivered  once  a  week,  if  at  all,  and  they  frecjuently  lield 
back  from  mailing  for  a  w^^ek  or  a  month  that  which  was  lumded 
out  to  mail — if  they  sent  it  at  all. 

For  example  :  A  prisoner  wrote  and  handed  out  a  hitter 
March  19;  not  hearing  from  it  in  a  month  he  wrote  to  the  same 
person  again  April  21,  he  jmying  f»>r  the  registering  of  each. 
It  transpired  that  they  were  mailed  together  Airril  2!ith,  thus 
holding  back  the  first  one  a'^^jut  six  w<  (dcs  and  the  other  eight  days. 


n*  \ 


^\\ 


\     *'  h 


i 


m  p'p 


E"''^-f 


■•.J 


:Mi. 


264 


A  Pilgrimage  in  Hell. 


Auotlier  letter  was  written  and  haucled  out  July  27,  mailed 
August  18 — held  back  twenty-two  days. 

Another  was  written  November  23,  to  a  Judge,  and  held 
back  till  December  5. 

Just  think  of  the  torment— the  in(iuisition  of  the  mind  of 
men  thus  treated  while  languishing  in  prison,  and  o/fcn  in  a 
(h/ing  condition  ! 

A  man  was  held  for  a  cancer  to  gnaw  his  lip,  face  and  life 
away.  His  neighbors  petitioned  in  vain  for  his  restoration  at 
the  outset  of  the  cancer,  when  it  could  have  been  cut  out.  He 
finally  put  up  a  large  sum  of  money  to  get  out,  ami  after  tor- 
turing delays  was  released  to  die  such  a  death.  He  was  au 
old  pioneer  and  a  good  citizen. 

A  man  complained  to  a  visiting  member  of  the  legislature 
that  he  had  sent  thirteen  letters  without  hearing  from  any,  and 
asked  him  to  smuggle  one  out  and  mail  it  for  him,  which 
he  willingly  did,  and  it  brought  a  reply. 

Frequently  guards,  ministers  and  <-»ther  visitors,  and  other.s 
intimate  Avith  prisoners  would  do  this.  TIds  was  real  charity  to 
the  oppressed,  and  better  than  armloads  of  tracts  and  sermons. 

Sometimes  letters  were  thrown  onto  passing  trains,  or 
dropped  on  the  road— trusting  to  tramps  and  Providence. 

A  sick  prisoner  whose  illness  the  officials  and  prison  doctor 
would  not  recognize,  wrote  to  an  eminent  physician  to  come 
and  give  him  a  thorough  examination  and  prescril)e  for  him ; 
this  they  would  not  sent.  Yet,  when  they  themselves  were 
sick — as  they  were  with  horrible  diseases — thei/  discard* d,  ti^ 
prison  doctors  for  others,  as  more  competent  to  treat  them. 
Letters  were  smuggled  to  wives,  brothers,  sisters,  etc.;  and  to 
judges,  ministers,  members  of  the  legislatures,  editors,  etc. 

But  it  ■'t^as  difficult  to  make  even  one's  own  friends  at  a  dis- 
tance undftrstand  the  horrible  condition  of  affiurs,  and  that  tlie 
Governor  was  so  loyal  to  the  gang.  One  said,  that  ho  couM 
not  make  "  his  own  mother  comprehend  this."  And  editors, 
etc.,  being  generally  of  the  same  brotherhood,  were  therefore 
loath  to  expose  its  crimes  and  cruelties  ;  though  occasionally 
some  of  the  press  had  something  to  say  in  condemnation  of  the 
Seatco  secret  hell,  clippings  of  which  I  have  preserved,  as  wIH 


nil 


mailed 
Qcl  liekl 

mincl  of 

ii'ii  in  a 

and  life 
ation  at 
ut.  Ho 
tter  tor- 
was  an 

Tislatiire 
any,  aud 
1,  which 

d  others 
'harlty  !■> 
cms. 

•ains,   or 

Ct'. 

11  doctor 
to  coiuo 
or  him ; 
OS   were 

r'!'<l  t> 
it  them. 
i;  and  to 

etc. 

at  a  dis- 
that  the 

110  could 

oditors, 
(lovoforo 
isioiuilly 

111  of  the 
I,  an  will 


How  TO  KuN  A  Reform  Prison. 


2G5 


hereafter  appear,  though  such  papers  were  generally  squelched 
from  the  prisoners. 

Of  course,  a  Governor,  icitli  hut  the  pardoning  poiver  alone, 
can  correct  any  prison  fibtise,  and  has  opportunities  to  shoio  the  same 
to  the  peopile. 

A  prisoner  undertook  to  register  his  letters ;  they  were  of 
vital  importance  and  he  wanted  them  to  go.  This  was  opposed 
ou  one  false  pretext  after  another,  until  they  found  chat  he 
could  get  them  out  in  some  other  way  unknown  to  them.  But 
then  they  Avould  frequently  delay  mailing  them,  refuse  to  giv(i 
up  receipts,  or  squelch  the  letters  entirely,  or  the  answers  to 
tliem.  Anyway,  many  answers  were  written  and  mailed  but 
not  received.  He  also  undertook  to  send  a  statement  or 
epitome  of  his  case  to  a  friend  to  publish ;  this  the  warden 
frequently  declared  he  "did  mail  and  register,"  and  he  charged 
for  it  accordingly;  but  he  "forgot  (?)  the  receipt."  No  return 
receipt  came  ;  he  would  not  permit  the  matter  to  be  traced  up, 
aud  the  M.  S.  S.  was  not  received.  So  he  evidently  stole  it. 
It  hud  cost  the  [prisoner  $5  to  get  a  cojjy  of  it  to  the  Executive 
offi'e.     I  will  give  this  epitome  to  the  reader  in  due  course. 

Complaints  wei'e  made  to  the  Governor  of  such  abuses, 
luit  they  might  just  as  well  have  been  made  to  the  devil.  He 
(litl  not  vrint  tlie  trne  cases  of  innocent  prisoners  to  be  n.dde  knotcn 
to  the  pablics  as  this  might  alleviate  their  sufferings,  compel  their 
release,  and  bring  condemnation  on  the  g<ang. 

It  appeared  that  the  Insane  asylum  was  also  run  by  a  gang 
of  midnight  gentry,  and  that  letters  of  the  inmutos  were  treated 
iu  the  same  m.aner  as  here.  But  oik;  of  the  sane  persons  they 
were  holding,  managed  to  live  to  get  her  liberty  in  some  way, 
iind  by  writing  a  pamphlet  and  otherwise  agitating  the  masonic 
abuses,  got,  after  mueh  opposition  and  by  fighting  it  throngli 
personally,  the  following  law  passed  by  the  legislatiire. 

The  Insane  Asvli'm  Act. 

The  following  is  the  text  of  the  liuv  "to  jirotect  iumates  of  iusaue 
asylums." 

Siio.  1.  B<'  it  eniH'/t'ti,  etc.,  That  hom-eforth  tliore  shall  lu>  no  ociisor- 
h1u|i  'xercised  over  the  correspouilence  of  the  inmates  of  insane  asvlnms, 
pxccjit  as  to  the  letters  to  them  direeted,  but  their  other  post  oflfiee  rifxhts 
i^hull  lie  as  free  and  unrestrained  as  are  those  of  any  other  resident,  or 


^^: 
" 


H' 


f  ■  A 


266 


A  Pilgrimage  in  Hell. 


j  •::; 


citizen  of  our  Territory,  and  be  under  the  protection  of  tlio  same  postal 
laws.  And  every  inmate  shall  be  allowed  to  write  one  letter  per  week,  to 
any  person  he  or  she  may  choose.  And  it  is  hereby  made  the  duty  of  the 
superintendent  to  furnish  each  and  every  inmate  of  each  and  every  inaaue 
asylum,  both  public  and  private  in  the  Territory  of  Washington,  with  suit- 
able material  for  writing,  enclosing,  sealing,  8tami:)ing  and  maiUng  letters, 
sufT'oicut  for  the  writing  of  one  foiir-page  letter  a  week,  jirovided  they  re- 
(piost  the  same,  unless  thoy  are  otherwise  furnished  with  it;  and  all  these 
letters  shall  be  dropped  by  the  writers  themselves,  accompanied  by  an  at- 
tendant when  necessary,  into  a  post  office  box,  pro^'ided  by  the  Territory 
at  the  institution,  in  some  plai'e  easily  accessible  to  all  the  patients;  and 
the  contents  of  these  boxes  shall  be  collected  at  least  as  often  as  once  in 
each  week,  by  an  authorized  post  office  agent.  And  it  is  hereby  made  the 
duty  of  the  suiierintendent  of  every  insane  asylum  in  the  Tenitory  of  AVfiSh- 
ington  both  public  and  private,  to  deliver  or  cause  to  be  dehvered  to  said 
l)erson,  any  letter  or  writing  to  him  or  her  directed,  i)rovided  the  iihysioiau 
in  charge  does  not  consider  the  contents  of  such  letter  dangerous  to  the 
mental  condition  of  the  patient. 

Sec.  2.  That  in  the  event  of  the  sudden  or  mysterious  death  of  any 
inmate  of  any  insane  a.sylum,  either  jjublic  or  i)rivate,  in  the  Territory  of 
Washington,  such  fact  shall  be  reported  by  the  superintendent  thereof  to 
the  coroner  of  the  county  in  which  siich  death  occurs,  or  to  the  nearest 
justice  of  the  peace  therein,  and  a  coroner's  imiuest  shall  be  held  as  pro- 
vided bv  law  in  other  cases.  And  in  all  asvlum  investigations,  the  testnnouv 
of  any  person  offered  as  a  witness,  whether  sane  or  insane,  shall  be  coni- 
l)etent,  and  the  court  and  jury  shall  be  the  sole  judges  of  the  credibility  of 
such  testimony. 

Bixj.  3.  That  any  person  refusing  or  neglecting  to  comiily  with,  or 
willfully  and  knowingly  violating  any  of  the  provisions  of  this  act,  .sliull 
ui)on  conviction  tlu.'reof,  be  i)uuished  by  imprisonm<>ut  in  the  peniteutiarv 
for  a  term  not  exceeding  three  year's,  or  by  fine  not  exceeding  five  huuilri'd 
dollars,  or  both  at  the  discretion  of  the  court,  and  shall  be  ineligible  to  urn- 
office  in  the  institution  afterward. 


If  the  coroner,  or  justice  of  the  peace,  court,  or  jury  were 
sworn  secret-brethren  to  those  who  had  poisoned  or  otherwise 
murdered  or  abused  inmates,  then  of  what  avail  woukl  be  sec. 
2  of  the  law,  or  sec.  1,  either  ? 

The  sane  inmate  they  had  hold,  endeavored  to  have  the 
mail  addressed  to  the  inmates,  protected  in  the  same  way,  but 
the  riir,'  influence  was  too  strong.  IVIwn  thus  auichdcd  iliis  shtinJd 
he  flic  law  as  io  all  iwisons,  and  "charitable'  (?)  brethren  .should  he 
disqualified  for  office. 

All  reasons  and  excuses  against  such  a  law  are  flimsy  and 


How  TO  Run  a  Reform  Puison. 


207 


false  and  against  equal  justice.  No  hlack-lcg  q(ficial  should  be 
allowed  to  touch  a  letter  addressed  to  or  by  a  prisoner. 

Remember  that  eveu  guilty  prisoners  are  not  worse  than 
other  men,  whose  persons  are  held  sacred  against  the  laws  they 
violate  with  impunity ! 

And  whether  they  are  or  nut,  none  but  a  tyrant  and  thief 
would  deny  them  a  public  heaving,  and  let  the  people  judge. 
And  if  such  a  law  was  universal  and  enforced,  thousands  of  iiiuo- 
cent  and  sane  j^t'isonci's  would  at  least  be  ht^ard  from,  uho  have 
never  yet  had  a  hearing  and  are  languishing  in  secret  prisons  in 
the  agony  of  despair ! 

When  everybody  knows  that  the  courts  and  other  functions 
of  government,  with  a  servile  press,  are  used  as  machines  to 
shield  the  worst  and  most  dangerous  criminals,  and  to  plunder 
and  ravage  for  the  gang,  that  they  are  sinks  of  prostitution, 
rotten  with  crime  and  soaked  with  the  hearts'  blood  of  tlio  in- 
nocent, n-ill  the  peojile  not  therefore  see  to  it,  that  these  innoceid  vic- 
tims shcdl  at  least  have  a  hearing  ? 

Freedom  of  speech  and  correspondence  are  completely  an- 
nihilated, and  their  lives  are  ini^erpetucd  danger,  wliile  their  pre- 
carious existence  depends  upon  the  fraud  or  v'-^lence  of  every- 
thing that  approaches  thom.  And  their  mental  faculties,  that 
should  aid  their  individual  and  corporal  weakness,  ure  unculti- 
vated and  neglectedybr  ivant  of  communication  icilh  their fiUow- 
ereatures. 

Do  not  he  too  much  deafened  by  the  chatter,  power  and  in- 
fluence of  the  gang,  to  hear  tlie  still  voice  of  personal  anguisli. 
At  least  think  (f  those  u'ho  are  languisliiitg  and.  dijing  vi/hoxt  a 
hearing,  while  ym;  are  reading  this  ! 

Though  secret-ring  men  are  seldom  prosecuted  for  their 
crimes,  except  in  a  farcical  way,  for  a  blind,  and  to  turn  the 
people's  money  into  their  pov'kets,yet,  when  one's  crime  has  be- 
come too  notorious,  and  the  people  are  watching,  in  spit('  of 
them  and  their  press  to  hide  it  or  give  it  another  name,  they 
may  apparently  permit  him  to  be  punished  as  other  men. — As 
example  :  There  was  one  such,  who  got  one  year  at  Seatco 
while  another  man,  for  the  same  kind  of  offense,  but  who  was 
less  guilty,  ha<l  four  and  a  half  jears.  The  gentleman  was  turn- 
ed into  th-v  hall,  with  the  rest  of  us,  to  amuse  himself  for  a 


i:|l|lf||:   ';v 
i'S.   :    ■ 


.  i  1;  i 


fi''iy^       H 


i 


2G8 


A  Pilgrimage  in  Hell. 


couple  of  days,  with  a  bottle  of  whiskey  and  his  pistol  in  his 
pockets ;  tlieu  he  was  turned  out  to  go  aboiit  the  country  and 
live  and  attend  to  his  business  as  he  pleased.  There  was  no 
censorship  exercised  over  Ji!s  correspondence.  He  was  an 
auctioneer  and  surveyor,  and  got  such  employment  about  the 
country  while  a  prisoner. 

The  people  living  near  the  prison  became  favorably  im- 
pressed with  many  of  the  prisoners,  who  were  frequently  en- 
gaged to  w(irk  for  them  on  their  release  without  any  prejiidice, 
and  sometimes  married  into  their  families.  One,  thus,  to  his 
eternal  shame,  became  related  to  one  of  the  prison  contractors. 
He  did  his  courting  while  a  prisoner. 

Another  example  of  a  secret  ring  man  who  had  followed  an 
unarmed  man  up  while  on  his  way  home  with  some  friends, 
and  shot  him  dead.  The  people  wanted  to  lynch  him,  but  he 
being  one  of  the  gang,  he  was  released  on  bail,  and  about  a 
year  after^xards  was  sentenced  to  two  and  a  half  years ;  but 
belonging  to  the  same  brotherhood  as  the  Governor,  he  soon 
pardoned  him  out,  wliije  spiirning  justice  and  the  expressed 
will  of  the  people,  to  release  others  who  had  never  been  guilty 
at  all.     And  he  know  it. 

For  years  no  minister  preached  to  the  prisoners.  I  re- 
member one  calling  in  to  visit  tliem  ;  the  warden  let  him  in  the 
hall  and  tlu'u  stood  iu  the  door  watching  him  as  though  afraid 
he  would  steal  something,  which  so  annoyed  the  preacher  (as 
was  intended)  that  he  soon  left,  saying,  that  "  the  warden  evi- 
dently wvivsidered  him  an  intruder,  and  wanted  him  to  leave." 
Another  preacher  said  that  he  "  would  come  and  j>reach  to  the 
boys  if  he  could  get  his  horse  fed  and  his  dinner,  but  that  they 
would  not  tluis  accommodate  him,"  so  he  did  not  come. 

Finally,  tlu^  legislature  provided  for  two  preachers,  each  to 
visit  the  prison  once  a  month,  and  under  this  provision  we  had 
five  or  six  difl!ereut  ones.  They  were  reminded  that  the  offi- 
cials and  Governor  needed  reforming  mc^re  than  their  prisoners 
which,  after  becoming  aviiuaiuted  with  both,  they  found  out 
themselvp?*  and  so  de<.'l*»,rt;d. 

Some  of  them  tiV)k  a  practical  interest  in  the  prisoners, 
and  ou  leai-ntug  hv-»w  their  letters  "were  stolen,  would  take  out 
letters  fcx  them,  aoid  would  also  write  letters  in  their  behalf. 


How  TO  Run  a  Reform  Piiison. 


269 


Oue  went  to  see  the  Governoi*  as  to  what  was  requii'ed  to 

secure  the  release  of  oue  of  the  innocent  prisoners  (Mr.  D ) 

■whose  case  he  (the  preacher)  had  iuvesti<4ated  and  fonnd  to  be 
so.     His  Excellency  put  him  off  Avith  "  Oh,  yes ;  I  have  seen 

Mr.  D ,  and  he  told  me  all  about  his  case.     I  am  considor- 

inj?  it,  good-day."  He  had  never  exchanged  a  .siiKjIe  iroyd  with 
tlie  prisoner  about  his  case.  The  fact  was,  these  ring  Governors 
did  not  icant  to  knoio  of  a  prisoner's  innocence,  and  would  sneor 
at  and  close  their  ears  and  eyes  to  the  viosf,  j^o.sitlue  proof  there- 
of ;  and  the  plaintive  wails  of  their  helpless  suffering  victims 
was  as  music  to  their  little  cankered  souls.  The  Judiciary 
boiug  a  part  of  the  gang,  was  good  to  them  and  "  must  be  iip- 
held." 

Mr.  Parker  was  the  bravest,  and  most  earnest  and  practi- 
Cid  of  any  minister  that  we  had,  and  we  were  all  always  so  glad 
to  see  him  come  and  visit  us  ;  he  would  ccmdemn  the  black- 
legs as  frankly  as  did  any  prisoner,  and  he  tried  to  get  the 
Avarden  removed,  and  get  some  one  with  some  good  morals  in 
liis  place  ;  said  that  he  "  had  written  several  letters  to  the 
Governor  making  serious  charges  against  the  officials,  but  that 
he  (the  Governor)  would  not  even  answer  his  letters."  Then 
he  applied  to  the  legislature  to  reform  the  abuses,  to  which  his 
Excellency  (?)  replied  by  bouncing  Mr.  Parker.  I  believe  that 
the  Governor  was  virtually  sworn  to  shield  the  other  officials, 
as  they  belonged  to  the  same  oath-bound  society. 

No  evangelist  need,  however,  to  expect  the  confidence,  or 
even  respect,  of  prisoners  who  will  not  o/>enlj/  coiidemn  o(jid(i] 
cruidnah,  and  advocate  just  ice  tit  their  vielims. 

Mr.  Parker  had  been  so  prejudiced  or  rather  misinformed 
as  to  these  prisoners  that  he  was  vtn-y  timid  on  his  first  visit  to 
tliem,  as  though  afraid  of  his  life,  and  was  accompanied  in  the 
hall  with  a  guard ;  he  stopped  near  the  door,  delivered  his 
sermon,  and  got  out  as  quick  as  one  would  from  a  den  of  lions. 
But  by  the  next  time  he  came  he  had  informed  himself  and 
came  in  alone,  and  then,  as  ever  afterwards,  went  the  length  of 
tlie  hall  shaking  hands  in  familiar  intercourse  and  getting 
acquainted  with  a.s  many  as  he  could,  and  did  his  })reachiug  at 
the  further  end  of  the  hall.  He  woiikl  thus  proU)ng  his  visits 
declaring  that  "  the  association  of  the  prisoners  as  a  whole, 


1 

m 

yn 

1 

■MpPi 

-  i'"4  '! 

1 

i 


lU' 


I 


270 


A  Pilgrimage  in  Heli.. 


"\vji8  mucli  moi'e  congenial  to  him  tliau  that  of  the  officials  who 
■would  rather  play  cards  and  talk  smut  than  to  hear  him  or  the 
others  pieach  morality  and  justice,"  and  they  did  so  at  the 
same  time  in  an  adjoining  room.  The  other  ministers  were 
also  very  good  and  sociable  and  all  that ;  but  they  were  afraid 
fo  oppose  and  f[iht  the  devil  tvJiere  he  had  any  poiver,  and  were 
therefore  of  little  practical  use. 

There  was  a  board  of  prison  directors,  including  the  Gov- 
ernor, but  as  they  were  brother  masons  to  the  contractors, 
they  played  a  very  silly  and  cruel  farce.  Such  hoards  of  htrth- 
ren  are  a  useless  expense  to  the  people  ;  they  are  icorse  than  useless, 
for  they  can  screen  and  whitewash  abuses  and  blind  the  people. 

I  remember  a  picnic  party  visiting  the  prison  on  a  4th  of 
July;  their  sociability,  the  songs  they  and  the  prisoners  sang,  and 
the  kindly  feeling  they  manifested  to  them  on  seeing  and  learn- 
ing some  of  the  cruelties  practiced  here  by  secret  villainy — 
some  weeping ;  the  superintendent  growled  out  that  he 
"  wished  they  would  stay  away  and  not  be  slinging  tlieir  snot 
arouiwl  here."  He  was  pretty  drunk,  but  drunk  or  sober,  this 
expressed  his  style  and  feeling. 

A  sick  prisoiier  pleading  to  him  to  be  excused  from  work, 
using  the  names  of  the  doctor  and  Governor,  would  get  in  re- 
ply, "  By  G-o-a-d,  /  am  the  doctor  !  [  am  the  Governor,  and  / 
am  tlie  laic,  too,  by  G  o-a-d  !  "  And  so  he  avus.  A  whole 
community  woiild  earnestly  petition  the  Governor  to  justly 
restore  a  prisoner  to  them,  but  in  vain,  against  the  crook  of  this 
animal's  little  finger. 

He  Avould  promise  prisoners  to  assist  them  in  getting  re- 
leased, and  then  evidently  oppose  it.  He  promised  one  that 
"  if  he  would  keep  quiet  and  work  faithfully  for  two  years  he 
would  then  take  hold  and  assist  him  to  get  released,"  and  poor 
Ben  believed  it.  No  man  was  more  "  quiet  "  or  worked  more 
faithfully  than  he  ;  so  when  the  two  long,  weai-y  years  were 
thus  worked  and  suffered  out,  he  suggested  to  the  gentleman 
that  he  make  the  promised  efibrt,  and  got  this  in  return, 
"  Oh  !  if  I  was  in  your  place,  Ben,  I  wouldn't  bother  the  Gov- 
ernor about  it — there  is  France !  if  he  had  not  been  so 
anxious  about  it  he  would  have  been  out  l-o-n-g  ago."  France 
had  then  been  in  about  two  and  a  half  years,  and  poor,  honest 


1  work, 

in  re- 

ukI  / 

wliole 

justly 

:  of  this 


that 
ars  he 
1  pool- 
more 
8  were 
ilemaii 
return, 
e  Gov- 


^f<ti.'         !^^i^'-~:~=^~T^—^}'""'.    „.--    V.-^l 1— ^-^ 


Sick  Prisoner. 
"You  goto  work!    for  /am  the  Doctor,  the  Governor,  and  the  law  too!" 

© 


^> 


(271) 


li  ,J 


i^; 


\'\]^ 


1,4 1 
1 1^1' 


iv- 


I) 


»ll 

'             '"■  '     '  iii' " 

II  l^'' 

*       ■  i 

i^Hi -•' 

^^Hn 

tl-< 

"^Hi 

r: 

'^^Hl 

K 

272 


A  Pilgrimage  in  Hell. 


o 


e 


Ben  is  not  released  yet.  He  was  a  peaceable,  liaril-workiiijj;, 
honest  man  all  of  liis  life,  is  a  cripple,  and  in  repellinj^  a  had 
assault  shot  his  assaihiiit  and  ho  died.  He  was  told  that  "  if 
he  would  swear  that  his  assailant  was  reaching  beliind  him  (as 
others  do)  he  would  prohahly  come  clear,  otherwise  theymif];lit 
hang  lain;"  he  re})li(Hl  that  "they  might  hang  him  but  ho 
would  not  lie,"  and  lie  gotfourttMMi  years  in  prison  accordingly. 
This,  while  other  men  had  killed  their  man  in  cold  blood  and 
were  acipiitted,  or  not  even  tried  at  all.  He  had  the  same 
shyster  lawyers  that  did  me  iip,  and  they  were  a  curse  to  him 
also.  They  took  all  of  his  property  except  $50,  which  one  of 
them  was  to  collect  and  send  to  him  ;  but  he  could  never  g(it 
even  a  re])ly  to  any  one  of  a  tlozeu  letters  ;  and  when  he  even 
begged  for  enough  to  buy  a  few  postage  stamps.  Ncnv,  if  ;i 
black-leg  Governor  thought  he  would  want  to  collect  that  .Si"3(), 
he  would  hold  him  till  the  last  minute  to  keep  him  from  "  be- 
ing troul)lesome  "  to  a  brother  thief. 

An  inexperienced  man  is  easily  convicted  when  his  lawyers 
are  traitors,  (in'l  Ihoj  so  oftoi  are.  For  example  I  give  this  :  Au 
old,  hard-working,  prosperous  settlor  was  jerked  up  and  thrown 
into  the  grasj)  of  the  "  law,"  and  was  told  by  his  Luvyer — "  au 
honored  member  of  the  bar"— at  "trial"  that  he  "could  not 
be  sworn  in  his  own  behalf,"  and  was  likewise  kept  from  prov- 
ing an  alibi ;  so  there  was  no  evidence  in  his  own  behalf,  and  he 
got  twelve  years  at  Seatco.  Just  because  two  of  the  gang 
swore  that  he  had  assaulted  one  of  them  with  a  shot  gun ; 
when,  in  fact,  he  was  at  a  ])lace  six  miles  away  at  the  time  the 
assault  was  said  to  have  been  made  (tlunigh  there  Avas  no 
wound)  which  alibi  was  afterwards  established.  Yet  the  ring 
Governor  replied  that  "  we  have  a  good  Judiciary  which  must 
be  upheld." 

If  the  Judiciary  Avas  good,*it  would  not  be  run  by  black- 
leg shysters  ;  nor  Avould  the  testimony  of  midnight  conspirators 
be  taken  as  evidence  against  other  men  ;  nor  would  members 
of  the  gang  select  the  jury. 

"The  law  is  a  sort  of  hocus-pocus  science,  that  smiles  in 
your  face  while  it  picks  your  pocket,  and  the  glorious  uncer- 
tainty of  it  is  of  more  use  to  the  professors,  than  the  justice  of 
it." 


© 


How  TO  Run  a  IIefoum  Piiihon. 


273 


lies  ill 

uucer- 

5tice  of 


"Ami,  iuileed,  the  groatOHt  imrt  of  nmiikind  iucHo  far  from  liviii-^  ac- 
conliug  to  the  laws,  that  they  hardly  know  tln'iii ;  Imt  whou  they  havo 
hiuiit'<l,  thf\v  learn  from  others  that  tliev  have  tnins^^reHsed  tlie  law.  Those 
also  who  are  iu  the  highest  and  principal  jiosts  of  tlio  (tovernment  eoufciss 
they  are  uot  aci]nainted  with  those  laws,  and  are  obliged  to  take  Hueh 
jicrsous  for  their  asHesHors  iu  i)iil»U(!  administrations  as  profess  to  have 
skill  in  those  laws." 

"If  any  JmlgOH  take  hrilios,  their  imnishment  isd'  -th.  And  he  that 
overlooks  one  that  olFers  him  a  petition,  and  this  when  1.  is  ahle  to  relieve 
Liin,  he  is  a  guilty  person. — Laws  of  Moses." 

As  to  Seatco  fare  :  Tliey  would  kill  lieef  aiul  salt  it  dowu 
a  yt^Jir  ulioad,  iisiu^  too  much  saltpetre  ;  and  then  it  would 
ol'teu  1)6  spoiled.  Some  spoiled  moat  was  sliowu  to  the  Gov- 
ernor who  declared  "  that  it  was  good  ! "  right  iu  the  face  of 
seveuty-five  men  who  kuew  he  lied,  and  he  knew  that  they 
knew  he  lied.  Should  the  testimony  of  such  men  be  taken  as 
evidence  in  or  out  of  court  ? 

The  cook  told  the  superintendent  that  "  the  men  would 
uot  eat  that  meat. '  "  Well,"  he  replied,  "  send  it  back  again." 
"But  suppose  they  don't  eat  it  then?"  *' Well,  by  G-o-a-d, 
yoHJmf  send  it  back  till  they  do  eat  it.'" 

They  had  plenty  of  ground,  and  plenty  of  labor  that  the 
people  paid  them  seventy  cents  a  day  for  using,  so  they  had 
plenty  of  common  vegetables ;  but  with  little  or  nothing  to 
cook  with  them  it  was  like  hog  feed,  and  old  potatoes  were 
sometimes  used  two  or  three  months  after  their  season. 

Sometimes  a  part  of  the  men  would  refuse  to  work  on  ac- 
count of  the  poor  grub,  and  consequently  go  on  bread  and 
water — which  they  would  say  was  "  about  all  they  were  getting 
anyway."  But  this  not  being  as  profitable  as  their  labor,  the 
fare  would  improve  a  little.  And  then  on  account  of  such 
"misconduct"  their  abatement  of  time  rightfully  earned,  would 
bo  denied  them.  But  they  did  not  thus  lose  very  much,  /or 
rtohodij  got  siich  ahateinent  oj  time,  leitli  very  rare  exeejftionfi—  just 
enough  to  swear  by,  and  create  false  hopes  in  others. 

Here  is  an  example  or  two  of  "  bad  conduct  "  reports  :     A 

cou])le  of  boys  had  come  for  five  years  ;  had  put  in  the  most  of 

the  time ;  had  never  been  punished  or  charged  with  any  bad 

conduct,  and  were  trustees— could  go  where  they  liked  so  they 

18 


# 


iililJH 


i  i  >  r  : ! , 


,, 


mi-'^^ 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


/. 


Ay 


A' 


1.0 


HA 


■28     1 2.5 

US  y^   IJ2.2 
*>i  BOA    w^m 

1.1     l"^^ 


■ 

1.25  ,|U      ,.6 

^ 

6"     

► 

Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  M5S0 

(716)  •72-4S03 


,\ 


iV 


A 


^^ 


:\ 


\ 


C^ 


s 


t/j 


I 


'II 


In 

'iHi 

■  1    ''. 

!     ^ 

P 

! 

jR: 

;:                  f. 

h 

274 


A  Piir.niMAOE  IN  Heli* 


did  not  uoglect  their  work  ;  their  friends  got  a  good  petition  for 
their  pardon — including  the  injured  party  — and  one  of  thciu 
took  it  to  the  Governor.  The  Governor  tohl  him  if  he  would 
get  a  certificate  from  the  prison  superintendent  -  (always  one 
of  the  contractors) — of  their  good  conduct  there,  he  "  would  let 
them  gf)."  So  the  friend  proceeded  to  the  prison,  where  he 
saw  for  himself  how  the  boys  were  trusted,  etc.;  he  then  made 
his  recjuest  to  the  superintendent  who  was  thus  forced  to  admit 
the  good  conduct  of  the  boys  ;  but  instead  of  giving  the  friend 
a  certificate  in  accordance  with  the  same,  he  promised  to 
"  forthwith  Avrite  and  mail  it  to  the  Governor."  The  boys  not 
being  released,  the  friend  made  another  visit  to  the  Governor, 
and  there  found  their  conduct  certified  to  be  "  uni/ormhj  had" 
This  ever^'body  thereabouts  fnid  the  Governor  himself  knew  to 
be  false  ;  but  it  was  "  official  "  and  done  for  a  pretext  to  stab 
justice  and  the  expressed  will  of  the  people.  The  boys  were  then 
told  that  "it  was  useless  to  bother  the  Governor  any  more  about 
it  for  he  would  not  let  them  go,"  and  he  didn't ;  though  they 
got  some  abatement  of  time  on  account  of  their  conduct  being 
"uniformly  good" 

The  friends  of  a  .jrisoner  who  was  working  in  the  sash 
and  door  factory,  on  applying  for  his  release,  got  from  the 
Governor,  as  a  reason  for  denying  their  petition,  "  that  he  had 
broken  some  machinery,"  this  was  the  first  that  he  or  any  of  his 
associates  had  heard  of  any  such  thing.  It  was  fdse,  but  it  was 
"official,"  and  being  from  a  secret  brother,  it  was  "  lawful,"  and 
a  lie.  A  prisoner  paid  a  lawyer  $10,  and  in  various  other  ways 
tried  to  g(>t  a  brief  of  whatever  Avas  on  file  at  the  executive  office 
concerning  him,  but  utterhj  filled  to  get  it  done.  The  Govenioi' 
ii'ould  squeleh  petitions  and  other  documents  that  were  favor'cdile  to 
a  prisoner. 

Prisoners  were  promised  (by  the  officials)  certificates  of 
good  conduct  and  also  recommendations  for  pardon,  and  in 
some  cases  it  was  declared  that  this  "  had  h'en  done,'*  and  yet 
the  Governor  would  declare  to  their  friends  that  "their  con- 
duct was  bad,"  as  an  excuse  for  holding  them  agtdnst  the  solxi' 
second  thought  of  the  people. 

"  In  Avhatever  manner  governments  insensibly  grf)W  aniouij; 
mankind,  the   power  consists  in  the  aggregate   mass   of  the 


How  TO  Run  a  Reform  Prison. 


275 


iou  for 
if  the  in 

i  WC)Ul<l 

lys  one 
3ul(l  let 
liere  lie 
^n  made 
to  admit 
e  friend 
lised  to 
ooys  not 
overnor, 
iilji  h<i(l'' 
knew  to 
t  to  stab 
rere  then 
y:e  al)out 
ugli  they 
ict  being 

the  sash 
from  the 
t  he  had 
ny  of  his 
)ut  it  was 
ful,"  and 
her  ways 
ive  office 
Govi'i'iiiyi' 
vorohh'  to 

Ificates  of 
In,  and  ill 
1'  and  yet 
Iheir  con- 
Y  the  soJx'i' 

[)W  amonc; 


people,  though  it  is  exercised  by  the  few  who  are  trusted  with 
it,  and  who  would  cease  to  have  any  power  at  all  to  exercise,  if 
the  people  should  refuse  to  obey  and  to  enforce  their  authority. 
It  is  clear,  therefore,  that  the  Governors  were  made  for  (he 
(jnvernvd,  and  that  it  is  an  ahme  of  the  Institution  ivhcncver  the 
happiness  of  the  governed  is  made  subservient  to  that  of  the  Gov- 
ernors" 

The  chief  officer  of  the  Bastile  being  always  interested 
against  a  prisoner's  justice,  and  considering  the  kind  of  creat- 
ures they  were  anyway,  it  was  outrageous  and  masonry  to 
allow  him  to  be  "  Governor,  Doctor,  and  the  Law,  by  G-o-a-d  !  " 

The  Governor  and  company  ivere  thus  the  most  cruel,  relent- 
less enemies  in  advance  to  a  prisoner  ;  he  did  not  make  them  so,  re- 
iiieinlter  ;  the}'  were  already  made  so,  and  thirsting  for  his 
heart's  blood ! 

The  Governor  could  easily  know  the  true  conduct  of  any 
man  there,  if  he  cared  to  know,  and  he  gowraUi/  did  knoiv  it  in 
spite  of  himself. 

However,  their  conduct  as  citizens  at  home,  and  justice, 
which  whole  communities  knew,  and  frequently  testified  to, 
would  interest  and  govern  him  more  if  he  was  a  good  citizen 
himself  and  an  honest  official. 

^lany  of  the  guards,  from  fir^t  to  last,  were  pretty  good 
men  and  some  were  first  class  ;  but  such  did  not  often  remain 
loug ;  while  the  worst  were  never  discharged  and  never  quit. 
They,  however,  sometimes  died — drinking  themselves  to  death. 
They  would  take  a  quart  bottle  of  whiskey  with  them  every 
day,  and  for  months  at  a  time  did  not  draw  a  sober  breath. 

The  "  Governor-doctor-and-law "  gentleman  finally  got 
down  also  ;  his  toes  rotting  off,  and  his  legs  were  cut  off  just 
where  he  had  riveted  heavy  irons  on  so  many  innocent  sufFer- 
iug  victims,  Avho  now  felt  that  "  Heaven  is  sometimes  just,  and 
pays  us  back  in  measures  that  we  mete." 

' '  Though  the  mills  of  God  grind  slowly, 
Yet  they  griud  exceedingly  sniiiU  ; 
Though  with  patieuee  he  stands  waiting, 
With  exactness  grinds  he  all." 

If  honestly  dealt  with,  half  of  the  prisoners  would  not  run 
away,  were  they  not  guarded  at  alL    I  give  an  example.     A 


'  1 


iilli 


276 


A  Pilgrimage  in  Hell. 


guard,  who  was  always  good  to  the  boys,  while  working  a  ganf» 
of  eight  or  ten  in  the  woods,  fell  asleep,  and  thus  slept  till  the 
superintendent  was  seen  approaching,  when  one  of  the  meu 
woke  him  up  "  for  Old  Shead  is  coming,"  There  was  but  two 
in  the  gang  that  wanted  to  run  away,  but  they  Avould  not  do  so 
from  Lon,  but  did  afterwards  from  other  guards.  One  of  the 
superintendents  refused  to  give  men  who  were  working  hardiu 
his  hay  field  a  drink  of  buttermilk,  "  because  he  wanted  it  for 
his  hogs." 

The  secretary  of  the  prison  said  that  it  "  cost  the  con- 
tractors less  than  twenty  cents  each  per  day  to  keep  the  pris- 
oners," and  sometimes,  when  drunk,  would  say  that  he  kept 
two  sets  of  books,  one  set  being  private  and  that  "this  was  cor- 
rect." It  was  said  also,  that  "  there  was  never  a  credit  mark 
for  an}'  prisoners,  but  plenty  of  black  ones." 

A  prisoner's  mother  finding  that  the  Governor  spurned 
the  judgment  and  expressed  will  of  the  people  most  interested, 
as  to  releasing  her  son,  came  and  placed  $100  in  his  hand,  and 
told  him  to  "  jump  away,"  and  he  did. 

A  prisoner  loaned  to  one  of  the  contractors  over  $1,000  iu 
gold  "  for  a  few  days  only,"  and  could  never  recover  it.  The 
court  gave  a  judgment  foi  the  amount,  but  the  law  would  work 
no  further  against  the  secret  brother.  Many  years  afterwards, 
when  the  victim  was  finally  released,  it  was  on  condition  that 
he  leave  and  stay  away  irom  the  country,  so  as  not  to  be 
"  troublesome "  tc  the  thieves  who  had  looted  him.  And  it 
was  whispered  that  he  had  to  receipt  in  full  for  the  $2,100 
which  was  then  due  him.  He,  however,  returned  to  his  home, 
and  when  the  Governor  had  him  arrested  to  be  re-imprisoued. 
Judge  Wingard  turned  him  loose.  He  complained  of  attempts 
being  made  to  poison  him,  and  he  often  regretted  his  not  ac- 
cepting an  oflfer  to  buy  his  liberty  years  before  for  a  large  sum 
of  coin  in  bank;  but,  being  ignorant  of  the  men  he  had  to  deal 
with,  he  expected  to  get  out  on  the  merits  of  his  cause. 

From  Josephis.  -  "  Nor  was  there  any  sort  of  wickeduess 
that  could  be  named,  but  Albinus  had  a  hand  in  it,  he  did  not 
only  steal  and  plunder  every  one's  substance,  nor  did  he  only 
burden  the  whole  nation  with  taxes,  but  he  permitted  the  re- 
lations of  such  as  were  iu  prison  for  robbery  to  redeem  them 


b  till  the 
he  meu 
but  two 
ot  do  so 
e  of  the 
5  liardiu 
ed  it  for 

the  con- 

the  pris- 

he  kept 

was  cor- 

dit  mark 

spurued 
iterested, 
laud,  aud 

n,000  iu 
it.    The 
)uld  work 
terwards, 
itiou  that 
lot  to  be 
.     Aud  it 
ihe  $-2,100 
his  home, 
iprisoued, 
'  attempts 
is  not  ac- 
large  sum 
id  to  deal 
ie. 

ickeduess 
le  did  not 
d  he  only 
id  the  re- 
eem  them 


7i  ifi 


m 


278 


A  PiLOHiM>GE  IN  Hell. 


V  ! 


PI      '        I 


with  money,  aud  uobody  remained  in  the  prisons  but  he  who 
gave  him  nothing.  The  principal  men  among  them  purchasiuf 
leave  of  Albinus  to  go  on  with  their  evil  practice,  while  that 
part  of  the  people  who  delighted  in  disturbances  joined  them- 
selves to  such  as  had  fellowship  with  Albinus,  and  every  one 
of  those  wicked  wretches  was  encompassed  with  his  own  band 
of  robbers,  while  himself,  like  an  arch  robber  or  a  tj'rant  made 
a  figure  among  his  company,  and  abused  his  authority  over 
those  about  him,  in  order  to  plunder  those  that  lived  quietly. 
The  eflfect  ol  which  was  this,  that  those  who  lost  their  goods 
were  forced  to  hold  their  peace,  when  they  had  reason  to  sliow 
great  indignation  at  what  they  had  suflfered  ;  but  those  who  h;ui 
escaped,  were  forced  to  flatter  him  that  deserved  to  be  pun- 
ished, out  of  the  fear  they  were  in  of  suffering  equally  with  the 
others.  Upon  the  whole,  nobod}-  durst  speak  their  minds,  for 
t^'ranny  was  generally  tolerated,  and  at  this  time  were  these 
seeds  soAvn  which  brought  Jerusalem  to  destruction. 

And  though  such  was  the  character  of  Albinus,  yet  did 
Gessius  riorus,  who  succeeded  him  [as  Roman  Governor— 
A.D.  06]  demonstrate  him  to  have  been  a  most  excellent  person 
upon  the  comparison,  he  omitted  no  so/t  of  rapine  or  of  vexa- 
ation.  Where  the  case  was  really  pitiable,  he  was  most  bar- 
barous, and  in  things  of  the  greatest  turpitude,  he  was  most 
impudent.  Nor  could  anyone  outdo  him  in  disguising  the 
truth,  nor  could  anyone  contrive  more  subtle  ways  of  deceit 
than  he  did.  He,  indeed,  thought  it  but  a  petty  oflfense  to  get 
money  out  of  single  persons,  aud  did  almost  publicly  proclaim 
it  all  the  country  over,  that  they  had  liberty  given  them  to 
turn  robbers,  on  this  condition  that  he  might  go  shares  with 
them  in  the  spoils  they  got." 

There  was  a  room,  20x20  feet,  in  the  gang's  bastile  that  was 
used  for  a  shoe-making  shop,  tailor-shop,  and  hospital,  except 
when  there  were  women  prisouei's,  when  it  was  occupied  bv 
them ;  the  tailor  aud  shoemaker  going  up  to  the  unfinished 
garret,  and  the  sick — well,  nobody  was  supposed  to  be  sick. 
An  invalid  lay  on  his  back  on  a  table  in  the  big  hall  for  seveu 
or  eight  months  with  a  hip  disease,  and  the  sick,  when  able, 
frequently  bought  their  own  medicine.     This  hall  was  as  much 


How  TO  KuN  A  Kefoiim  PmsoN. 


279 


"  the  hospital  "  as  was  the  tailor  auJ  shoe  shop — and  there  was 
no  other. 

However,  oue  woman  prisoner  occupied  a  shanty  in  the 
yard  for  two  and  a  half  yeart.  This  was  an  Indian  woman, 
who,  being  jealous  of  her  husband,  a  white  man,  at  a  diince 
waylaid  and  shot  him  dead  while  he  was  returning  home  ;  and 
he  not  being  a  secret  brotherhood  man,  it  was  not  considered 
much  of  a  crime  to  thus  kill  him.  She  was  also  allowed  to 
bring  her  three  children  with  her,  the  gang  getting  Jiixty 
ctuits  each  per  day  for  them,  besides  the  seventy  cents  for 
their  mother. 

One  of  the  contractors  was  married  to  an  Indian  woman — 
does  any  one  suppose  that  had  she  killed  him  in  a  like  manner 
she  would  have  got  off  so  light  ? 

An  Indian  boy  was  sick  with  a  scrofula  disease,  and  begged 
and  cried  to  be  let  "go  home  to  his  mother,"  who, he  was 
"  snir,  would  cure  him  "  and  other  Indians  declared  that  "just 
sut'li  cases  were  cured  by  them."  But  he  begged  and  cried  in 
vain  ;  he  being  held  to  die  by  inches  without  suitable  food  or 
care  and  crying  to  "go  home!"  His  chum,  who  had  come 
with  him,  wanted  to  wheel  him  to  the  station  and  see  him 
home;  their  time  by  this  time  Imcing  ncarli/  expired —hut  the 
last  drop  of  blood  must  be  wrung  out. 

They  were  convicted  of  stealing  a  little  grub  from  a  wood- 
man's cabin— while  white  men  who  loot  whole  ranches  are  run 
for  office.  This  is  but  a  sample  case  where  hapless  prisoners 
were  thus  held  on  to,  to  miserably  die  by  inches  ;  when  an  un- 
tamed cannibal  would  have  let  them  go  home  and  be  cured. 
The  treatment  of  this  boy  drove  his  Indian  chum  to  despera- 
tion ;  though  having  but  a  few  days  to  stay,  he  jumped  the 
place,  procured  a  gun,  and  declared  for  vengeance  — though 
having  been  peaceably  disposed  always  before. 

*'  Drt'iid/id  it  iras  to  see  the  i]h(xstbf  stare, 
The  stdiii/  look  of  horror  inid  dexjniir, 
Which  some  of  these  expiritty  rktbns  cast, 
Upon  their  soid's  tomnentor  to  the  hist. 

Uj)07i  th(d  vtovkitttj  fiend,  whose  veil  now  raised, 

Showed  them  as  in  death's  ayonif  they  f/azed. — Moore" 

A  white  woman,  with  a  large  family  of  small  children,  told 


280 


A  Pii-diJiMAdE  IN  Hell 


f>  \ 


1  '     *!  ,  ^ 


fl 


I  'ill 


:)       ,?'. 


ti ".; 


'I'     Hi 


her  boy  to  defend  their  home  which  they  had  dug  out  of  the 
woods,  agaiust  a  secret  riug  jumper  who  was  then  tearing 
down  their  fence,  and  the  boy  did  so  eflectually  as  to  him ;  there- 
fore the  mother  was  sent  to  Seatco  for  five  years,  and  with 
never  a  child  to  comfort  her.  Her  aggravated  agony  and  heart- 
rending moauings  for  her  little  children,  left  in  sore  distress, 
as  she  walked  the  floor  night  and  day  in  a  frenzy  of  gi'ief  and 
despair,  would  make  any  honest  man  curse  the  court  that 
desolates,  loots  and  murders  honest,  hard  earned  homes,  in- 
stead of  at  least  lending  a  hand — without  eating  up  the  place — 
for  their  protection. 

One  morning,  this  virtuous,  home-loving  mother  of  a  large 
family  of  helpless  children,  was  found  hanging  to  a  post  in  her 
cell,  dead.     Did  she  do  it '?  or  was  she  horribly  murdered  ? 

An  executive  or  other  prison  official,  who  spurns  every 
crumb  of  justice  or  of  charity,  and  even  decent  usage,  to  one  of 
these  luckless  looted  victims — whose  shrieks  of  torture  is  to 
them  the  essence  of  delight — should  be  made  to  suffer  in  kind. 

I  was  present  when  the  Governor' s  attention  was  called  to 
this  event  and  the  friendly  post— he  manifested  no  more  feel- 
ing than  had  the  victim  been  a  rat. 

Another  woman,  to  repel  an  indecent  assault,  threw  a 
lamp  at  her  assailant,  and  he  died.  This  was  also  made  a 
crime  and  she  was  sent  to  the  bastile  with  promises  of  aspeedy 
release — as  is  so  common  tvith  the  deceivers.  She  soon  found 
these  promises  to  be  a  delusion  and  lie,  and  after  an  illness 
died.  It  was  the  prison  talk  that  for  months  she  did  not  go  to 
bed  at  night  on  account  of  fear  ;  and  that  during  her  illness 
one  of  the  officials  gave  her  frequent  doses  of  medicine.  She 
had  no  female  attendant,  indeed,  none  had. 

There  were  several  different  doctors  at  different  times,  but 
they  hardly  ever  exercised  any  authority.  One,  however,  told 
a  prisoner  with  much  feeling,  that  he  was  getting  the  heart 
disease  from  his  troubles  and  sufferings,  and  to  "  just  look  out 
and  care  for  himself,  for  nobody  else  would,  and  called  him  back 
when  he  had  been  called  out  to  work,  telling  him  not  to  work,  ex- 
cept as  he  felt  able  if  he  valued  his  life !  "  This  doctoi',  however, 
soon  got  bounced,  but  the  sick  prisoner  was  held  on  to  with  a 
vicious,  craving  desire  to  wring  out  and  lap  his  heart's  blood. 


How  TO  Run  a  Reform  Piuson. 


281 


After  a  long  time  a  few  newspapers  were  got  to  condemn 
the  cruelties  at  Seatco  (Seatco  is  Indian  for  "  the  devn  s 
home").  One  paper  (.S'<'a///('  C/iroiiich)  demanded  a  change,  or 
it  woukl  expose  the  whole  brutal  swindle.  This  had  a  good 
oftVct,  so  that  even  the  Governor  recommended  that  the  legisla- 
ture buy  movable  irons  and  do  away  with  the  others,  and  it 
authorized  him  to  do  ho  /orf/mUL  Yet  it  was  nhont  ti  i/iar 
before  he  got  them,  and  tiro  (Did  a  lialf  yearn  before  the  others 
were  done  away  with,  which  displayed  how  earnest  he  was  to 
lessen  the  misery  of  better  men. 

Those  permanent  irons  broke  down  many  a  good  man,  and 
caused  more  to  jump  away  than  they  kept  from  it.  Some, 
while  striking  for  their  liberty,  were  shot.  One  was  sliot 
through  the  heart,  it  was  said,  after  he  had  stopped,  turned 
round,  and  thrown  u])  his  hands  ;  and  another  was  shot  after 
be  had  surrendered.  Even  guards  would  frequently  say  that 
tliev  "  did  not  blame  men  from  jumping  away  from  such  a 
hell." 

When  the  legislature  convened,  it  would  send  out  a  com- 
mittee to  investigate  matters;  biit,  as  they  were  brother  masons, 
they  did  little  or  nothing  against  the  gang.  The  prisoners 
represented  and  complained  that  the  warden  should  be  an  in- 
dependent and  responsible  moral  man;  appointed  and  paid  by  the 
Territor}^  to  stand  between  the  rights  of  the  prisoners  and  the 
Territoi-y,  and  the  cruel  greed  of  contractors,  instead  of  being 
as  he  then  was,  one  of  their  servile  hands.  This  they  agreed 
to,  and  the  legislature  appropriated  $600  a  year  to  pay  such  a 
warden,  but  they  left  it  to  the  Governor  to  appoint  the  man, 
which  his  excellency  (?)  did,  hi  the  jH-rson  of  the  very  .siniie  f<errile 
hand  the  contractors  then  had  employed,  thus  simply  making  them  a 
present  of  |600  a  year  of  the  people's  money,  and  doing  the 
prisoners  no  good. 

At  one  session  of  the  legislature,  the  members  came  out  in 
r.  body,  and  in  freely  mingling  and  conversing  with  the  prison- 
ers in  the  hall,  were  quite  fully  informed  as  to  the  abuses  they 
suffered.  One  prisoner  addressed  them  at  length,  showing  up 
the  cruelties  and  corruptions  in  an  able  and  interesting  man- 
ner, and  with  plenty  of  proof  at  hand  to  establish,  beyond  dis- 
pute, every  charge.    The  chief  contractor  was  called  in  to  face 


*■  '41  i» 


h'  ' 


i  «■. 


282 


A  PlLGUIMAQE  IN  HeLL. 


and  refute,  if  lio  could,  idiarges,  that  if  true,  should  have  Imup 
the  whole  gan<^.  And  //*'  ^Jid  imt  even  deny  a  s'uujle  accufiuiinn.  It 
was  also  shown  that  the  Governor's  message  was  false  as  to 
the  ])rison.  For  example  :  That  ho  had  credited  the  con- 
tractors with  keeping  six  more  prisoners  than  were  there,  and 
that  the  people  were  deceived  and  robbed  in  various  other 
ways  also,  as  will  hereafter  appear. 

If  there  was  a  single  member  of  that  body  who  was  not 
convinced  that  this  was  a  most  brntal  swindle  of  a  prison,  ho 
did  not  manifest  it  there,  or  enconnKje  /loihrr  prixf,  while  thoy 
mostly  freely  condemned  it  as  such  a  hell.  And  some  of  thom 
earnestly  requested  Mr.  Strong's  speech  to  use  openly  iu  the 
legislature  and  to  have  it  published  also,  and  he  gave  it  to 
them  accordingly. 

One  of  the  contractors,  declining  to  face  the  flaming 
charges  against  him,  and  who,  like  the  rest,  was  opposed  to 
giving  a  victim  a  hearing  anyway,  slipped  up  into  the  garret, 
and  with  his  ear  to  the  floor,  listened  insidiously  to  the  prison- 
er's great  speech,  which  he  had  written  on  brown  paper— the 
only  kind  he  could  procure. 

I  asked  a  couple  of  members,  who  sat  by  me  during  its  de- 
livery, as  I  did  othei'S  also,  whether  thoy  "believed  those 
charges  to  be  true?"  And  they  replied  that  they  "believed 
everyone  of  them,  for — they  said— they  were  evidently  true 
by  the  proof  they  heard  and  saw  for  themselves,  and  that  men 
in  such  a  situation  should  be  considered  more  trustworthy  wJicn 
testifying  mjainst  officials  over  them  than  others  not  in  duress,"  and 
that  "  besides,  if  any  charges  were  not  true,  this  was  the  time  and 
phire  to  refute  it,  but  which  ivas  not  attempted." 

They  also  pledged  themselves  earnestly  (as  we  thought)  to 
do  all  they  could  to  rectify  the  abuses,  and  end  the  fraudulent 
contract. 

"  Then,"  I  said,  "  you  do  not  believe  the  Governor  ?  "  "  Xo," 
one  said,  "  and  I  never  did."  They  also  said  that  Mr.  Strong 
should  be  protected  from  punishment  "for  so  bravely  exposing 
the  cruelties  and  corruptions  and  pleading  for  right  ami 
justice."  Some  appeared  to  ba  horrified  and  infuriated  at  these 
teachers  of  crime,  these  human  serpents,  who,  when  challenged 
to  meet  the  charges  against  them  of  heinous  crime,  had  crawled 


>^'ifj 


His  Penalty  fob  Making  a  Speech. 

Ezpoelug  the  tortures  ot  the  secret  BastUe. 


M 


m 


S      I 


:m 


■iiMV. 


:Kli 


mi 

IS'ir.tf  £   J  ■ 


388) 


!! 

I 

n 


ti 


i: 


r  I 


'.111. 


» 


4h 


Ml 


284 


A   riUil{IMA(JE   IN   HfXL. 


out  of  sight,  to  strikt!  tlioir  victims  in  the  ilark  with  stent 
junn  r  (iti</  (il'lit/dh'oii.  And  nninyof  the  members  nnule  tx  second 
visit,  and  left  apparently  »/or<'  vou firmed  ami  (lutrrniincd  to  break 
nj)  the  l)rutal  swindle. 

Yet  when  the  lef^islaturc  I'ad  adjourned,  the  contractors 
liad  got  (III  crtrmion  <>/  fin>  i/iio's,  and  Mr.  Strong's  speech — 
v.liich  contained  more  vital  information  to  the  people  than  all 
the  messages  and  other  writings  of  all  the  Governors  of  tli(^ 
Territory,  before,  at  the  time,  or  since- -/»/</  Ucu  sfjiwlc/icil.  Nor 
had  he  been  protected  fi-om  abuse  for  his  earnest  honesty,  and 
was  therefore  punished  by  pulling  out  nine  of  his  teeth,  and 
in  various  other  ways  also  -this  was  hitting  virtue  with  a  dub. 

And  when  the  people  had  petitioned  very  strongly,  and 
without  any  open  opposition,  for  his  restoration,  it  was  denied 
by  the  Governor  on  the  ground,  that  "he  liad  thus  caused  the 
contracttns  much  trouble."  "Then,"  replied  his  very  aged 
mother  who  had  come  from  the  States,  to  work  for  his  liberty, 
"  he  has  been  driven  to  it  by  abuse  !  for  I  have  successfully 
raised  a  large  family  of  boys  and  girls,  and  this  one  has  will- 
ingly given  me  less  trouble  than  any  of  the  rest." 

Such  is  the  practical  workings  of  Masonry  and  its  like, 
which  sets  good  men  to  studying  the  philosophy  of  anarchy 
and  of  socialism,  if  the  gang  cannot  be  killed  ;  there  being  no 
sivui'iiijfor  lihiriijffor  property,  or  fur  life,  as  It  is. 

"While  every  tear  his  [lootoil]  chiUUeu  shed 

Fi'll  nil  h IK  noiil  like  limps  of  Jiitme : 

And  us  a  lover  hails  the  dawn 

Of  a  first  smile,  so  wek-omed  he 

The  sparkle  of  the  first  sword  drawn 

For  vengeance  and  for  liberty." — Moore. 

This  legislature,  and  the  succeeding  one,  however,  provided 
for  the  building  of  a  territorial  prison  at  Walla  Walla ;  but  in- 
stead of  utilizing  the  labor  of  the  prisoners  in  its  construction, 
which  was  entirely  practicable,  they  were  left  with  the  con- 
tractors, at  70  cents  a  day,  till  it  was  slowly  built.  And  even 
then  the  Governor  and  contractors  would  hardly  permit  their 
removal,  notwithstanding  that  it  had  been  provided  for  by  the 
legislature,  and  would  be  a  large  daily  saving  to  the  territory 
and  a  measure  of  justice  to  the  prisoners. 


How  TO  Run  a  Refoiim  Piuson. 


28") 


ludeod,  the  ganf»  tlnia  lifild  on  to  them  for  the  money  there 
WHS  in  it,  in  direct  viohition  of  the  hiw,  till  the  Governor  was 
voiiiffUnl  by  the  people  of  Walla  Walla  and  the  notoriety  of  the 
swindle,  to  let  them  go. 

The  legislature  had  appropriated  SnO.OOO  for  the  main- 
tainance  of  the  prisoners,  wherever  they  might  be,  and  !?1,()00 
for  their  removal  to  the  new  prison  "  whenever  it  was  snitabh 
for  occupancy."  Yet,  the  gang  could  get  blackleg  shysters  to 
declare,  that  "  while  it  was  legal  to  pay  70  cents  each  and  their 
labor  per  day  to  such  a  gang,  it  was  illegal  to  pay  out  25  cents 
each  ])er  day  direct  for  their  maintainance,  and  retain  the  labor 
l)esides."  Thfj/  pracficdlhj  held,  (hat  "no  moueij  .slioithi  hr  paid 
out   of  f/if   fVt'asiD'if    unless    fiu  PEll  CENT.  SHOULD  IJE  CLEAR  TO  THE 

rf.\NO."  The  Walla  Walla  brethren  were  willing  to  take  a  less 
ptT  cent,  which  did  not  plea.se  the  Governor;  but  by  their  ad- 
vancing the  means  necessary  to  maintain  the  ])ri8oners — thus 
leaving  the  Governor  with'-'^*  Ms  flimsy  pretext  -  lie  finally  and 
reluctantly  comj)lied  with  the  law  to  re  move  them. 

An  eminent  Mat.  .m  came  to  see  a  man  who  had  been  robbed 
and  shanghaied  here,  telling  him  that  he  would  get  him  releas- 
ed for  what  money  he  had  left;  he  accepted  the  pro^xjaition 
but  on  the  jto-situ'e  cnndifion,  that  the  former  was  not  to  get  any 
money  \intil  his  release  was  secured.  This  was  the  distinct 
agreement  in  the  presence  of  the  superintendent.  The  gentle- 
man wrote  an  order,  supposed  and  said  to  be  in  accordance 
with  the  agreement,  and  in  the  excitement,  flurry,  stress  and 
hnrry  —  made /or  the  pur  pose — the  victim  was  got  to  sign  the 
paper,  without  knowing  anything  to  the  contrary.  The  "Hon. 
leading-light-in-the-profession-and-head-of-the-bar  "  forth  wi  1 1 : 
struck  out  and  got  the  money,  kept  it,  and  dropped  his  victim, 
who  went  crazy  immediately.  This  victim  was  undoubted!}'  in- 
nocent of  any  crime,  and  this  case  is  given  as  a  mere  specimen  (if 
others. 

"What  niighty  miHchief  glads  him  now, 
Who  never  sniileH  but  to  destroy." 

Months  afterwards  the  eminent  gentleman  of  the  "  bar  " 
died,  and  though  he  was  a  notorious  thief  for  twenty  yer^s,  yet 
the  ring  papers  were  filled  with  glowing  eulogies  of  the  depart- 
ed brother,  but  had  never  a  word  to  say  for  his  hundreds  of 


\M\M 


F^"*!!! 


1^1 


i 


'i ,  >il 


28G 


A  Pilgrimage  in  Hell. 


suffering  victims  But  of  the  brutal,  grasping,  cowardly  thief 
they  said,  .that  "  he  was  bright,  shrewd  and  ambitious,  stood  at 
the  head  of  the  bar,  was  repeatedly  elected  to  the  legislature, 
nominated  for  delegate  to  Congress,  he  invested  [what  he  stole', 
in  real  estate,  and,  in  the  constant  rise,  made  money  fast.  He 
built  two  of  the  most  elegant  residences  on  the  Sound ....  the 
])eople  of  Pierce  county  have  lost  their  most  able  advocate, 
most  loyal  citizen  and  best  friend." 

Now,  is  this  "  charity,"  or  is  it  an  outrage  on  justice,  to 
make  cowardly  pillage  respectable  and  aggravate  the  wounds  of 
his  bleeding,  dying  victims  ? 

It  was  the  prison  talk  that  it  took  money  to  get  a  pardon. 
And  as  men  with  the  worst  cases  and  characters,  and  with 
slight,  if  any,  petitions,  were  pardoned,  while  others  whose  in- 
nocence, good  character  and  conduct  were  known  to  all  who 
cared  to  know,  and  with  very  strong  petitions  withal,  were  left 
to  languish  ;  this  talk  therefore  was  but  reasonable.  And  some 
whispered  how  much  their  release  would  cost.  For  example — 
that  his  "  was  bargained  for  $1000."  (And  he  went,  too,  though 
he  had  plead  guilty  to  highway  robbery,  was  an  old  offender, 
had  run  away  and  been  extradited  from  British  Columbia  and 
made  a  second  attempt,  and  had  served  but  a  fifth  of  his  sen- 
tence.) 

Another  said  that  his  pardon  would  cost  his  folks  about 
$700,  (and  he  went  also,  having  served  but  a  small  portion  of 
his  time.) 

The  ring  papers  said,  that  a  "numerously  signed  petition 
did  the  business."  When  the  truth  was,  the  Governor  would 
■scarcely  look  at  a  "numerously  signed  petition." 

For  example. — A  "numerously  signed  petition"  was  sent  in 
to  the  Governor  for  the  release  of  a  prisoner  who  was  guilty  of 
no  crime  ;  he  said  that  "  as  others  had  become  impatient  and 
begged  and  urged  the  Governor  to  act  on  their  petitions  with- 
out avail,  he  would  let  him  take  his  own  time  and  way  without 
pressing  him,  and  see  if  he  woidd  not  be  more  successful."  So 
he  and  his  family  waited  and  suffered,  as  patiently  as  they 
could,  for  six  long,  miserable,  anxious  months  ;  and  then,  tlio 
Governor  being  at  the  bastile,  he  mentioned  the  matter  to  him, 
who  finally  remembered  that  there  was  a  petition  in  his  ofiice 


How  TO  Run  a  Reform  Prison. 


287 


in  this  prisouer's  behalf,  "but,"  said  his  excellency,  "  I  hair  not 
looked  at  it  i/ct." 

But  he  declared  that  he  would  "  look  at  it  "  as  soon  as  he 
returned.  Whether  he  ever  did  or  not  "  look  at  it "  made  no 
difference,  for  the  victim  served  out  his  five  years. 

I  have  lately  talked  with  an  old  neighbor  of  this  victiii) 
and  he  declares  that  "everybody  "  knows,  and  did  at  the  tiin* . 
that  it  was  a  put-up  job  against  him  by  an  enemy  for  unjust  re- 
venge and  plunder  ;  and  he  had  relied  on  one  of  the  blackleg 
shysters  that  sold  and  betrayed  me. 

In  such  cases  the  judge  and  jury  may  know  little  or  nothing 
about  a  man's  real  case,  even  if  tlicy  are  not  fixed  against  him. 
It  is  only  uecessai'y  to  fix  his  lawyer,  ichich  is  a  very  common 
(liiiKj  to  (to.  Surely,  such  devilish  treason  shmild  be  killed  out  on 
fiiijlit !  In  this  case  the  victim  believed  that  he  hieio,  that  he 
was  thus  sold  for  $150 ;  and  there  are  brethren  in  the  gang,  who 
have  cried  up  this  traitorous  thief  for  a  judge  in  "  our  good 
Judiciary." 

One  of  my  jurymen  said  that  he  learned  more  of  my  real 
case  a  day  or  two  after  the  so-called  trial,  than  he  did  at  that 
corrupt  performance,  and  that  "  now  all  he  blamed  me  for  was 
that  I  did  not  kill  the  devil  sooner  than  I  did ;"  and  which  is 
the  general  sentiment  of  my  neighbors.  Another  juryman  said, 
that  "a  majority  of  the  jury  were  fixed  against  me  anyway." 

Therefore,  in  such  cases  as  these,  a  Governor  who  rejects 
and  spits  upon  the  earnest  prayers  of  good  citizens  who  are 
uncorrupted  and  who  do  kuo%v  the  real  case,  and  who  further — 
with  a  grin—  spits  in  the  face  of  the  victim,  "  we  have  a  good 
Judiciary,"  is  a  damned,  perjured,  cowardly  thief,  a  cringing 
tool  of  the  gang,  and  a  traitor  to  his  country. 

The  intent  of  the  pardoning  })ower,  the  world  over,  is  to 
correct  any  miscarriage  or  perversion  or  prostitution  of  the 
courts  and  of  justice,  and  protect  tiie  defenceless.  It  is  not 
intended  to  be  a  mere  i)ersonal  privilege  to  trade  on  in  the 
dark ;  but  is  a  sworn  public  trust,  jibove  and  independent  of 
the  courts  and  their  machiuer}'  and  blackleg  "bar."  And  a  Gov- 
ernor is  just  as  much  sicorn  to  attend  to  and  exercise  this  oath- 
hound  trust,  and  to  do  so  houestly,  as  that  of  any  other 
function  of  his  office.     Indeed,  it  is  the  most  vital  ami  imporfm' 


P. 


il 


',    1  ISf"  ''I    f  i 


288 


A  Pilgrimage  in  Hell, 


clianjc  of  the  office.     And  what  a  villain  one  must  be  to  squelch 
and  prostitute  it ! 

When  a  victim  is  gagged  and  railroaded  through  a  court 
iu  charge  of  black  leg  shysters,  who  have  betrayed  and  sold 

him,  WHERE !  OH,  WHERE  !  IS  ^IS  RECOURSE  ? 

A  sane  man  was  shanghaied  to  the  insane  asylum,  to  rob 
him  of  his  property  {quite  a  common  thiwj).  A  friend  set  to 
work  and  got  him  out,  and  was  exposing  the  job  when  Ik 
was  made  a  victim  of  a  put-up  job  and  shanghaied  to  the 
Seatco  Bastile.  He  was  informed  that  he  would  be  released  if 
he  would  agree  to  cease  from  "  making  such  trouble." 

Another  sane  man  was  charged  about  $2,000  by  court 
lawyers  for  defending  him  against  one  of  these  jobs.  He  hud 
valuable  property  that  the  gang  wanted,  and  he  declared  tiuit 
a  man— who  was  afterwards  made  Governor — and  '*  other 
masons  "  were  in  a  conspiracy  to  rob  him  of  it.  His  insanity 
consisted  only  in  "  getting  on  to  the  gang"  and  thus  defeating 
the  job.  So  they  made  several  attempts  to  put  him  out  of  the 
Avay.  But  the  people  of  Seattle  would  wake  up  and  get  mad 
when  these  job  trials  were  being  waged  against  him  ;  conse- 
quently the  "  good  judiciai'y  "  would  weaken  and  let  him  oif, 
except  that  he  must  pay  the  shysters  $2,000  per  job,  and  the 
people  of  the  county  also  paid  about  the  same  amount  iu 
court  expenses  to  the  brethren. 

During  one  of  these  jobs  a  brother  (who  was  a  minister  in 
the  States)  had  to  come  cit  and  help  protect  this  victim 
against  the  "  good  judiciar}-."  He  was  willing  to  detend  him- 
self and  his  property  against  the  masons,  and  armed  liimHoU' 
accordingly.  But  secret  thieves  being  cowards,  forced  him 
into  the  good-to-them-judiciary,  where  they  could  rob  him  af 
the  expense  of  the  people  and  tvithout  danger  to  themselves. 

A  mason  plead  guilty  to  grand  larceny,  forgery  and  rob- 
bery, and  was  indicted  on  several  other  charges  also ;  the 
extent  of  which  in  the  aggregate  amounted  to  fifty -thne  years 
in  the  penitentiary,  and  was  sentenced  to  Seatco  for  two  years. 
And,  moreover,  he  was  secretly  pardoned  bifore  he  arrived  at 
the  prison.  The  brotherly  press  stated  that  he  "  was  serviii<; 
out  his  time"  there,  and  while  the  press  was  lying ybr  the 


How  TO  Run  a  Reform  Prison. 


289 


gulll!/  brother,  it  was  also  lying  against  good  citizens  who  were 
left  to  languish  unheard  and  undefended. 

Two  other  old  offenders  were  convicted  of  an  attempt  to 
wreck  a  passenger  train.  They  got  two  and  two  and  a  half 
years,  and  were  soon  pardoned  out.  One  of  them  was  con- 
victed twice  afterward,  and  was  soou  pardoned  each  time ;  his 
father  was  a  mason. 

Another  who  had  been  arrested  nineteen  (19)  times  for 
grand  larceny,  and  had  stolen  stock,  by  his  word,  "  ever  since 
he  was  big  enough  to  ride  a  horse,"  got  two  years  and  was 
pardoned  ;  was  convicted  again  and  again  pardoned — his  father 
was  a  mason. 

Another  old  offender  plead  guilty  to  horse-stealing,  got 
one  year  and  was  pardoned  before  coming  to  the  prison — his 
father  was  a  mason. 

A  ring  official  plead  guilty  to  embezzlement,  and  was 
pardoned  before  he  saw  the  prison — he  being  a  mason. 

Indeed,  the  masons  and  odd-fellows  have  plundered  the 
treasuries  of  many  of  the  counties  of  the  territory  ivith  impunity 
— the  judiciary  being  very  good  to  them. 

Meanwhile,  others  of  them  were  murdering  people  in  cold 
bloo<l,  and  committing  all  manner  of  other  crimes,  but  the 
judiciary  and  ring  press  being  ■'  good  "  to  them  they  went  un- 
punished. 

As  example  in  point — in  brief  from  the  press. 

"Murder  Most  Fouii." 


[Blatikl  slays  his  brewer  Adam  0- 


Two  pistol  sJiois.     The  murderer 


in  custody. 
"Going  into  the  brewcrj'  y aril  we  found  Adam  G- 


lying  on  his 

back  ;  the  blood  was  streaming  from  a  i)istol  wound  between  the  shouhlers ; 
aud  the  right  eye  had  been  pierced  with  another  bullet.  The  assistant 
brewer  said,  "I  heard  two  instol  shots,  and  ran  up  and  found  [7^/a/^^]  had 
shot  his  head  brewer. " 

"AdamG threatened  to  attack  and  sue  [Blank]  if  he  would  not 

pay  him  the  ^7^0  due  him  ;  Adam  G quit  a  week  ago." 

The  Sheriff  proceeded  to  [Blanks]  residence  accompanied  by  the 
ethtor.  As  they  reached  the  portico  [Blank]  was  sitting  in  a  chair,  and 
extended  his  hand  to  the  editor  and  greeted  him  with  the  usual  salutation, 
"Hello  !  how  is  de  round-up." 

Soou  after  the  sheriflf  took  [Blank]  to  the  hotel.      The  dying  man  was 

19 


?fV';il 


pi 

■jl   i: 

ril 


I 


290 


A  Pilgrimage  in    Hell. 


Ill': 


?  j'i;: 


unconscious  from  the  first  and  died  soon  after.  His  appearance  as  ho  lay 
there  with  wet  sooks  and  drawers  which  he  had  just  washed,  and  still 
chitched  in  his  hand,  showed  plainly  that  he  was  not  in  a  hostile  attitude 
when  sluin  [and  he  was  unarmed]. 

We  suppose  that  the  hope  of  [Blank]  is  the  plea  of  craziness,  but  his 
only  craziness  was  long  protracted  drinking.  "He  has  recently  been  verv 
abusive  to  his  family,  and  drove  his  son  away,  threatening  to  kill  him  if 
ho  returned."  "The  probata  Judge  refused  the  murderer  bail,  and  ho 
was  committed  to  the  care  of  the  sheriff."  But  he  is  ^^rtually  at  largo 
without  bail.  The  people  are  talking  verj*  wicked  aV)out  this  thing.  They 
fail  to  see  why  a  man  who  sells  a  drink  of  liquor  to  an  Indian  should  ln' 
incarcerated  in  a  cell,  and  one  who  slays  his  fellow-man  should  be  allowed 
his  liberty. 

Considering  the  popular  feeling  in  tliis  case,  it  would  be  best,  even  as 
a  matter  of  ijolicy,  and  regardless  of  duty  of  officers  to  enforce  the  kw, 
or  else  worse  may  come.  Later.  "  Judge  [Blauk]  has  granted  Blank  bail 
on  the  showing  of  his  attorneys  that  he  is  sick,  with  the  sheriff  to  approve 
of  his  bonds." 

A  c.\KD.  To  the  Public. — Recently,  while  on  a  visit  to  town,  I  got  into 
an  argument  on  the  merits  and  demerits  of  the  [Blank]  case,  and  freely 
asserted  that  if  Blank  received  an  honest  trial  he  would  probably  pay  tlio 
penalty  of  life.  A  short  time  afterwards  I  received  a  card  addressed  ; 
Charies  Weudler,  North  Yakima,  W.  T.,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  A.  F.  and  A.  M. 

With  the  following  in  ha  J- writing  evidently  disguised  : 

"  We  hnvp,  you  spotted,  keep  quiet,  danger  ahead,  0008  A.  F.  and  A.  M." 

"  With  regard  to  this  I  will  simply  say  that  I  have  expressed  my 
honest  opinion  like  a  free  man,  and  that  I  cannot  be  bull-dozed  by  any 
anonymous  and  threatening  cards,  and  if  the  writer  becomes  kno\vn  to  me 
I  will  prosecute  him  to  the  extent  of  the  law.     Respectfully, 

Chables  Wendler." 


It  is  evident  that  Mr.  Wendler  did  not  know  that  tlie 
"good  judiciary  "  is  made  up  from  these  gangs,  or  he  would  not 
talk  about  "  prosecuting  them  "  therein,  where  he  would  staiul 
no  more  show  for  justice,  than  does  a  Gentile  in  Utah,  in  a 
Mormon  court. 

Mr.  Blank's  case  was  put  off  for  about  a  year  by  the 
"good  judiciary,"  while  the  people  were  being  blinded  and 
bull-dozed  into  submission,  and  after  a  change  or  two  of  venue 
the  brethren  indicted  him  with  a  sham  or  "  imperfectly 
drawn  "  indictment  for  manslaughter ;  then  the  "  good  judici- 
ary "  went  through  the  farce  of  a  trial  (?)  on  this  flawed  indict- 
ment, and  the  verdict  was  guilty.     So  now  the  "imperfect" 


^/  ilMi;'>ai 


:ji!" 


How  TO  KuN  A  Beform  Prison. 


291 


fl  ho  lay 
md  still 
attit\i(\o 

but  his 
een  very 
ill  him  if 
,,  and  he 

at  largo 
Lg.  They 
houhl  I'l' 
e  alio  well 

t,  even  as 
)  the  luw. 
31auk  l>ail 
)  approve 

I  got  into 
i,nd  freely 
[y  pay  the 
iddressed  : 


A.  M. 

nclA.  M." 
ressed  ray 
ed  by  any 
own  to  me 

NDIiEB.' 

that  the 

jTould  not 

Id  stautl 

fiah,  in  a 

by  the 
Ided  and 
lof  venue 

perfectly 
[d  judici- 
Id  indict- 
Iperfect " 


indictment  having  heen  good  enough  for  a  so-called  trial,  and 
its  necessary  expense  to  the  people  and  profit  to  the  gang,  it- 
was  discovered  (?)  to  be  "  imperfectly  drawn,"  and  the  "  good 
judiciary  "quashed  it  and  the  verdict  accordingly,  and  reduced 
the  brother's  bail.  I  quote  from  a  paper :  "  The  case  will  again  be 
presented  to  the  grand  jury  at  the  October  term  of  court,  and 
unless  another  change  of  venue  is  granted  the  trial  will  take 
place  at ." 

The  "good  judiciary  "  played  another  farce  or  two  at  the 
expense  of  the  people  and  profit  to  itself.  <  >f  course,  Mr.  Blank 
was  "acquitted  " — this  having  been  fixed  in  the  dark  at  the  very 
beginning.  Indeed,  it  was  done  in  advance  when  brethren  were 
made  officials  of  the  court. 

In  a  similar  case  it  was  stated  by  the  press  that  "  the  case 
from  the  beginning  will  cost  the  people  $35,000.  It  should  not 
have  cost  $1,000." 

Oh!  What  a  good  (?)  judiciary! 

Another  sample  case. — "Mr.  Klebnrn  was  walking  along,  %nth  or 
after  Mr.  [Blank]  on  the  street,  Kleburn  talking  rapidly  and  excitedly, 
though  making  no  demonstration  to  fight  ;  presently  the  two  2Jartie8 
stopped  in  front  of  the  .  .  .  ollice — Kleburn  with  his  back  to  the 
building  and  Blank  facing  him — they  being  about  two  feel  tqntrl.  They 
conversed  in  this  position  jirobably  three  minutes,  when  Kleburn  was 
seen  to  tap  Blank  on  the  front  of  the  shoulder — as  if  em^jhasizing 
strongly.  Blank  pushed  Kleburn  back  and  niado  some  remark,  but  Kle- 
burn advanced  to  his  old  ijoaition,  and  took  hold  of  the  lapel  of  Blank's 
coat  with  one  hand.  With  astonishing  rapidity  Blank  drew  a  revolver, 
ami  placing  the  muzzle  directly  against  Kleburn's  left  breast,  jJuUed  the 
trigger.  The  report  was  so  weak  that  those  standing  around  felt  con- 
viuced  that  it  was  a  blank  cartridge.  This  can  be  accounted  for  by  the 
barrel  of  the  pistol  being  pressed  against  Kleburn's  ^.orson.  Instantly  as 
tlio  shot  was  flred,  Blank  pu  p'stol  in  his  pocket,  and  started  around 

the  corner.  Kleburn  stood  stcik  siill,  just  turning  to  watch  his  assailant 
as  lie  passed  around  the  corner ;  and  it  was  then  that  the  reporter  dis- 
covei-ed  the  man  was  wounded,  and  his  vest  was  burning.  Running  down 
from  his  position  he  took  hold  of  Kleburn's  arm  with  one  hand,  and  strik- 
ing the  blaze  on  his  vest  with  the  other  extinijuished  the  fire.  At  that  time 
Kleburn  was  as  pale  as  a  sheet,  and  said,  "Yes;  [Blank]  shot  me."  I 
will  go  with  you  to  a  doctor  :  when  in  front  of  the  book  bindery,  the 
wouuded  man  commenced  to  stagger,  and  despite  all  his  assistant  could  do 
dropped  heavily  at  the  corner  of  the  alloy  about  100  feet  from  where  he 
was  shot,  saying,  '  I'm  dying.'  " 


' ,  i*  i  i 


uii' 


^n 


^•TTT 


U   I 


292 


A   PlLORIMAGE   IN   HfXL. 


Other  witnoHHoa  swore  that  Klebura  "  was  emphatic,  nothing  hke  a 
blow  thon},'h,  nioro  aggressive  in  manner  than  in  action  ;  there  was  no 
motion  on  liis  jiart  to  draw  a  weapon."  Ami  he  irna  iinnrmcd  while  lUunk 
hiitl  (irmed  hiniHi'lf  to  shool  him.  At  preliminary  (and  only)  examination  a 
couple  of  brethren  plead  and  argued  his  case  as  much  and  as  long  as  they 
waut^Kl  to,  and  so  did  Blank  himself  ;  but  "  the  prosecuting  attorney  [a 
secret  brother  also]  state<l  that  he  would  not  argue  the  case  ;  the  court  (?) 
had  heard  the  testimony  and  could  judge  whether  or  not  it  was  a  case. " 
And  the  "good  judiciary  announced  as  its  decision  that  "jjm  offence  had 
been  committed." 

But  it  was  really  good  enough  not  to  play  any  more  silly 
farces  at  the  expense  of  the  people  as  to  this  case.  And  the 
brotherly  press  all  joined  in  songs  of  praises  to  Blank  — de- 
claring it  to  have  been  "  A  chnr  case  of  self-defence.'^  "When,  had 
Kleburu  shot  Blank  in  a  like  manner,  they  would  have  howled 
him  down  as  a  "  Cold-blooded,  coivardly  murderer"  and  the 
** good  judiciarj"  would  have  treated  him  accordingly.  Tins 
none  but  a  thief  ivill  deny. 

I  could  fill  a  book  with  similar  cases,  of  which  I  have  cut- 
tings, but  as  they  are  transjiiring  every  day,  in  one  place  or  au- 
othei*,  every  voter  should  read  and  watch  them  critically,  each 
for  himself,  and  by  his  vote  say  whether  or  not  a  member  of 
any  secret  oath-bound  order  shoidd  hold  any  office  of  profit  or  trust 
loherein  good  citizens  are  concerned. 

The  proceedings  in  such  cases  were  watched  critically  by  the 
prisoners,  and  many  could  tell  at  the  l)eginning  just  howtliey  tonuld 
end,  by  considering  the  relationship  and  obligatiom  of  the  gang  as  fo 
the  same,  and  their  intense  feelings  at  the  unequal  justice  {lohlch 
is  not  justice)  that  is  practiced,  I  have  no  words  to  describe;  nor 
can  anyone  fully  imagine  who  has  never  unjustly  miserably 
suffered. 

Men  differ  as  to  which  works  the  most  corruption,  raouey 
or  masonry.  The  fact  is,  it  is  dangerous  to  pay  out  or  receive 
money  corruptly,  imless  it  is  done  through  the  dark,  lurkiuj; 
secrecy  of  masonry,  etc.  If  a  blackleg  official  should  receive 
money  corruptly  direct  from  an  outsider  he  might  expose  it ; 
while  a  brother  in  the  gang  would  not  dare  to  do  so.  This  is 
believed  to  be  the  reason  that  a  prisoner's  common  and  houest 
friends,  and  the  people  who  knew  the  man  and  the  case  to  be 


How  TO  Run  a  Refoilm  Prison. 


293 


ng  like  a 
B  was  no 
kile  Blank 
lination  a 
ig  as  they 
ttorney  [a 
3  court  (?) 
IS  a  case." 
tffence  hid 


lore  silly 

And  the 
aiik  —  de- 
7  lieu,  had 
,'e  howled 

and  the 
rly.      Thk 

have  cut- 
ace  or  au- 
".alhj,  each 
lember  of 
)fit  or  trust 

llyby  the 
thcij  would 
gang  O'*  to 
ice  {which 
cribe ;  nor 
miserably 

3n,  money 
or  receive 
■k,  lurkiug 
|ld  receive 

Bxpose  it ; 

This  is 

Iml  honest 

lase  to  be 


good,  had  no  influence  with  the  Governor,  while  a  single  heavily 
paid  brother  in  the  gang  had  aU  the  influence  he  wanted. 

Though  members  of  an  oath-bound  gang  have  influence 
enough  to  shanghai  and  hold  innocent  men  in  prison,  as  they 
did  me,  by  perhaps  dividing  the  plunder,  and  even  without,  yet 
if  a  few  of  them  should  a' lempt  his  release,  they  must  evident- 
ly be  ivell  provided  with  cash  to  succeed.  Some  prisoners  who 
had  no  enemies  in  the  Territory,  and  whom  the  people  wanted 
released,  were  yet  required  by  the  Governor  to  leave  the 
country  forthwith,  as  though  afraid  of  some  secret  being  di- 
vulged. 

And  I — George  W.  France — had  several  offers  to  get  me 
out  for  large  sums  of  money.  One  member  of  the  gang  wanted 
my  homestead  (which  was  what  I  had  left  of  my  fortune)  as  the 
price  of  my  liberty — as  will  hereafter  more  fully  appear.  A 
brazen,  mid-night,  blackleg  Governor,  might  say,  "  Damn  yon, 
you  cannot  prove  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  "  good  judiciary " 
that  /got  or  would  get  such  money."  I  answer,  "  Damn  you, 
it  is  immaterial  to  the  victim  who  of  the  gang  gets  it,  or  don't 
get  it,  if  he  has  to  pay  it  all  the  same,  or  languish."  And,  sir, 
if  you  would  hold  a  man  in  prison  to  be  plundered  and  ravaged 
and  looted  of  all  that  is  valuable,  near  and  dear  to  him,  know- 
ing him  to  be  innocent,  or  refuse  to  know  it,  you  are  a  most 
damnable,  cowardly  thief  anyway.  And  so  you  are,  if  only  high 
priced  agents  have  any  influence  with  you,  while  one's  common 
friends  and  neighbors,  and  the  mass  of  the  people  are  spurned 
as  so  many  rats !  If  you  were  honest,  sir,  you  would  choose  to 
know  and  deal  direct  with  the  principal  and  his  common 
friends,  and  the  public  ;  and  receive  the  truth  lohereever  found, 
and  spurn  the  secret  lurking  enemy,  who  dare  not  he  hioiim  !  If 
you  were  not  a  servile  lackey  of  corruption  and  Masonry,  sir, 
you  would  not  spit  in  the  face  of  a  ravaged  victim  the  brazen 
lie,  that  "  we  have  a  good  judiciary,"  when  you  know  that  he 
knows,  that  as  between  outsiders,  justice  is  sold  to  the  highest 
bidder  for  cash  or  mortgages — which  is  not  justice — and  that  he 
has  no  more  show  against  your  secret  midnight  brethren,  than 
be  would  have  in  the  Mormon  courts  of  Utah — your  brethren 
also. 

Prisoners,  being  denied   mail   facilities  and  more  direct 


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294 


A  PlLORIMAOE  IN  HeLL. 


means  of  attending  to  their  business,  were,  therefore,  often 
comiM-Ued  to  trust  business  matters  to  blacklegs  who  were  at 
hand.  In  thus  trusting  a  prison  doctor — living  at  Chehalis— 
he  robbed  his  victim  of,  to  him  a  large  sum  of  money,  in  such 
a  cowardly,  villainoiis  manner ;  yet  there  was  no  recourse 
against  the  thief. 

It  is  often  said  by  blackleg  officials  that  "  to  hear  prison- 
ers talk,  they  are  all  innocent."  This  is  false,  for  after  thoir 
conviction  they  most  always  admit  their  guilt,  if  they  are 
guilty ;  especially  to  their  companions.  One  reason  is,  it  re- 
lieves the  mind  ;  another,  because  most  men  would  rather  be 
considered  a  criminal  than  a  fool ;  and  another,  because  they 
generally  fare  better  while  in  prison,  and  stand  a  better  show 
for  release — officials  knowing  how  to  sympathize  toith  their 
hind. 

It  was  widely  published  in  the  press  that  one  of  the  Gov- 
ernors skipped  his  native  State  in  the  night,  to  dodge  the 
sheriff  who  had  a  warrant  for  his  arrest  for  (as  administrator) 
robbing  an  estate  of  his  own  people ;  so  he  would  naturally 
hate  fire-arms,  as  knowing  his  just  deserts  like  other  burglars, 
and  how  to  sympathize  with  nocturnal  thieves. 

Another  prison  official  was  reported  to  have  served  a  term 
in  the  Idaho  penitentiary  for  robbing  sluice-boxes. 

Another,  admitted  having  been  guilty  of  frequently  selling 
whiskey  to  Indians,  and  declared  that  he  "  would  steal  before 
he  would  work." 

Another,  and  his  court,  had  robbed  a  paralized  man  in  a 
cold-blooded,  cowardly  way  of  about  $2,000  in  gold  coin.  Two 
had  been  publicly  shown  to  be  perjurers,  and  several  of  them 
are  accessory  to  cowardly,  torturing  murder ! 

What  show  has  an  honest  man  for  justice  with  such  a 
gang  ?  Linked  together  in  a  secret  oath -bound  brotherhood ! 
With  their  chief  preaching  temperance  to  the  blinded,  ignorant 
multitude,  and  getting  drunk  on  the  sly !  And  publicly  por- 
traying in  glowing  terms  and  silver  tones  the  beauties  and 
loveliness  of  truth,  which  in  his  pi*actice  he  spurns,  detests  and 
spits  upon,  and  declares  to  be  evil !  And  all  parading  the  Bible 
through  the  streets,  to  make  careless  people  think  they  are 
honest ! ! 


How  TO  Run  a  Refoum  Piuhon. 


295 


Well  may  they  love  the  judiciary,  that  they,  by  midnight 
intrigue,  control  and  own,  and  which  is,  therefore,  '.so  good  to 
(hem,  and  hate  their  victims'  only  eflfectual  means  of  defence, as 
they  do  equality  before  the  law  ! 

The  legislature  appropriated  $25,  per  year,  for  newspapers 
of  the  territory,  which  was  highly  appreciated ;  but  this,  I  be- 
lieve, was  the  only  means  spent  for  the  benefit  of  the  jyrisoners. 
Those  having  any  friends  left,  would  generally  be  sent  reading 
matter  (also  boxes  of  food,  etc.),  and  many  were  newspapers 
subscribers  and  would  also  buy  books.  The  W.  C.  T.  U.  would 
sometimes  send  in  tracts,  flowers,  etc.,  which,  however,  was 
considered  very  cold  comfort  to  those  whose  bodies  were  being 
cruelly  starved  and  torn,  and  virtue  made  a  bleeding  slave  to 
depravity,  Avith  none  to  stand  up/or  the  right. 

This  toying  with  the  devil  because  he  is  in  poioer,  made  men 
forget  their  prayers,  discard  their  bibles,  curse  the  cringing 
slaves  and  question  God. 

There  was  only  one  outside  door  to  the  bastile,  and  it  was 
in  the  upper  story  ;  so  in  case  of  fire  all  were  in  danger  of  being 
burned  alive — this  one  door  being  the  only  way  of  escape.  And 
h/  it  was  where  all  the  lamps  were  filled,  etc.,  so  that  the  oil- 
soaked  bench  and  floor  and  can  of  oil  added  to  the  danger. 
One  night  a  fire  in  the  guards'  sitting  room  by  this  door  and  oil 
burned  through  the  six  inch  floor  into  a  prisoner's  cell  below, 
who  gave  the  alarm.  It  was  a  whiskey  fire ;  so  some  of  the 
officials  might  have  perished  also. 

The  prison  directors  and  others  would  always  admit  and 
promise  to  the  prisoners,  that  other  means  of  escape  from  fire 
should  be  provided  ;  but,  as  the  governor-doctor-and-the-law- 
brother  crooked  his  little  finger  against  it,  this  was  never  done. 
And  the  W.  C.  T.  U.  and  others  sent  more  tracts  and  flowers. 

The  clothing  was  of  the  cheapest  and  flimsiest  sort,  but 
some  were  allowed  to  wear  their  own,  or  partly  so.  Yet,  in 
other  cases,  even  under-clothing,  sent  by  friends  and  mothers, 
were  denied  and  said  to  be  appropriated  by  ofiicials,  as  was  the 
case  with  other  clothing  also.  The  prison  pants  —  for  all  the 
seasons — were  sometimes  worn  by  other  men  as  overalls  ;  and 
they  were  usually  patched  and  torn.  And  prisoners  tlius  thin- 
ly clad  and  heavily  ironed,  could  be  seen  by  the  W.  C.  T.  U. 


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296 


A  PiLGRIMAOE  IN  HeLL. 


and  others  working  out  in  the  coldest  weather  and  snow, 
guarded  by  officials  bundled  up  in  overcoats  and  boots  and 
glowing  with  whiskey. 

Nor  had  the  worst  of  these  prisoners  ever  been  more  sinful 
than  the  men  with  influence  at  court  who  stone  them  down. 

Did  Jesus  only  fling  a  tract  or  flower  at  tortured  and  looted 
humanity  ?  Or  did  he  not  criticise  the  State,  agitate  and  stir  up 
the  people,  '  blaspheme  "  the  autJiorities,  and  DO  something  for  the 
afflicted ! 

The  bastile  cells  were  8x10  feet,  with  two  and  three  single 
beds  in  each.  The  beds  were  a  straw  tick  and  a  60  lbs.  flour 
sack  filled  with  straw  for  a  pillow,  one  sheet  (too  narrow  to  be 
much  good),  and  two  pair  of  light  cheap  blanl'-^ts — which  were 
never  washed.  However,  if  a  prisoner  was  able,  he  could  add 
to  his  bedding,  which  many  did ;  while  others  suffered  in  cold 
weather,  sleeping  in  double  irons.  But,  on  the  whole,  there 
were  biit  few  complaints  as  to  the  sleeping  accommodations. 

The  prisoners  were  expected  to  shave  themselves,  or  each 
other  ;  but  some  were  excused  from  shaving. 

Whenever  a  prisoner  or  two  ran  away,  the  rest  must  have 
their  hair  cut  close ;  though  some  did  so  anyway. 

One  of  the  most  quiet  anrl  peaceable  men  in  the  prison — 
or  the  world — who  had  worked  hard  and  honestly  for  a  living 
all  of  his  life  and  was  not  now  guilty  of  any  crime,  had  picked 
up  the  shoe-making  trade  here  and  done  all  the  prison  work  in 
that  line,  besides  much  outside  work,  which  had  required  two 
other  men  to  do  before.  His  health  being  poor,  so  to  enable 
him  to  stand  so  much  work,  he  was  trusted  to  walk  about  out- 
side of  the  prison  every  day  without  any  guarding ;  and  was 
being  promised  assistance  by  the  prison  officials  to  get  pardon- 
ed, or — more  properly  speaking — released,  as  he  was  guilty  of 
no  crime.  However,  he  found  that  he  was  being  humbugged 
and  lied  to  in  a  cruel,  brutal,  cowardly  manner — as  is  usual  in 
such  cases — so  he  thought  he  would  pay  them  back  just  a  little, 
which  he  did  one  day  by  extending  his  walk  into  the  woods  aud 
remaining  away  for  9  or  10  days,  when  he  returned  alone  and 
resumed  his  job.  The  contractors  were  so  pleased  to  re-possess 
such  a  profitable  hand,  that  they  accorded  him  his  old  out- 


How  TO  Run  a  Reform  PuiHt)N. 


297 


il(K)r  privileges,  etc.     Yet,  v/h  on  he  left,  this  is  the  kind  of  a 
send-oflf  the  gentlemen  had  given  him  : — 

From  tite  I'russ. — "Escaped  fuom  Seatco.  The  authoritioH  in  this 
city  have  been  notified  of  the  esi'ape  from  tlie  tt»rritoriul  penitentiary  ut 
Seivtfo,  last  Saturday,  of  one  of  the  most  iU'siirntlf  criinimils  ernr  vinijiiwd 
with i It  ilx  Willis.  The  desperado's  name [ete.,  etc.]  The  super- 
intendent of  the  Seatco  prison  offers  a  rewanl  of  S75  for  his  capture  and 
return." 

So,  if  their  testimony  was  any  proof  of  anything,  it  could 
be  thus  proven  by  themselves,  that  neither  guards  or  irons  of 
any  kind  were  necessary  to  hold  even  lite  worst  and  "  most  des- 
perate "  of  the  prisoners  from  running  away,  and,  accordingly, 
they  could  not  have  been  a  very  bad  lot. 

One  of  the  innocent  prisoners  is  in  for  life.  He  was  sen- 
tenced to  be  hung,  and  the  scaffold  was  built  under  his  nose  to 
hang  him  on.  Had  he  been  an  American  citizen,  outside  of 
the  gang,  he  would  have  been  executed,  notwithstanding  every- 
body who  cared  to  know  his  case,  knew  him  to  be  innocent. 
And  so  many  did  know  it,  that  the  people  were  talking  bitterly 
about  the  proposed  murder.  Still  the  Governor  and  Judge 
|)ersisted  in  having  the  victim  thus  to  die  !  As  the  "  good 
Judiciary  "  was  held  to  be  infallible  (^as  against  outsiders),  no 
matter  how  infamous  it  be  in  fact. 

The  people  were  so  horrified  at  the  proposed  murder,  that 
it  was  thought  safer  to  do  the  job  up  secretly,  in  the  dark,  as  it 
were.  Indeed,  it  is  doubtful  whether  the  people,  in  their 
might,  would  have  allowed  such  a  cold-blooded  murder  to  be 
done  in  open  day.  So  the  Governor  Avould  do  it  privately  and 
out  of  the  people's  sight. 

Here  is  a  clipping  in  point : 

"Governor  [Blank]  and  Judge  [Blank]  have  joined  in  a  special  re- 
quest to  the  Sheriff,  to  have  the  execution  of  Gionini  conducted  in  the  most 
private  manner  possible.  Strenuous  efforts  have  been  made  to  secure  com- 
mutation to  imprisonment  for  life,  without  avail,  as  the  Governor  considers 
him  to  be  guilty  and  sane,  and  so  responsible  to  the  law  for  his  crime 
against  mankind  and  his  maker.  The  execution  will  take  place  on  Tuesday, 
the  nth  of  March." 

Let  the  people  put  a  stop  to  private  executions  !  It  is  Masonry 
and  means  murder  I 


298 


A  PiLouiMAOE  IN  Hell. 


¥     <„!: 


This  victim  was  a  citizen  of  little  Switzei'land,  and  tho 
Swiss  consuls  in  Portland,  Oreg.,  and  San  Francisco,  and  tho 
Swiss  Minister  at  Washington,  interested  themselves  in  his 
behalf,  and  secured  a  commutation  of  his  sentence. 

A  man  had  killed  another  for  his  money,  and  then  got  a 
couple  of  Italian  fishermen  to  swear  the  job  on  Gionini,  and  by 
buying  his  lawyer,  as  it  is  supposed  was  done,  this  was  e<isih/ 
accomplished.  These  court  witnesses  swore  that  they  were  at 
a  certain  place  when  the  shooting  was  done,  and  "  saw  Gionini 
do  it."  But  it  afterwards  transpired  that  it  was  an  utter  phy- 
sical impossibility  for  a  person  to  see  another  at  all,  from  one 
of  these  places  to  the  other  on  account  of  obstructions  that  in- 
tervened. And  such  was  the  evidence  (?)  on  which  the  man 
was,  and  is  to-day,  robbed  of  his  life. 

His  treatment  nearly  drove  him  crazy ;  he  was  kept  in 
suspense  as  to  his  fate  for  about  a  year,  and  this  was  such  au 
agony  to  him  that  he  told  them  to  "  go  ahead  and  hang  him 
rather  than  thus  prolong  his  misery ; "  when  any  one  could 
have  known  his  case  in  a  week.  He  could  neither  understand 
nor  speak  English  at  the  time  of  his  "  trial,"  and  no  interpreter 
was  allowed  him.  He  is  a  civil  engineer  by  profession,  and 
had  held  positions  of  trust  under  his  Government. 

From  the  Press. — "Father  Ceaari  has  just  returned  from  Olympia, 
■where  he  has  been  to  see  the  Governor  in  the  interest  of  the  condemned 
murderer  Gionini.  Father  Cesari  says  that  he  knows  Gionini  is  inuocent 
of  the  crime  for  which  he  is  convicted." 

The  Mayor  of  the  town  whore  he  was  "  convicted,"  de- 
clared : 

"I  most  solemnly  believe  that  the  man  is  innocent."  The  Sheriff 
wrote  :  "On  Sunday  morning  I  went  to  see  liim  to  see  how  he  was  con- 
ducting himself,  beUeving  that  he  had  but  a  f»  v  more  hours  to  b  v^e.  I 
said  to  him  that  I  had  ordered  lumber,  and  nex  day  would  have  an  en- 
closure inii  up  so  that  the  public  would  not  see  i 
not  care  how  many  people  were  there,  that  he 
cent  man.  He  then  explained,  and  I  am  fuUy 
culprit  is  not  now  in  irons. " 

Say  ?  is  it  eqiud,  just,  or  fair,  to  condem  any  man  loho  is  un- 
heard and  undefended  ?  A  year  aiter  "  trial  "  this  accused 
hap/K'ns  to  be  allowed  to  briefly  "  explain,"  and  behold  the  Mayor 
and  Sheriff  declare  him  to  be  innocent ! 


m  die.  He  said  he  did 
3  going  to  die  an  iuuo- 
ersuaded  that  the  real 


m^- 


How  TO  Run  a  Reform  Prison. 


299 


Tlie  Mfiyor  contiimos. — "I  flrraly  boliovo  tlmt  ivnr>thor  did  th«  dccil." 
•«  I  rofor  you  [th«  dovoruor]  to  ox-ohiof  JiiMticc  — ami  JikI^*' -  wlio  //-/»•/» 
nlirni/x  lionh/i'if  /lis  t/iiill.  Uotli  worn  prcsout  lit  tlio  trial,  and  followed  tlio 
ciitiit'  case,  and  doi-larod that  tlu)  man  nhould  not  bo  oxecutt'd,  that  (iiitniui 
is  711)1  l!ii'  111 iii'tleni:"     .     .     .     "  Gionini  hnd  no  i/fffmse." 

Now,  if  Giouini  had  been  released  when  it  was  found  he 
was  innocent,  he  might  have  brought  to  justice,  or  at  least  ex- 
posuro,  the  real  criminals  in  the  case— but  the  Governor  was 
bitterly  opposed  to  thus  being  "  troublesome  "  to  the  gang, 
niul  would  therefore  hold  me  to  evidently  screen  th  m  from 
justice,  and  this  may  be  one  of  the  reasons  that  Gionini  is 
being  held.     The  real  criminals  may  bclomj  to  the  gang. 

A  company,  composed  partly  of  the  prison  contractors, 
built  a  large  sash  and  door  factory  at  the  prison.  The  prison- 
ers were  pleased  at  this — thinking  they  would  then  have  an 
opportunity  to  do  over-work,  and  thus  make  something  for 
themselves,  as  is  usual  in  such  cases. 

When  it  started  up  they  were  given  tasks  about  equal  to 
wliat  would  be  expected  of  journeymen,  and  were  to  be  paid  by 
the  piece  for  the  over-work  they  might  do.  A  lot  of  prisoners 
were  thus  set  to  work,  and  it  was  remarked  by  outsiders,  and 
even  officials,  that  they  "never  before  saw  a  lot  of  inexperi- 
enced men  take  hold  of  such  ivork  and  machines  with  such 
good  will,  ability  and  effect. 

The  works  were  thus  manned  with  the  exception  of  a  fore- 
man and  a  machinist.  The  company  gave  the  contractors  fifty 
cents  a  day  for  each  hand  (the  contractors  getting  seventy 
cents  besides  from  the  Territory).  But  the  prisoners  were  to 
be  humbugged  and  abused  like  the  case  of  the  cooper  given 
heretofore.  They  did  their  tasks  and  earned  as  much  as 
seventy-five  cents  a  day  besides.  Therefore  they  were  screwed 
down  and  finally  not  allowed  to  exceed  fifteen  cents  a  day  for 
any  amount  of  work,  and  this  must  be  taken  in  grub,  etc.,  out 
of  a  little  store  that  was  higher-priced  than  others  where  they 
wanted  to  buy.  This  ten  to  fifteen  cents,  however,  added  to 
the  regular  prison  fare,  made  the  eating  good  enough  for  those 
working  in  the  factory.  But  they  thought  they  ought  to  get 
more  than  just  suitable  grub,  inasmuch  as  the  contractors  were 
getting  seventy  cents  per  day  from  the  Territory,  and  they 


''% .  ■ 


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'riHil! 


ilr* 


300 


A  Pilgrimage  in  Hell. 


were  earning  $2  or  $3  besides.  And,  moreover,  they  were  often 
forced  out  to  work  when  ill,  and  some  of  the  work  was  danger- 
ous, so  that  several  got  mutilated,  three  loosing  three  and  four 
of  their  fingers,  and  never  being  in  the  least  recompensed 
therefor  in  time  or  otherwise,  and  were  cruelly  and  poorly 
treated  and  cared  for,  so  that  they  suffered  terribly.  For  ex- 
jimple  :  The  doctor  (?)  in  trimming  what  was  left  of  a  mutilated 
hand,  sawed  off  the  finger  bones  with  a  tvooil  saw  ! 

One  or  two  foremen  did  all  they  could  to  have  the  men 
treated  right,  but  failing,  quit  the  job— cursing  the  outfit  as 
earnestly  as  did  the  victims.  A  guard  thus  had  a  row  with  the 
prison  superintendent,  and  so  earnest  was  he  that  he  used  his 
pistol,  firing  several  shots,  but  as  he  did  not  kill  him,  it  did 
but  little  good. 

For  various  reasons  there  is  no  class  of  people  as  easily  con- 
trolled to  do  right  as  prisorvers.  Therefore,  whenever  trouble 
occurs  with  them  it  is  safe  to  those  who  love  the  truth,  to  con- 
sider their  keepers  as  in  the  fault  till  the  prisoners  are  given  a  fair 
hearing  in  the  matter.  And  when  a  keeper  is  killed  by  a  pris- 
oner, it  is  safe  to  those  who  love  the  truth,  to  consider  that  he 
only  got  a  small  portion  of  the  justice  due  such  a  cowardly 
tyrant. 

These  factory  hands  went  to  work  as  before  shown  with  a 
good  will  to  do  good  work,  and  as  much  of  it  as  they  could ; 
and  they  recpxired  no  more  over-seeing  or  watching  than  the 
same  number  of  free  journeymen ;  yet  the  officials  were  not 
willing  to  treat  them  accordingly,  because  this  would  not 
satisfy  their  infernal  passions  of  cruelty,  torture,  and  greed ; 
which,  of  course,  kindled  a  desire  on  the  other  hand  to  resent 
and  get  even;  I  will  give  a  few  examples  of  how  they  would  do 
this :  A  man  working  an  intricate  machine  said  to  a  chum 
near  by,  "  I  have  been  sick  for  two  or  three  days,  and  ought 
to  lay  off  and  take  some  medicine,  but  it  is  no  use  to  ask  the 
devil  of  a  warden,  only  to  be  insulted."  Whereupon  the  chum 
takes  the  butt  of  a  spike,  drives  it  into  a  piece  of  the  others 
material,  and  says  :  "  Damn  them,  run  that  stick  through  your 
machine  and  break  it  up,  so  you  can  lay  off  wliile  they  are  get- 
ting it  fixed."  And  when  the  foreman  and  chum  come  running 
up  to  see  what  the  ra  ^ket  was,  the  sick-but-happy-man  waa 


How  TO  Run  a  Reform  Prison. 


301 


cursing — with  his  mouth— "some  one  unknown  to  him  who 
must  have  a  grudge  against  him,"  and  "  spiked  the  stick  to  get 
him  into  trouble."  And  then,  as  he  is  laying  oflf  with  me  in 
the  hall,  he  mutters — from  way  down  deep  in  his  heart  — 
"  G — d  d — m  them  !  tliey  ivouldwork  me  too  into  the  grave,  toouid 
they  ?  " 

And  he  was  perfectly  willing  for  the  works  to  be  buruoi' 
into  smoke  and  a  train  was  laid  to  send  it  sailing  to  the  sky. 
When  the  prisoners  were  moved  from  Seatco,  this  man  was 
pardoned,  and  knowing  him  to  be  a  good  hand  if  treated  right, 
lie  was  induced  to  remain  in  the  factory  (which  was  then 
being  run  with  free  labor)  as  assistant  foreman  of  the  works. 

Pause  and  consider  how,  that  it  is  often  circumstances  more 
than  the  man,  that  makes  the  baleful  criminal,  or  the  success- 
ful man. 

Machine  bearings  were  oiled  (?)  with  sand  and  burnt. 
Cans  of  oil,  etc.,  etc.,  would  have  holes  punched  in  them  and 
thus  emptied.  Light  tools  of  all  sorts  and  material  were 
thrown  away  and  destroyed.  A  man,  in  marking  out  work, 
would  make  little  mistakes  (?)  of  a  quarter  or  a  half  inch — 
enough  to  practically  spoil  the  work— like  prosecuting  attorneys 
and  court  clerks  who  thus  make  "  errors  "  in  an  indictment  or 
bill  of  costs,  to  be  used  as  a  pretext  for  a  new  trial  for  one  of 
the  gang,  who  says  to  his  opponent :  "  If  you  follow  me  through 
the  courts,  it  will  break  you  up ;"  and  it  does.  Who  ever  heard 
of  such  errors  (?)  in  favor  of  a  Christian  against  a  Mason  or  Odd 
Fellow  ? 

Men  loading  the  finished  work  into  cars  would  give  glaze(' 
doors  and  windows  a  farewell  kick,  and  smash  them. 

The  cedar  dust  was  disagreeable  to  ail,  and  to  some  it  was 
very  injurious ;  and  the  boys  wanted  all  of  the  windows  opened, 
but,  for  some  pretext  or  another,  this  was  refused.  Con- 
sequently when  the  foreman  was  out  of  sight,  some  one  would 
hurl  a  club  and  crash  !  goes  a  window  ;  the  foreman  goes  to- 
wards the  racket  and  crash  !  goes  another  behind  him,  which  is 
ro})eated  at  intervals,  until  there  was  not  a  Avhole  pane  of  glass 
in  the  building  to  throw  at,  and  they  remained  open  until 
winter. 


.m 


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pr->Ov,:J    ma;-  1-.3RARY 


VICTORIA,  B.  C. 


!ii 


h       ' 


-  i 


302 


A  Pilgrimage  in  Hell. 


Sometimes  they  would  strike,  that  is  more  or  less  of  them, 
and  take  a  siege  of  bread  and  water. 

One  morning  there  was  a  row  at  the  factory ;  a  man  had 
been  put  on  bread  and  water  for  refusing  to  run  a  certain 
machine,  unless  his  irons  were  removed,  he  having  to  use  his 
feet,  and  it  was  dangerous.  So  a  part  of  the  boys  were  refusing 
to  go  to  work,  unless  he  was  released.  The  warden  was  sent 
for  and  started  to  take  d<nvn  the  names  of  those  who  had  struck 
— telling  them  to  separate  from  the  others,  for  him  to  "put 
them  below  "  (on  bread  and  water). 

There  was  a  new  comer  present,  who  was  not  taking  any 
action,  so  the  warden  said, "  are  you  into  this."  "  I  don't  know 
what  the  trouble  is  about,  but  you  can  count  me  in  with  the 
boys  that  are  striking,  I  guess  they  are  right  and  I  will  stand 
in  with  them."    And  he  did. 

Finally,  after  several  attempts  were  made  to  burn  the 
business  down,  and  finding  that  they  were  bound  to  succeed, 
the  company  nearly  dispensed  with  their  services  and  they 
were  soon  to  be  moved  away. 

Wherever  the  pardoning  power  is  vested  in  the  Governor, 
he  can  always  prevent  or  atone  for  any  abuse  of  prisoners,  and 
he  has  other  powers  also,  to  protect  them,  and  also  the  people 
at  large.  But  when  he  belongs  to  the  gang,  he  need  not  be 
expected  to  exercise  the  office  honestly. 

A  prisoner  shotiJd  never  h'  removed  from  the  county  wherein  he 
tvas  living  and  hnotvn;  then  he  would  continue  to  be  known — 
favorably  or  unfavorably,  as  the  case  might  be — but  he  and  his 
conduct  could  then  be  truly  known.  And  when  ^e  did  not  get 
justice  or  was  abused,  he  could  make  this  knoivn  also  to  the  people, 
WHO  SHOULD  HAVE  THE  POWER  Inj  tvritten  expression  oj  two-thirds 
of  the  voters  in  the  county,  to  release  a  prisoner  at  any  time;  thus 
making  effective  the  right  of  j)etition,  which  blackleg  Governors 
spurn  and  over-ride,  to  enable  secret  midnight  influences  to  prevail 

Surely,  there  shotcld,  he  a  security,  THAT  THE  SOBER  SECOND 

THOUGHT  or  THE   PEOPLE  SHALL  BE  LAW  ! 

And  that  this  shall  not  be  over-ridden  by  any  little  secret 
gang,  or  a  servile  official. 


How  TO  Run  a  Reform  Prison. 


303 


Oh,  Ye  "Prison  Reformers!" 

Look  ye  here  and  learn  sometJdiuj ! !  from  cue  who  knows 
whereof  he  speaks. 

When  iu  prison,  the  prisoners  shoukl  be  provided  with 
shop  room  to  work  in,  and  alloAved  to  buy  and  nse  sneh  hand 
machinery  and  stock  as  they  may  desire,  and  to  work  for  t/icin- 
sdccn  and  attend  to  their  otcn  business.  All  such  to  pay  the 
ncrcssarij  expense  of  their  keeping  from  the  proceeds  of  their 
work. 

Tradesmen  would  take  in  as  partners  those  Avho  were  in- 
experienced, but  could  furnish  stock  or  outfit,  and  would  em- 
ploy as  journeymen  those  who  were  both  inexperienced  and 
poor. 

And  by  attending  to  their  own  business,  they  would  get 
ahont  full  prices  for  their  trork. 

To  assist  them  in  doing  so,  would  encourage  honest  in- 
dustry and  be  a  practical,  honest,  Christian  charity;  then  they 
could  buy  their  '  tracts  and  flowers,'  and  even  suitable  food,  care 
for  their  families  and  have  something  to  do  with,  and  defend 
themselves  against  the  gang  on  their  release. 

They  would  establish  brands  and  business  reputations, 
that  would  be  as  reliable  and  should  be  as  much  sought  after 
aiul  patronized,  as  that  of  other  business  firms.  And  an  inter- 
est in  such  a  name  and  business  would  sell  better  to  the  new- 
comer or  the  old  stayer,  whose  interest  it  would  be  to  keep  it 
good. 

It  should  l)e  seen  to  that  honest  industry  pays  and  that  honesty 
is  made  respectable. 

The  prisoner's  rights  should  be  precisely  like  those  of 
other  men,  except  as  to  their  confinement. 

Punishment  should  be  awarded  only  by  a  justice  of  the 
peace,  or  higher  court  (toho  should  not  belong  to  any  secret,  sworn 
brotherhood),  in  open,  public  court ;  and  punishment  not  to  ex- 
ceed close  confinement  with  bread  and  water  diet. 

Such  a  system,  I  know,  is  entirely  practicable,  and  means  re- 
form to  such  prisoners  as  need  reforming  half  as  much  as  do 
the  courts,  and  also  means  a  saving  and  security  to  the  pt'ople. 

However,  be  it  known,  that  to  reform  most  men,  who  need 
reforming,  it  is  first  necessary  that  they  be  convinced  that  they 


■Ml 


111 


'\  7 


11 


,t   i 


^^ 


304 


A  Pilgrimage  in  Hell. 


I  ^i. 


i^i 


are  worse  than  other  men,  who  are  considered  good  enougli  for 
governors,  judges,  senators  and  even  presidents,  that  are  loaded 
down  with  praises  and  power,  and  their  false  names  and  their 
persons  held  sacred  against  justice,  as  meted  out  to  better  men, 
when  they  are  hiotvn  to  he  venal,  cruel  and  corrupt. 

They  reason  that  if  honor  depends  only  on  success,  and 
dishonor  only  on  failure  to  Lucceed,  and  the  worst  devils  are  the 
most  successful,  then  why  should  they  reform  ? 

Men,  who  are  really  bad,  are  often  so  after  much  study  anrJ 
consideration  and  experience  in  the  world,  and  while  some  have 
gotten  to  be  governors,  judges  and  senators,  others  are  quite  as 
successful  in  villainy  with  a  sandbag ;  while  others  again,  not  so 
bold,  cunning  or  lucky,  get  into  prison.  Still  these  have  hopes 
that  they  will  yet  be  as  cunning,  bold  or  lucky  as  the  others, 
who  are  enjoying  success,  and  frequently  declare  that  "  there 
are  men  working  and  saving  up  stakes  for  them  to  take  when 
they  get  out." 

Now  don't  you  see,  that,  to  change  their  course  in  life, 
there  must  be  an  outspoken,  active  voting  sentiment  and  power 
that  shall  make  virtue,  industry  and  honesty  rcspectahle  and 
successful — even  in  the  courts! — and  that  will  make  vice,  idle- 
ness and  dishonesty  disgraceful  and  a  failure— even  in  the 
courts  and  at  the  polls  ? 

That  they  must  be  assured,  that,  if  they  honestly  labor, 
they  can  reap  and  enjoy  the  just  fruits  thereof  themselves! 
And  that,  what  they  may  win  by  honest  toil,  they  shall  have  a 
right  to  defend,  and  shall  not  be  pillaged  of  it ;  nor  of  their 
liberty ! 

But  this  cannot  be  done,  while  they  know  that  so  few 
wholly  escape  from  the  gangs  of  midnight  conspirators,  that 
liove  a  den  in  nearly  every  county,  to  prostitute  the  courts  and 
oilier  functions  of  government,  to  over-ride  the  will  of  the 
people  and  pillage  all  they  can  throw  down  in  the  way ;  and 
when  they  can  put  their  fingers  on  so  many  victims  who  have 
earned  and  won  so  much  by  hard  and  persistent  toil,  only  to 
be  robbed  and  ravaged  and  looted,  and  held  to  languish  in 
prison  with  no  one  "  working  and  saving  up  stakes  "  for  them 
when  they  get  out.  For  these  there  is  nothing  but  bitter  deso- 
lation ! 


\i'\ 


How  TO  Run  a  Reform  Prison. 


305 


There  are  some  who  would  practice  virtue  and  live  the 
goldeu  rule  only  because  it  is  rigid  to  do  so,  whether  they 
"  succeed  or  fail,"  live  or  languish.  But  they  are  unsought, 
undefended  and  unsung. 

Nothing  desired  by  prisoners  need  be  excluded  from  a 
prisoner  except  whiskey,  opium  and  cards.  Steel  and  iron  and 
the  opening  of  letters  does  not  keep  prisoners  from  breaking  aivay. 
A  phial  of  acid  and  an  old  case  knife  will  let  a  prisoner  out  of 
any  cell ;  and  any  one  having  practical  friends  on  the  outside 
cau,  in  one  way  or  another,  get  these.  Guards  are  all  that 
holds  prisoners  who  want  to  break  away.  And  a  single  night- 
watchman  prevented  any  such  escape  for  over  eight  years  at  the 
Seatco  Bastile,  and  he  slept  so  much  that  his  snoring  was  a 
nuisance.  The  prison  was  of  wood,  and  all  the  tools  of  a 
hiacksmith  shop,  a  farm  and  a  factory  were  accessible  to  the  prison- 
ers, and  any  one  could  have  a  case  knife  that  wanted  it. 

Not  more  than  fifty  per  cent,  of  prisoners  need  any  gicarding 
at  all,  and  if  dealt  with  honestly  and  generously,  not  more  than 
tiventy-Jive  per  cent,  ivovid  break  away  if  they  could.  Not  that 
they  are  willing  slaves  and  satisfied,  but  because  they  dread 
being  fugitives,  and  want  to  get  out  right. 

October  1,  1883,  Washington  Territory  legislature  assem- 
bled.   And  this  from  the  Governor's  message  : 

"  The  penitentiary  at  Seatco  contains  seventy-three  per- 
sons. ■ 

The  cost  of  their  maintenance  for  the  past  two  years  has 
been  thirty-three  thousand  dollars." 

[The  number  of  prisoners  at  that  time  was  not  seventy- 
three  but  sixty-seven.  But  it  is  reasonable  to  suppose  that  the 
brother  contractors  were  drawing  pay  for  the  six  extra  that  the 
brother  Governor  allowed  them,  which  would  amount  to  $1,533 
a  year,  and  for  nine  years  $13,797.  If  there  was  no  censorship 
over  a  prisoner's  correspondence,  such  errors  (?)  would  never 
occur.  There  were  men  in  prison  for  long  terms  for  stealing 
only  a  few  dollars.] 

His  Excellency  continues. — "  The  management  is  judicious 
and  firm,  very  properly  tempered  with  kindness."    [Kindness  !] 

"  The  prisoners  have  general  good  health,  and  but  few 
20 


:  I 


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<     i 


r  n 


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mi  1  -i 


Mr 


30G 


A  PiLGRIMAOE  IN  HeLT- 


il 


.  "(i 


iiiil 


'i  h' 


III  Iiiil 


deaths  have  occurred."  [He  does  not  tell  how  some  of  them 
died,  or  the  number.] 

"  When  seriously  sick  they  are  placed  in  tie  hospital,  have 
good  accommodations,  nursing,  and  excellent  medical  atten- 
tion." [I  have  heretofore  described  the  hospital  (?),  and  given 
examples  of  the  "  nursing  "  and  "  excellent  medical  attention  " 
that  the  sick  in  reality  did  get.] 

"  They  are  provided  with  abundant  food  in  suitable  variety, 
ample  clothing  and  ordinary  sleeping  cells." 

[He  ought  to  be  fed  on  such  grub  the  rest  of  his  life,  and 
wear  light  cotton  clothing  all  the  year  round,  which  he  says  is 
"  ample."  ] 

"  They  [the  prisoners]  are  generally  well  disposed  in  con- 
duct." [Then  why  did  he  not  give  them  "  generally "  the 
rebatement  of  time  provided  by  law  on  account  of  the  same  ?] 

"  And  not  a  few  of  them  give  evidence  of  a  desire  to  be- 
come good  citizens."  [How  could  they  help  it  with  such  "  vir- 
tuous "  examples  before  them  ?] 

"Moveable  sh^-ckles  have  been  introduced  and  used  in 
many  cases  to  the  comfort,  benefit  and  satisfaction  of  the  con- 
victs, who  remove  them  at  meal  time,  at  night,  and  on  Sun- 
days." [That  is  many  who  had  not  been  wearing  any  irons 
before  were  now  made  "  comfortable,"  satisfied,"  and  "  bene- 
fitted," by  their  use.] 

"  In  the  out  of  door  system  of  labor  [which  he  favored]  it 
is  considered  unsafe  to  dispense  with  the  riveted  shackles 
in  view  of  the  additional  temptation  and  facilities  for  escape 
incident  to  the  new  irons,  but  in  any  cases  where  they  can  be 
safely  used  they  are  always  applied." 

[The  laiv  in  regard  to  this  matter  of  the  preceding  legis- 
lature, meaning  to  "forthivith  do  moay  with  the  riveted  irons," 
and  which  himself  recommended  with  his  mouth  and  pen,  and 
oflScial  seal,  had  been  'practically  ignored,  and  the  foregoing  is 
the  Governor's  excuse  for  the  crime  of  torturing  better  men  to 
pr+  money  into  the  contractors'  pockets.  They  were  getting 
•V  rates  for  keeping  the  prisoners  without  their  labor  ;  yet 
Cr^'vernor  ignored,  violated  tlw  latv,  and  favored  their  keep- 
iag  il  Av  victims  in  heavy  douUe  irons,  night  and  day,  all  the 
finie,  end  .'-v,'  (Jiey  hul  to  sleep  i.:  'Jieir  clotJiesfor  years  I    And  this 


Kow  TO  Run  a  Reform  Piiison. 


307 


to  onable  the  contractors  to  more  securely  and  with  less  guard* 
cuiu  their  heart's  blood  into  money ! 

And,  moreover,  did  the  irons  on  the  men  with  the  guard 
who  fell  asleep,  hold  them  from  escaping  (?) :  Certainly  not. 
It  was  the  little  humanity  exercised  by  the  guard.  These 
prisoners  had  axes  in  their  hands  to  cut  and  break  off  their 
irons,  and  a  rifle  and  pistol  at  their  feet  to  defend  themselves  ; 
they  were  in  the  woods  and  the  guard  was  asleep  !  Yet  his 
Excellency  says  officially  in  his  message,  that  "  in  any  cases 
where  they  can  be  safely  used  they  [the  moveable  irons  |  are 
always  applied."  Sai/  !  would  any  one  but  a  tyrant  iron  such 
prisoners  at  all  ? 

Even  men  confined  to  their  beds  with  sickness  were  in 
double  irons,  and  when  the  prisoners  were  moved  away  from 
this  secret  hell,  these  very  ones  were  accorded  all  of  their 
short  time,  as  no  bad  conduct  had  ever  been  charged  against 
them.  Such  was  the  real  "  kindness  "  and  "  nursing  "  (?)  of  the 
Governor  and  company.  And  the  victims  who  so  horribly  suf- 
fered have  a  right  that  the  truth  he  knotvn. 

The  message  continues. —  "  Moral  instructors  have  been 
appointed,  and  have  discharged  the  duties  imposed  faithfully, 
and  Avith  decidedly  satisfactory  effect." 

[Yet  they  had  no  influenyi  to  reform  any  of  the  abuses  or  to 
liberate  prisoners  whom  they  knew  to  be  innocent. 

"  Those  lives  which  you  have  labored  to  destroi/."] 

"  I  have,"  says  the  Governor,  "  issued  but  few  pardons 
save  under  the  statute  allowing  rebate  of  five  days  to  each 
month  for  good  behavior  upon  the  recommendation  of  the 
superintendent."  [Now,  instead  of  his  stating  that  the  super- 
intendent ivas  always  one  of  the  contractors  or  their  hand,  and 
was  loth  to  recommend  seventy  cents  a  day  besides  the  labor 
out  of  their  pockets,  and  that  the  law  Avas  therefore  a  humbug, 
needing  to  be  changed  as  according  to  it,  nearly  all  of  the 
prisoners'  conduct  was  bad,  as  he  chose  to  be  governed  by  the 
superintendent  who  was  "  the  doctor,  Governor,  and  the  late,"  he 
said  the  following  stuff :  "  This  law  is  most  salutary,  inspiring 
good  conduct  with  hope  of  reward  which  is  always  recognized 
by  the  pardoning  power." 


IF 

1;     .             JiHK      i     i'    k     U 

308 


A  Pilgrimage  in  Hell. 


[Other  States  had  laws  securing  a  rebatement  of  about 
one-third  of  the  time  for  good  conduct ;  and  after  the  prisoners 
were  finally  taken  from  the  contractors  such  a  law  was  passed 
for  them.  But  while  the  gang  were  getting  big  pay  or  rather 
plunde)'— out  of  the  prisoners  and  people,  the  Governors  were 
satisfied  with  the  old  law  which  was  no  benefit  at  all  to  the 
prisoners  and  people,  as  the  prisoners  got  no  more  short  time 
after  its  passage  than  before.  Most  Governors  can  give  as 
much  short  time  as  they  please,  with  or  without  any  special 
law.  Sometimes  prisoners  are  released  by  the  Governor  hfore 
ilici/  reach  the  prison  at  all,  as  has  been  seen.  I  thus  crJl  at- 
tention to  the  mere  gabble  and  deceit,  and  rot  of  "  great  (?) 
state  papers."     "  What  fools  we  mortafs  be  ?  "] 

The  "  State  paper  "  continues.  "  The  present  contract  for 
confining',  guarding,  and  boarding  of  the  prisoners  will  expire 
on  the  first  day  of  August,  1884,  and  before  your  successors 
assemble  ;  it  will  bo  necessary  for  you  to  provide  for  future 
contingencies  at  this  session.  The  present  contractor  has  ful- 
filled his  ohJigation  to  the  Territory  honorably  and  efficiently,  lias 
been  at  much  expense  in  building  the  prison  [with  but  one 
door],  and  stockade  [of  wood  that  the  prisoners  did]  and  pro- 
viding other  necessary  appliances  [what  were  they?],  has  valu- 
able experience  and  is  worthy  of  your  considerate  attention,  if 
he  presents  a  proposition  to  renew  the  contract." 

[Could  any  contract  slave-trader  plead  his  own  case  any 
better  than  this  ?  The  prison,  etc.,  cost  about  $4,000  ;  ami 
those  six  paper  prisoners  alone  would  amount  to  $13,797 ! 

It  is  a  wonder  that  he  did  not  recommend  that  the  "  hon- 
orable "  contractors  be  paid  $15,000  for  the  loss  (?)  of  the  work 
of  those  absent  or  paper  men.] 

"  A  law  of  Congress  provides  that  all  Territories,  except 
Washington,  shall  have  as  a  donation  the  United  States  pris- 
ons located  within  their  respective  domains,  upon  their  admis- 
sion, as  States.  In  view  of  this  remarkable  exception  against 
us,  I  suggest  that  you  petition  Congress  to  give  us  the  prison 
at  McNeil's  Island  at  the  proper  time,  which,  if  secured,  vill 
aflford  an  economical  solution  of  the  subject  for  the  future." 

[This  could  have  been  gotten  for  $36,000  at  the  outset. ; 
thus  effecting  a  saving  to  the  Territory  of  over  $125,000  while 


How  TO  Run  a  Refoum  Piuson. 


309 


these  contracts  were  running,  and  over  $125,000  more  expended 
iu  the  prison  at  Walla  Walla,  as  the  prison  on  the  island  could 
be  easily  self-supporting  and  without  using  a  single  iron  of 
any  description  <«r  any  other  brutality.  But  the  masonic  com- 
mittee of  the  legislature^,  reported,  on  examination,  that  "  it  was 
unsafe  to  keep  primnet-.s"  So  the}'  paid  their  brethren,  with  the 
people's  money,  hotel  rates  and  their  labor,  to  board  and  guard 
the  prisoners,  and  furnish  such  a  safer  (?)  place  that  they  kept 
them  in  double  i^'ons  night  and  day,  all  the  time  to  hold  tlwrn  ! 

Is  it  not  a  burning  outrage  that  such  a  gang  of  traitors  and 
bribe-takers  should  be  in  office,  and  so  fixed  with  the  "  good 
judiciary,"  that  under  the  shadow  of  official  authority  the}-  can 
murder,  ravage  and  suck  the  heart's  blood  of  their  victims  with 
impunity,  and  go  pic-nicking  with  their  plunder — these  conquer- 
ing and  crowned  criminals !  And  they  have  passed  a  law  vir- 
tually making  it  a  "  crin}£. "  for  anyone  to  show  up  their  crimes 
to  the  people.  And  the  courts  virtually  hold  that  their  "  per- 
sons and  feelings  are  sacred,"  and  that  they  "  cannot  be  guilty 
in  law  of  crime  to  be  punished  as  other  men,"  and  that  "  out- 
siders have  no  rights  or  feelings  that  they  must  respect." 

Frmn  the  Press  :  "  The  Seattle  He)'ald  recently  accused  the  Argus  of 
purchased  silence  in  the  matter  of  the  penitentiary  at  Seatco,  but  makes 
ameiuh  honorable  editorially  in  the  foUo^nng  language  :"  "Our  state- 
ment made  in  a  recent  issue  of  the  silence  of  the  Argus  on  the  question  of 
the  necessity  of  investigation  of  the  officers  of  the  penitentiarv'  is  with- 
drawn. The  Argus,  as  its  rule  is,  gives  its  indorsation  (at  least  to  the  extent 
of  quotation)  to  our  efforts  to  expose  an  abuse  of  authority  which  is  simply 
a  disgrace  to  our  coast,  and  a  reflection  on  the  ci^•ilization  which  we  are 
proud  to  think  characteristic  of  this  countiy — even  if  we  are  far  west." 

"Ckuel." — "  From  members  of  the  legislature  the  Seattle  Chronicle 
learns  of  a  state  of  affa-^s  at  the  penitentiary  that  demands  immediate  and 
f uU  investigation.  The  prisoners  are  clothed  in  the  lightest  Bort  of  appareL 
Their  i)auts  are  usually  dimgeree,  and  they  have  but  the  single  pair.  One 
man  stated  that  he  had  had  but  one  jmir  of  j^ants  in  thirteen  months — the 
time  he  had  been  there.  "When  they  work  out  and  get  wet,  their  clothes 
dried  on  them  in  bed.  The  heaviest  irons  are  used — one  man  wealing 
twenty-live  pound  shackles  for  a  number  of  years,  but  now  they  are  seven- 
teen pounds.  These  shackles  are  never  taken  off — are  worn  night  and  day 
nntU  the  men  step  out  free." 

The  Tacoma  Ledger  said  :  "  It  is  not  at  all  surprising  that  [the  gang] 
is  opposed  to  the  construction  of  a  Territorial  penitentiary .  . .  .The  failure  to 
b.iild  one  might  mean  much  money  in  the  pocket  of  [tlie  gang] . . .  .China- 


d^ 


m^ 


■liii 


r^ 


310 


A  PiLORIMAOE  IN  HeLL. 


1  'W 


men  worked  for  ninety  cents  a  day  and  were  driven  from  the  countrj'. 
[The  gang]  biro  ont  their  slaves  for  fifty  cents  a  day,  and  persons  claiming 
to  be  enemies  of  cheap  labor  would  aid  in  the  perpetuation  of  this  syu- 
tern." 

"  TJw  Penitentiary." — "From  time  to  time  reports  have  oozed  out 
from  the  ponitentiaiy  at  Seatco.  They  have  not  varied  much.  The  tesli- 
mony  coming  from  that  sequestered  place  of  confinement  has  swept  in 
general  scope  the  same  field,  and  laid  practically  the  same  charges  at  the 
door  of  the  management  of  that  institution.  Two  years  ago  the  members 
of  the  legislature  visited  Seatco,  and  at  that  time,  here  and  there,  it  was 
said  that  the  treatment  of  the  inmates  was  of  a  sort  better  adapted  for  the 
care  of  animals  than  human  beings.  It  is  a  system  wrong  in  principlo, 
and  doubly  ho  in  practice.  It  opens  the  door  for  the  entrance  of  personal 
greed  of  gain,  cruelty,  and  neglect  of  men  so  kept. . .  .Against  the  manage- 
ment at  Seatco  the  charge  is  made  that  the  jjrisoners  are  not  properly  fed, 
are  miserably  clothed,  and  are  often  punished  when  there  is  not  the  slight- 
est reason  for  it.  It  is  natural  that  a  contractor  should  desire  to  ina'.c  all 
he  can  out  of  his  contract  [but  it  is  always  in  the  i)ower  and  province  of 
the  Governor  to  prevent  any  abuse] .  They  form  sufficient  basis  for  a  far 
more  rigid  examination  of  the  manner  in  which  the  institution  is  con- 
ducted. Hitherto  the  inspection  has  been  no  better  than  none — not  so  good 
in  fact.  The  members  of  the  legislature  visiting  Seatco  have  simply  com- 
plied with  the  letter  and  not  the  sjiirit  of  the  laws — abuse  and  crimiual 
neglect  should  be  prevented.  Let  the  legislature  make  a  careful  exaniiua- 
tion  of  the  treatment  of  the  piisoners  at  Seatco,  and  know  from  i)ractical 
observation  that  the  cupidity  of  contractors,  and  the  natural  thirst  for 
cruelty,  which  is  the  usual  result  of  absolute  iJower,  do  not  over-leap  the 
line  of  simijle  justice." 

As  TO  THE  HOSPITAL  FOR  THE  INSANE  AT  STEILACOOM, 
WASH. — His  Excellency  (?)  in  his  message  says  :  "  Personal  obser\-ation 
and  a  study  of  the  reports  satisfy  me  that  the  affairs  of  thsHosijital  for  the 
Insane  have  been  managed  in  an  intelligent,  humane  antl  economical  man- 
ner, by  the  Board  of  Trustees,  also  that  the  medical  and  hygienic  treat- 
ment have  been  eminently  skillful  and  successful,  and  the  general  super- 
vision careful  and  thorough." 

An  Inmate  at  the  time  writes. — " The  patients  are  not  guilty  of 

crime  but  are  often  over-worked.  Brutal  treatment  is  not  the  kind  of 
usage  which  the  government  intended,  this  institution  is  conducted  by 
brute  force.  The  government  of  this  institution  is  a  failure.  Profane  and 
obscene  language,  that  I  never  before  heard  of  a  parallel,  is  used  by  the 
wardens  with  one  single  exception.  In  conclusion  I  would  state  that  tlio 
tax  payers  of  Washington  tenitory  have  a  right  to  know  of  the  dark  and 
dreadful  scenes  that  I  have  witnessed — the  beating  of  patients  for  no  just 
cause,  that  the  heart  sickens  when  wo  reflect  that  the  records  of  barbarism 
fail  to  produce  a  parallel  to  this  infamous  treatment  of  innocent  men, 


How  TO  Run  a  Refohm  Piiison. 


311 


le  miinage- 


giiilty  of  no  crime,  and  left  withonl  redrens,  irho  ure,  thrfuli^ied  it'illi  smiifen 
(tnd  terrible  peuidtirs  if  they  rereal  tJie/ttds  in  tiiii/  case  irfmlerer.  J  linlifNe 
ill  an  almighty  and  merciful  providence  ;  I  resorted  to  that  Hoiice,  and 
from  that  I  received  courage  to  divulge  the  base  conduct  of  those  en- 
trusted with  the  caro  of  those  unfortunate  patientH.  I  am  only  doing 
wliat  my  ccmHcience  dictates.  The  fear  of  man  is  not  worthy  of  a  s«-rion8 
aud  candid  thought." 

(teo.  W.  Sloan. 
Fmm  the  Press. — '■'  A(ljtui(/e(l  Insane".  "Two  inquests  in  lunacy 
were  held  in  the  Probate  court  yesterday.  [Blank  |  and  (ieo.  ^Vhite  were 
adjudged  insane,  and  committed  to  the  Asylum.  In  the  ca.se  of  the  latter 
a  trial  was  demanded  and  granted.  In  tlie  course  of  the  eviden»-e  "it 
came  out "  that  White  was  laboring  under  the  delusion  that  a  cimspiracy 
hud  been  fonued  against  his  lift>,  aud  he  accordingly  went  armed  to  the 
U'fth,  and  kept  a  crmstant  lookout  for  his  supposed  enemies.  A  bowie 
knife  aud  revolver  were  taken  from  his  person.  Judge  [Blank]  considered 
liim  an  unsafe  man  to  be  at  large,  and  gave  judgment  accordingly." 

[RKFiiECT  !  that  with  control  of  the  courts,  press,  and  secret 
"asylums  "  (?),  how  easy  it  would  be  for  the  gang  to  thus  put 
a  victim  out  of  the  way,  when,  after  conspiring  against  his  life 
and  property,  they  find  that  he  is  aware  of  their  job  and  has 
armed  himself  accordingly  for  his  defense.  Such  conspiracies 
(ire  often  ?'crt?  and  not  a  " delusion"  a.t  all — as  the  remains  of  so 
■many  victims  sea'eUy  murdered,  and  the  wrecks  of  many  homes 
are  witnesses.  And  this  Judge  most  likely  had  a  pistol  in  his  otvn 
pocket  at  the  time,  to  kill  somebody. 

As  example  of  how  victims  are  shanghaied  from  other 
States,  to  be  buried  alive  in  living  tombs  where  the  "  manage- 
ment is  so  *  humane !  and  careful '  (?)  to  keep  them  from  '  making 
trouble.'" 

I  give  the  following  from  the  Pi-ess  : — "V. ...  B.  .  . .  is  thrice  more 
sane  than  her  tormentors,  and  she  is  unjustly  held  in  the  Steilacoom 
asylum.  The  idea  that  she  should  be  held  there  in  soUtaiy  confinement  to 
prevent  her  from  exposing  a  villain,  while  he  is  allowed  to  run  at  large  in 
this  Statt    is  i)reposterotis.     Eveiy  disinterested  person  who  has  visited 

V B. . . .  Avillingly  states  that  they  believe  her  to  be  sane.   A  physician 

■who  was  called  expressly  to  see  her,  scorns  tl>»  idea  that  she  is  not  in  her 
riprht  mind,  and  if  her  friends  d»»sire  t'^.  do  her  justice,  let  them  comply 
with  the  demands  of  the  poor  girl,  and  have  her  examined  thoroughly  by 
two  or  three  physicians,  and  not  entice  her  away  into  a  strange  land,  have  a 
secret  examinatiou,  and  then,  before  she  knows  what  is  the  matter,  have  hex 
locked  in  a  cell. " 


"■■ 


^1 


;si 


rip 


M  m  I'll 


312 


A  PlIXIRIMAOE  IN  HeIX. 


".  .Why  waH  it,  that  in  OHtahlishinp  hor  insanity,  two  common  kiborinp 
men,  whom  V.  .  .  11  ...  never  saw  in  lier  HlV  hofore^aH  she  statcH — wen* 
brought  forward  to  testify,  when  she  was  examined  in  Wasliiugton 
Territory  as  to  her  sanity;  and  who  was  the  physician  wlio  eondneted  tliiit 
examination  V  It  wouM  he  interesting  to  the  people  to  know.  If  tliey 
were  to  go  to  Hteilacoom  and  there  see  the  tears  course  down  the  cheeks  of 
a  poor  girl,  liear  her  Hnpi)lieations  for  deliverance  from  her  enemies,  and 
listen  to  her  sensible  talk  on  all  subjects,  a  visitor  n.ight  suggest,  thcv 
would  i)erhaiis  change  their  opinion  in  relation  to  the  matter.  V  ... 
15. . .  .  asks  only  for  an  honest  examination,  and  a,  jmh/ic  one  ;  at  the  haiids 
of  physicians  selected  by  disinterested  parties,  and  she  slumld  have  it.  It 
will  d(J  no  harm  to  her,  and  will  satisfy  the  jmblic  mind." 

Were  it  not  for  the  law  (heretofore  given)  forbidding  cen- 
sorship as  to  her  out-going  letters,  howtvotddthe  "jmhllc  niiud" 
become  interested  to  care  about  her  fate ;  she  was  thus  enabled  to 
make  her  case  known,  to  gain  friends,  when  the  press  outside  o/ 
the  territori/  {and  gang)  agitated  and  plead  her  cause.  And  so 
the  paper  {Portland  Mercury,  of  September  16,  1883)  continues: 

"As  the  case  now  stands,  the  girl  has  friends,  and  is  getting  them  by 
the  score  every  day,  and  if  Lawyer  [Blank]  does  not  want  a  hornet's  nest 
of  public  opinion  around  his  ears,  he  will  come  to  the  front,  and  not  only 
enlighten  the  jjeople  as  to  how  he  managed  to  get  her  into  the  in.sano 
asvlnm,  but  who  i)aid  the  bills  and  who  gave  the  medical  examination. 
V.  .  .  .  li. . .  .  from  the  ai»pearance  of  things  is  unjustly  detained  at  tlus 
Steilacoom  asylum  [with  its  "liuvidne  <ind  cure/id  (iiid  thoroiKjh  "  manage- 
ment !]  and  if  those  she  is  calling  on,  do  not  come  to  her  assistance,  she 
will  go  wild  with  grief  itud  become  a  maniac  to  a  certuinti/."     [Maui/ are 

thus  MADE  INSANE.] 

[When  the  legislature  met,  one  of  the  members,  disregard- 
ing the  Governor's  message  as  to  the  "humane  and  careful 
management "  of  the  institution,  was  instrumental  in  having 
the  girl  released,  and  she  went  forthwith  to  work,  si-tting  type 
in  a  printing  office— so  she  was  not  very  insane;  the  "good 
judiciary  "  and  Governor  to  the  contrary  notwicb .standing. 

No  prison  should  ever  be  entrusted  to  men  who  love  dark- 
ness and  mystery  better  than  light  and  truth. 

No  doubt  there  were,  and  are  at  this  very  time,  ichen  yov  are 
reading  this,  many  innocent  and  sane  victims  there,  as  well  as 
elsewhere ;  for  brutal  I'eepers  could  2)revent  them  from  maldmj 
their  cases  knoivn  in  spite  of  the  la iv  to  the  contrary.     And  even 


How  TO  Run  a  IjKFoiiM  Puihon. 


313 


llil.s  Govvrnitr  was,  by  a  HUCTosHor,  rocomniPiulod  to  the  lef^is- 
liiture,  for  A  thuhtee  to  this  veuy  iNsrrrrTioN. 

//  should  hr  tiiiiilc  hi/  hill'  DEATH  ON  HKiHT,  to  any  otHcial 
sqiiolehinf^  any  prisoinn-'s  case  from  i\w  public.  Ami  a  majori- 
ty of  the  voters  of  auy  couuty  nJtoidil  he  vnipoirvred  Inj  lair  to  rc- 
ka-se  a  prisoner  from  an  a.si/luni ;  and  two-thirds  from  any  other 
prison. 

There  are  societies  for  the  prevention  of  cruelty  to  animals; 
will  not  the  plaintive  wails  of  human  suttering  find  any  willing 
and  earnest  ears  ? 

SiivH  tlio  Portland,  Orogon,  Xfws:—"A.  prominent  man  of  Cliihalis, 
Wiishin{;tou  Territory,  who  is  in  the  city,  says  that  many  pernons  aro  sent 
to  tlu^  iusaue  asyhini  ut  Steihicooni  who  aro  as  sane  a»  those  who  ooinniit 
tliom.  Au  investigation  wouUlbe  justice  to  those  who  are  endeutly  victims 
of  oilicial  ignorance." 

[Ignorance  (?)  is  it ?     Then  let  the- people  judge  !] 

Once  ngniii  : — "James  Balch  waa  ilischarged  from  the  asyhim  at 
Stoilacoom  on  the  18th  iust.  [1888]  on  avvrit  of  hal)eas  corpus.  He  has  been 
uu  iinnate  of  the  asyhim  for  five  years,  and  claim.s  to  have  been  i>erfectly 
saue  all  the  time." 

ExpEUT  TESTIMONY. — "  In  the  case  of  a  woman,  who  had  been  confined 
two  years  in  the  asylum,  five  experts  testified  that  she  was  ])erfectly  sane, 
and  that  her  confinement  as  a  lunatic  was  an  outrage;  but  those  who  were 
iutoro'sted  in  keeping  her  shut  uj)  brought  forward  five  other  exjjerts  who 
swore  that  she  was  crazy  and  imfit  to  be  at  large.  This  illustrates  the 
usual  eti'ect  of  expert  testimony  by  which  courts  and  juries  are  bewildered 
and  rendered  inca2)able  of  rendering  just  decisions. 

Under  the  practice  which  commonly  prevails  in  the  trial  of  insanity 
and  jiatent  cases,  and  suits  fordamages  for  bodily  injury,  experts  are  hired 
to  give  an  oi>inion  for  the  side  on  which  they  are  employed.  They  are 
advocates  rather  than  witnesses,  and  their  eraijloyment  as  such  is  one  of 
the  most  notorious  abuses  that  now  flourish  in  our  courts." 

As  TO  THE  Territorial  University,  the  Governor,  in  his 
message,  has  never  a  loord  to  say  as  to  the  wholesale  stealing 
by  the  Masons,  of  the  lands  helomjimj  to  it,  though  he  asks  that 
the  legislature  appropriate  the  people's  money  to  run  this 
looted  institution ;  and  looted  with  impunity !  And  he  says, 
"  Five  thousand  and  fifty-seven  acres  of  University  lands,  as 
donated  by  Congress,  have  not  yet  been  selected." 


['II 

M 

r    ' 

I 

J: 


1'    * 


f 
IP 


ii 


s«if 


314 


A  Pilgrimage  in  Hell. 


Frovi  the  Presn : — "  The  number  of  acres  (of  University  lands)  still 
remaining  inselected  is  only  500  or  GOO,  instead  of  5,000,  as  reported  by 
Governor  [Links].  Some  years  ago  7^,000  acres  of  clioice  timber  land 
were  picked  out  by  a  commission,  and  set  aside  for  the  benefit  of  a  Univer- 
sity. The  land  is  all  gone  with  the  exception  of  some  500  acres,  and 
nothing  to  show  for  it,  but  a  modem  structure  that  cost  about  $10,000; 
and  the  land  on  Avhich  it  stands  goes  to  other  jjarties  should  the  Cni- 
vcvsity  ever  be  moved.  Would  it  not  be  well  for  the  people  of  the  Queen 
City  to  investigate  this  matter  and  see  where  the  $250,000,  now  due  said 
Territorial  University,  have  gone  ?  And  yet,  in  the  face  of  all  this,  Seattle 
[and  the  Governor]  jjersists  in  asking  the  legislature  for  an  appropriation 
each  session,  to  keep  it  from  being  rented  out  for  a  lodging  house.  There 
has  been  a  viystery  hanging  over  our  Territorial  University  since  its  found- 
ation, and  it  has  never  been  a  credit  to  our  people  and  Territory.  No 
doubt,  the  time  will  come  when  an  investigation  will  be  called,  and  the  true 
inwardness  and  condition  be  known." 

[The  ring  press  called  this  Governor's  message  a  •'  Great  State  Paper." 
And  the  secret  brethren  could  afford  to  do  bo.] 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

Prison  experience,  continued. — My  personal  efforts  and  that  of  my  frienila 
for  my  roluase  from  the  Bastile,  for  some  kind  of  a  trial,  and  for  only 
a  resijectful  hearing. — The  result,  etc. — "Truth  wears  no  mask,  bows 
at  no  human  shrine,  seeks  neither  place  nor  ajiplause,  she  only  asks  a 
hearing." — Letters  of  my  wife  ;  governors,  judges,  and  various  other 
persons,  and  correspondence. — Petitions,  recommendations,  etc.,  etc., 
how  thev  were  treaied,  etc. ,  etc. 


;at  State  Paper." 


Soon  after  my  arrival  at  Seatco,  I  addressed  a  letter  to  tlie 
Governor,  giving  him  a  concise  statement  of  my  case  and  situa- 
tion. I  begged  him  to  investigate  the  matter,  and  gave  him 
reference  as  to  the  same,  so  that  he  could  do  so  with  very  little 
trouble.  I  also  asked  him  to  state  to  me  what  showing  and 
proof  and  kind  of  petition  he  would  require  to  release  me. 

But  he  would  not  even  answer  my  letter. 

He  was  a  Freemason  ring  man,  so  what  did  he  care  for  me 
or  mine,  so  long  as  none  of  the  secret  brethren  complained  ? 

I  was  bringing  into  the  gang  seventy  ceuls  a  day  besides 
my  labor,  and  my  home  and  family  were  being  ravaged ;  which 
condition  of  cruel  persecution  and  pillage  was  entirely  satis- 
factory to  his  Excellency  (?). 

I  had  approached  him  in  a  very  civil,  open,  frank,  honest 
way,  without  any  mystic  signs  or  middleman  of  secret  intrigue 
and  corruption.  I  simply  wanted  a  respectful  hearing,  and  for 
him  to  correct  a  brutal,  corrupt,  and  hellish  outrage,  which  by 
his  official  oath  lie  was  stvorn  to  do.  i'et  ht  fipurned  me  evin  a 
hearing  !  His  time  being  about  out,  it  was  not  thought  possi- 
ble that  another  such  as  he  would  be  appointed.  He  had  been 
in  office  when  the  infamous,  brutal  swindle  of  a  contract  jcb  ivas 
done,  and  the  Seatco  Bastile  established  ;  therefore  it  was  not  to 
be  expected  that  he  had  any  heart,  humanity,  or  sense  of 
justice. 

"You  disdained  an'"*  wiinced  viy  justice,  and  turned  aside  and 
wounded  with  a  stab  my  honest  pride — to  repress  the  mauly  swelhug  in 
my  breast." 

As  it  \jras  thus  evident  that  nothing  good  could  be  accom- 

(«15) 


31G 


Stuuggling  for  Liberty. 


'  f 


Ell    l> 


'    '      „  ''^  i 


plislied  with  him,  my  friends  delayed  getting  up  petitions  until 
the  new  Governor  would  take  his  seat.  This  was  the  "  Galli- 
nipper,"  who  was  soon  after  ivards  appointed,  but  hv,  did  not 
arrive  to  assume  the  office  until  late  in  October,  (1880). 

Meanwhile  and  afterwards,  my  wife  and  others  wrote  as 
follows : 

"  Home,  July  26,  1879. 

Deak  Husband  : — I  received  your  letter  last  oight ;  your  advice  is 
good  as  it  always  is,  and  has  always  been,  and  I  will  try  very  hard  to  pro- 
fit l)y  it ;  but  there  are  many  disadvantages  to  contend  with,  more  es- 
pecially to  be  obliged  to  borrow  money  to  save  our  home  from  being 
swept  away,  and  all  of  us  left  homeless  ;  but  your  attorneys  shall  not  have 
our  home  they  tried  so  hard  to  get :  they,  who  undertook  to  defend  you, 
and  extorted  all  of  our  means,  and  then  gave  you  away  without  even  an 
effort  to  save  you.  Those  Avhom  I  have  talked  to  about  it  say,  that  "of 
all  the  tiials  they  ever  heard  of,  this  beats  anything  yet;"  not  even  one- 
half  of  your  witnesses  used.  It  is  the  most  unjust  affair  ever  recorded, 
and  if  the  Governor  could  only  get  to  know  the  whole  trulh,  you  would  be 
sent  home  at  once.  Neighbor  after  neighbor  sj^eak  of  the  injustice  you 
have  to  suffer,  and  say  that  you  were  "  such  a  good  neighbor  "  to  live  by. 

Even  Mr exclaimed,  to  a  company  who  were  discussing  the  outrage 

you  are  suffering  :  "I  am  an  old  man,  and  can  say  that  I  never  lived  by 
a  more  honest,  upright  man,  and  kinder  neighbor  than  he,  and  he  was  the 
same  to  all  as  he  was  to  me." 

And,  my  dear  husband,  there  is  not  that  person  living  who  can  say 

ought  against  you,  and  tell  the  truth 

but  do  not  blame  me,  George,  and  when  you  think  of  it,  "think  tender- 
ly of  me,  for  I  am  travel-worn — my  feet  are  pierced  Avith  many  a  thorn 
when  dreamless  rest  is  mine,  I  shall  not  need  the  tenderness  for  which  I 
long  to-night. 

If  I  shoTxld  die  to-night,  you  would  call  to  mind — with  loving  thought 
some  kindly  deed  my  icy  hand  had  wrought — some  gentle  word  my  frozen 
lips  had  said — errands  on  which  my  willing  feet  had  sped.  The  memory 
of  my  selfishness  and  pride,  my  hasty  words,  Avould  all  be  put  aside,  and  I 
would  rest  forgiven  of  all  to-night." Effie." 

"August  5th,  1879. 
....  I  just  received  your  letter.    Children  are  all  in  bed,  and  I  am  here  all 

alone  to-night ;  would  to  God  I  was  with  you Mr.  S.  .was  here  to-day, 

he  says  that  every  one  says  that  your  attorneys  did  not  defend  you  at  all ; 
he  says  come  to  him  and  he  will  work  with  and  assist  me  in  making  tl; " 
truth  known  to  the  Governor.  And  Mt.  B . .  . .  told  me  the  same.  P . . . . 
and  H  .  ,  .  are  very  warm  friends.  I  have  a  good  deal  of  confidence  iu 
Mr.  H.  .  .  for  he  is  a  very  smart  man  and  well  posted  in  law,  and  Lis 
advice  is  the  same  </.<  i/ours ;  .  .  .  had  you  got  justice  you  would  have  been 


;|- 


Thrilling  CoRREsro'  oence. 


317 


)ns  until 
"  Galli- 
did  not 

wrote  as 

^79. 

•  advice  is 
ircl  to  pro- 
more  es- 
rom  being 
11  not  have 
jfencl  vow, 
nt  even  an 
,  that  "of 
t  even  one- 
■  recorded, 
1  would  be 
justice  you 
'  to  live  by. 
;he  outrage 
ler  lived  by 
he  was  the 

lio  can  say 

ink  tendor- 
my  a  thorn 
>r  which  I 

|ng  thought 

my  frozen 

lie  memory 

^aide,  and  I 

Effie." 

[879. 

lam  here  all 

|ore  to-day, 

^•ou  at  all ; 

oakiug  tl)'-' 

lie.    r .    • 

Lfidcnco  iu 

Iw,  and  his 

have  been 


cli'iiri'd  at  i)reliminarj'  trial,  but  they  don't  go  according  to  law  here I 

enclose  children's  pictures. ...  I  can  only  say  he  i/oxr  oini  ileur  scl/,  and  yon 
will  be  all  right; .  . .  write  often,  for  if  you  expect  me  to  live,  you  must  not 
forget  that  I  live  only  on  cheering  words  from  you;  your  letters  to  me  are 
as  some  life-saving  boat  to  a  drowning  man, .  .  .  and  now  good  night.  'We 
miss  thee  at  home,  i/os,  we  miss  thee — there  lingers  one  gloomy  shade 
round  me  that  only  your  presence  can  light. '       Your  loving  wife, 

Effie" 

"Home,  September  28,  1879. 
Inez  and  Clyde  have  been  sick,  and  May  is  unw  ell.     I  am  about  the 

same '  Leave  nie  not  yet — leave  me 

not  cold  and  lonely ;  leave  not  the  life  that  borrows  from  thee  only,  all  of 
delight  and  beauty  it  hath.  Tell  me  not  time  (whose  wing  my  brow  has 
shaded),  has  whithered  si>ring'8  sweet  bloom  within  my  heart.  Ah,  no ; 
the  rose  oi  Li'jc  is  yet  unfaded,  though  hope  of  joy,  its  sister  flower, 
dei'r.H.  Lt;r  v  -ne  not,  my  human  teacher,  lonely  and  lost  in  this  cold 
water  oi  onru.  iieaven  knows,  I  need  thy  music  and  thy  help,  still  to  be- 
guile me  o".  xuy  weary  way.  To  lighten  to  my  soul  the  cares  of  dutj-,  to 
charm  ir.y  wild  heart  in  the  worldly  revel — lest  I  too  join  the  aimless,  false 
and  vain.    Let  me  not  lower  to  the  soulless  level  of  those  whom  now  I  pity 

and  disdain.     Oh,  fly  not  to  Heaven,  or  let  me  share  thy  flight. ' 

Effie.  " 

"  October  29th,  1879. 

....  I  have  been  very  sick.  I  am  so  tired,  and  worried  to  death  nearly. 

I  only  hope  to  live  to  circulate  petition,  and  to  succeed  in  seeing  you 

home  once  more,   and  if  I  fail,  death  will  be  a  ■welcome  messenger.     I 

aui  so  tired  of  seeing  our  property  going,  that  we  worked  so  hard  for. 

Effie." 


My  Deab  Hush  vnj>  : 
Sunday,  I  thought  I  to,  '1 
l)ut  gain  strength  so  ^'ow. . 
Clarence  lia8go::ie  tochurcli 


"Home,  November  3d,  1879. 
I  vrote  you  a  few  days  ago,  but  this  being 
y.ite  you  a  long  letter.  I  am  getting  better, 
Itmi  '  ,ell  en  ugh  to  walk  out  to  the  granarj'. 
.  'I'm  'arrie. . .  .IfoumlMr.  J.  . . .  the  same  true 
friend — upholding  you  in  everything I  will  get  Mr.  B . . .  .  [an  eye  wit- 
ness to  the  fight]  to  sign  a  statement,  same  as  he  told  Mr.  B . . .  . ,  Mr. 
H . . . .  and  others  after  the  fight.  And  Avill  also  get  them  to  send  a  state- 
ment of  the  same ;  will  also  have;  Mr.  and  Mrs.  H.  . . .  send  to  the  Governor, 
what  Mrs.  [Jumper]  said  [Juniper]  said  when  ho  left  the  house  with  bis 
nun  [to  murder  me].  I  will  also  get  peopl(>  here  to  write  to  the  Governor 
that  they  believe  ]\I'  .  .  swore  to  a  lie  as  to  you  luiN-ing  threatened  [Jum- 
per],  as  many  hav-:  **  .icHsed  tlienisolves  so,  and  he  tells  difl'erent  and  con- 
flicting stories  yet  tt!i."»!,l  it.  [This  was  the  only  neighbor  not  on  my 
petition].     L. . . .  told  \i!*  right  after  the  fight  that  'it  Avas  a  mystery  to 


M     ' 


■  ''(I 


t  ,f 


il 


m 


318 


Stuugglino  for  Liberty. 


him  why  the  first  shot  did  not  kill  na  both, ' — and  that  at  his  (Jumper's) 
second  shot,  '  Mr.  France  Avonhl  never  have  known  what  killed  him,  if  I 
had  not  stnick  down  the  mnzzle  of  the  gun,  as  it  was  aimed  jjast  me  at 
his  heart. '  B . . . .  also  told  the  same  story,  and  he  told  me  that  yon  '  was 
not  to  blame,  that  y oil  did  just  right,'    [which  is  the  verdict  of  all  who 

knoAV  my  case,  except  thieves  and  members  of   the  gang] The 

children  are  all  well,  but  Clyde  has  been  sick.  Inez  is  a  great,  big  girl  and 
pretty  as  a  j^icture — hair  just  as  curly.  May  is  growing  verj'  fast  and  is 
almost  boss  of  the  place.  Clarence  is  also  growing  fast.  You  would  hardly 
know  me.  I  am  so  jjoor — am  very  tired,  and  as  you  see  verj'  nervous.  I 
expected  to  be  able  to  see  yoii  this  fall,  but  money  is  so  scarce  [the  bmtul 
traitors  and  thieves  were  spending  it  for  wliiskey  and  other  vices] .  But 
I  will  be  there  after  you  some  of  t'li'se  days — soon  as  I  can  get  around  to 
it. Your  :  vinry  ^nfe,  Effie." 

•ME,  February  1st   1 »"':'. 
My  Dear  Husband  : — Everything  ii.. .  been  a  whirl  of  excitement  and 

trouble I  have  been  so  sick,  and  mother  was  buried  a  week  ago 

yesterday and  failure  to  raise  money  when  due,  all  combined 

Judge  W.  will  not  now  sign  petition,  as  he  and  the  Governor  are  enemies; 
and  says,  that '  to  sign  it,  while  he  is  Governor,  would  only  prolong  your  time, 

as  he  would  pay  no  other  attention  to  his  signature  in  your  favor. ' 

I  can  speak  above  a  whisiier  only  part  of  the  time.  The  children  are  well 
and  having  a  big  play Y'^our  own  loving  wife,  Effie." 

"  Home,  April  4th,  1880. 

Mr.  N . . . .  sends  me  word  that  he  had  written  to  you  [the 

letter  was  squelched,  as  was  T^sual]  and  says  that  he  will  use  all  the  influ- 
ence he  has  in  your  behalf.     Mr.  H. . . .  says  the  same  also 

Effie." 

"  Home,  May  4th,  1880. 
. . .  .George,  I  now  hope  to  see  you  soon,  if  all  things  are  as  we  now 
expect. . .  .1  wish  I  could  just  step  in  for  you  to-night.  Babies  are  all  asleep 
and  well — Clarence  and  May  started  for  school  to-day ....  We  think  that 
Judge  W.  .  .  .  will  now  sign  petition.  [Note. — But  while  the  Judge  said 
he  would  not  o])pDf9  my  pardon  at  any  time,  he  maintained  that  "  it  was 
no  part  of  his  business  to  solicit  any  man's  restoration,  that  this  is  the 
Governor's  province,  and  for  him  to  exercise  whenever  it  appears  proper 
to  do  BO."] .  .  .  .Enclosed  find  locks  of  Clidie's  and  Inie's hair.  Alsoc<)i)yof 
letter  from  Bro.  O. . .  .  and  Mr.  H . .  .  .  with  his  i)etition,  the  other  has  not 
come  yet Effie  M.  Fp-ance." 

"  April  1st,  1880. 

My  old  Friend  George. — Enclosed  find  petition  of  such  represen- 
tative men  of  Ulster  county,  N.  Y.,  who  knew  your  father's  family  of  their 
own  personal  acquaintance;  and  our  representative  in  Congress  then  secur- 


Thrilling  Correspondence. 


319 


Fiimper's) 

him,  if  I 
last  me  at 

yoii  '  was 
)f  all  ■vvlia 

Tlie 

ig  girl  ami 
fast  anil  is 
ukl  liardly 
lervoiis.  I 
[the  brutal 
ices].  But 
b  arountl  to 

Effie." 

itement  ami 
a  -week  ago 

)ined 

ire  enemies; 
ig  your  time, 

or.' 

Iren  are  well 
Effie." 

1880. 

to  you  [the 

lall  the  influ- 

Effie." 

1880. 
[e  as  we  now 
are  all  asleep 
\e  think  that 
Jutlge  said 
Ithat  "  it  was 
It  this  is  the 
[jears  proiior 
Alsooopyof 
Uher  has  not 
France." 

1880. 
Lch  repreaen- 
Imily  of  their 
Is  then  secur- 


ed some  signatures,  outside  of  Ulster  county,  that  I  don't  know,  except  by 
renutation. 

I  would  be  glad  to  do  anything  in  my  power  for  you,  knowing  that 
von  were  always  right  wlien  here,  and  we  have  no  doubt  as  to  the  situation 
of  the  affair  out  there. 

Do  not  get  tliscouraged  ;  an  honest  man  is  the  noblest  work  of  God. 
And  any  man  who  attempts  to  live  honest,  must  meet  just  such  trials  and 
dilHeulties  as  you  have  gone  through,  unless  he  will  consent  to  buy  his 
peace. 

Knowing  your  stiictly  moral  and  honest  habits  and  disposition  from 
childhood,  I  feel  there  must  be  some  way  for  you  to  be  restored. 

Judge  Westbrook  said,  he  thought  the  President  had  the  j^ardoning 
power  of  a  territory.  Anyway,  if  pardon  is  denied  by  tlie  Governor,  have 
petitions  returned  to  you  for  future  reference.  [But  the  blackleg  Govern- 
ors would  nertrr  do  thin.] 

If  there  is  anything  I  can  do  for  you,  please  make  it  known  and  it  shall 
he  done,  if  possible. 

Still  hoping  for  the  best,  I  remain  your  true  friend, 

C.  A.  J.  Hakdenbeboh, 

Supervisor  of  the  Town  of  Shawangunk,  Ulster  county." 
[Afterwards  Assemblyman.] 

Wm.  Lounsbebry,  M.  C,  Ulster  county. 
H.  Westbrook,  Judge  Supreme  Court 
Rob't  a.  Snyder,  Sheriff,  Ulster  county. 
Alton  B.  Reuben,  Surrogate,     " 
Chas.  a.  Foster,  Senatoi,  " 

Thos.  E.  Benebich,  Member  Assembly. 
Peter  D.  Lefever,  "  " 

J.  M.  Batley,  "  «• 

Frederick  Mills,  "  *• 

E.  M,  Madden,  Senator. 
John  H.  Koqen,  Teller. 

Mr.  H.  had  been  justice  of  tlie  peace  for  eighteen  consecutive  years, 
and  was  all  the  time  tlie  most  trusted  representative  of  the  people  of  his 
section  in  various  capacities. 

I  will  here  state  that,  which  none  but  a  thief  and  liar  will 
deny,  that  my  good  character  and  innocence  of  any  crime  from 
the  cradle  to  the  gang's  Bastile,  was  established  as  truly  and 
plainly  as  can  any  other  man  in  this  Territory,  in  or  out  of 
prison,  establish  his.  But  only  to  find  that  I  had  less  con- 
sideration and  security  to  enjoy  the  fruits  of  my  honorable 
toil  and  unflawed  character,  than  did  the  blood-sucking  shys- 


K^i 


ill: 


iiii 


I)  m: 


;M::r 


320 


Struggling  for  Liberty. 


ters  and  robbers  tlie  fruits  of  their  secret  intrigue  and  crime. 
"Moral  distinctions  die  out  of  the  minds  of  Avicked  men. 
They  become  incapable  of  moral  judgment  or  of  any  sensation 
of  pity.  The  despoilers  of  homes  seek  tlia  cover  of  night  and 
the  protection  of  banded  crime  for  their  wickedness." 

"When  the  meanest  citizen  is  oppressed,    the  proudest 
might  well  tremble. " 

"Home,  June  29th,  1880. 
My  Deak  Husband  : — . . .  .Have  been  circwlating  i)etition,  bnt  hear 

that  the  Governor  will  not  come  out  here  [from  the  States]  until  fall ; 

will  complete  it  when  we  get  ready  to  go  to  Olympia.  [She  gives  the  names 
of  ten  persona  as  the  only  ones  who  refused  to  sign  petition  for  my  release, 
and  they  were  either  members  of  the  gang,  or  were  ignorant  of  my  case.] 
'  Three  weeks  ago  I  weighed  122  jiounds ;  to-day  101  pounds.  I  have  a 
fever  eveiy  day . .  .1  tell  you  we  wiU  go  well  prejmred  to  the  Governor,  with 
strong  petitions,  etc. ,  etc. ,  and  think  it  will  be  about  the  tirst  of  October. 
Effie.  " 

"August  24th,  1880. 
....  Children  have  the  whooping  ci .  agh ....  I  am  taking  medicine  for  my 
lungs — horehound  honey,  tar  and  rum — and  I  have  to  take  for  my  liver 
may-api5le-root,  and  then  add  to  that  bitters  to  strengthen  and  make  me 
eat.  I  get  tired  before  I  get  around.  [I  had  always  kept  my  family  and 
myself  in  good  health  ^vithout  drugs  or  doctors  ;  but  such  trouble  is  kill- 
ing to  those  who  innocently  suflfer,  though  it  be  considered  by  the  robbing 
home  ravagers  as  but  paying  sport  to  them.  Indeed,  the  misery  of  their 
victims  is  to  them  the  essence  of  delight,  and  they  think  it  tends  to  their 
safety  to  break  the  health  and  spiiits  of  such  as  are  best  esteemed  by 
others  for  their  virtue,  and  even  to  resolve  upon  their  utter  destruction.  ] 

"Home,  September  19th,  1880. 

There  is  yet  seventy  acres  of  grain  to  harvest, 

this  ninety  acres  on  homestead  is  threshed 

Wheat  only  thirty-five  cents,  delivered.  [But  hogs  were  a  good 
price,  and  I  had  my  farm  stocked  to  feed  up  all  I  could  raise 
on  the  Avhole  480  acres,  which  was  mostly  well  fenced  for  the  purpose.  I 
was  fixed  so  that  I  could  have  made  $1,500  to  $2,000  a  year  clear.  And 
this  I  intended  to  invest  mostly  in  stock  each  year,  which  with  their  in- 
crease would,  in  a  few  years,  amount  to  $50,000,  which  Avill  give  an  idea 
as  to  this,  the  least  phase  ol  the  ravage  done  me  by  the  gang  of  robbers, 
backed  by  a  rotten  government.  Hogs  were  as  high  as  eight  cents  ou  foot, 
but  my  large  stock  of  them,  together  with  my  other  stock  and  most  every- 
thing else,  was  sacrificed  and  wasted  away  by  my  situation,  imtil  my 
family  and  affairs  were  swamped  in  a  general  wreck  so  that  the  midnight 
conspirators  could  fatten  on  human  misery  and  blood.] 


Thrilunq  Correspondence. 


321 


"  December  20th,  1880. 
As    I  Lave  written  you  before  I  am  not  able  to  under- 
take the  journey  to  Olympia,  bo  I  have  written  to  the  Governor  explaining 

why  I  do  not  go,  and  Mr.  N and  P have  Avritten  also  ;  and  noAv 

the  petitions,  etc.,  will  follow  the  letters.  I  would  much  rather  have 
taken  them  to  the  Governor,  but  I  cannot  go,  and  trust  that  sending  them 
will  do  as  well Epfie.  " 

"January  28th,  1881. 

I  am  anxiously  looking  for  some  word  from  you,  and  we 

look  for  you  by  the  10th  of  February  if  not  sooner wiU  meet  you 

iu  Dayton I  have  so  much  to  tell  you get  Clarence  a  knife, 

Clyde  a  gun,  and  May  and  Inez  each  a  doll [Think  !] . .  am  so 

nervous,  could  talk  better  than  write.  Believing  you  wiU  be  home  inside 
of  two  weeks,  I  will  close  and  wait  until  I  see  yoii.     I  am  waiting. 

'  Waiting,  quietly  waiting, 

To  hear  his  step  at  the  door ; 
Starting  at  eveiy  murmur, 

Striving  to  rest  once  more: 
Stilling  her  heart's  wild  beating, 

With  hands  clasped  over  her  breast, 
Praying  for  peace  and  i)atience, 

Patience  and  peace  and  rest. 

Long  are  the  hours  of  dayUght, 

Weary  and  dull  and  long  ; 
Life's  work  seemeth  a  burden 

Hushed  is  her  lute,  her  song  : 
Waiting,  forever  waiting, 

For  day  to  fade  in  the  sky  ; 
Waiting  for  night's  dark  shadow 

Which  brings  the  loved  one  nigh. 

Waiting  Avith  painful  longing, 

To  lay  his  head  on  her  heart  ;  ' 

Waiting,  though  knowing  always. 

That  they  must  forever  part  : 
Powerless  now  to  resist  it. 

The  love  which  unbidden  has  grown, 
Like  ivy — creeping  and  cUngiug — 

In  love  round  the  granite  stone. 

Waiting  without  an  effort 

To  cast  his  image  afar  ; 
Looking  at  him  as  travelei-s 

Look  to  the  evening  star. 

81 


\'H 


t-r^'i    '■, 


'''M 


i  I 


|-i*'?;t5'j  ij'- 


1 

1 
1 ; 

1 

J 

1  , 

1: 
II, 

M 

ii 

Is-f  f 


J!  ■: 


I 


ii*ii 


fti..i  Jv 


A      >f   ■     km 


PM 


I     i'    I 


SniUOGLING  FOR  LlBEUTY. 


"NViiitiiif^,  thoiifili  kiioviiip;  to-nioiTow 
Will  miito  tliom — yon,  for  arc — 

But  waiting  aiul  hoping  ami  wishing 
To  see  him  ouce  more  to-chiv.' 


Effie." 


"Home,  Frhruari/  lOtJi,  1881. 

We  are  hourly  expecting  you  homo,  as  the  petitions,  etc., 

etc.,  to  the  (lovomor  were  mailed  the  18th  of  Januaiy,  over  thi'ee  weeks 

ago,  ami  you  have  probably  received  money  ($'>0) If  this  is  a 

failure,  b\it  I  cannot  think  it  is,  I  shall  see  you  in  the  spring,  for  I  will  go 

and  see  you  "nd  the  Governor  myself Oh,  George, 

I  am  Avith  you  iu  my  dreams  eveiy  night  and  all  the  day I  can  do 

nothing  Tmt  wait  as  patiently  as  I  can They  say,  *  George  wiU 

come  as  fast  as  he  can. '     Oh,  do  not  tarry  a  moment. 

'  All  through  the  day,  watching  for  you, 
Though  I  am  far  away  I  avlU  be  near  you  ; 
I  cannot  cheer  you,  yet  I  will  stay, 
I  will  be  near  you  all  through  the  day. 

All  through  the  day,  seeking  in  vain. 
Wings  for  the  hours — weighted  with  pain 
All  things  are  drear — nothing  is  gay, 
Yet  I  wiU  be  with  you  all  through  the  day. 

Worn  is  my  frame,  wan  is  my  cheek, 

Low  are  my  accents,  broken  and  weak, 

Yet  sweet  to  think  of  you  all  day, 

And  I  will  be  A\-ith  you,  all  through  the  day.         Effie. " 

From  a  friend  Aisitiug  my  wife  at  this  time  : 

"At  your  Home,  February  10th,  1881. 
Dear  Friend  : — We  are  looking  eveiy  time  the  dog  barks  to  see  if 

you  are  coming I  ahnost  know  the  Governor  cannot  pass  your 

petitions  by,  but  would  be  much  better  satisfied  if  Mrs.  F. .  . .  had  taken 

it  herself.      Mr started  a  week  ago  to  meet  you,  and  we  are  hourly 

looking  for  you.  I  am  writing  this  and,  at  the  same  time,  hoping  you 
may  not  get  it  till  it  returns.  But  if  you  are  fated  to  stay  there  until 
this  may  reach  you,  and  it  helps  to  pass  a  lonely  moment,  I  shall  consider 

it  was  not  Avritten  in  vain Children   are  calUug  in   as 

they  i)ass  from  school  to  hear  if  you  have  come and  if  you  delay 

longer  than  Saturday,  I  am  afraid  I  Avill  not  have  the  pleasure  to  help 
■welcome  you  to  your  own  dear  home  and  family. 

Your  friend,  Mrs.  F.  G.  M  . . . 

From  a  sister : — All  of   my  people  being  in  accord  with 
her  as  to  my  case,  as  are   my  friends   also  elsewhere ;  none 


THllILUNa  CoRRESrONDEXCE. 


323 


of  whom  have  been  able  to  discover  any  fault  of  mine  to 
justify  the  robbery  and  persecution  practised  against  me,  and 
are  alike  startled  at  the  plain  and  evident  fact,  that  a  peace- 
ful, law-abiding,  well-to-do,  respected  citizen  can  be  thus 
shanghaied  from  his  hard  and  well  earned  home,  to  be  pil- 
laged of  his  livelihood,  liberty,  love  and  happiness,  and  con- 
demned to  a  horrible,  lingering,  tedious  death,  without  re- 
course that  even  a  cannibal  would  get  in  his  own  country. 

*'  A  Sislei''s  ce<isele>is  tears, 

Needs  no  imploring,  passionate  appeal.^' 

"  September  19tb,  1879. 

My  Deab  Brother  : — If  ever  iu  the  world  there 

was  a  case  of  justitiable  homicide,  yours  is  clearli/  aud  surely  oue  ;  and  to 
me  aud  to  us  all,  it  is  very  strange  the  jury  did  not  see  it  iu  that  Ught. 
You  certainly  iDursued  an  upiight,  straightforward  course  in  the  matter, 

doing  just  what  you  should  have  done A  strange  community, 

indeed,  you  must  have  been  surrounded  by  to  permit  such  work.  But  be 
patient,  by  the  time  the  upright  portion  of  your  community  have  time  to 
get  their  eyes  open  to  a  just  sense  of  right  and  ■WTong,  you  will  be  par- 
doned out"! M.  J.  S." 

Everybody,  except  members  of  the  gang,  or  those  having 
had  experience,  thought  that  just  as  soon  as  one  s  neighbors 
who  knew  the  man  and  the  case  best  of  all,  should  petition  for 
his  restoration  to  them  that  the  Governor  was  bound  to  act 
accordingly  :  little  did  they  think  that  the  blacklegs  would 
spurn  to  even  look  at  their  petitions,  when  secretly  opposed  to 
members  of  the  gang. 

"September 1879. 

We  would  very  much  rather  have  you  right  and  where  you 

arc  than  Avrong  at  home That  L.  . . .  must  have  beeu  a 

very  silly  fellow  to  have  lost  his  balance  of  mintl  as  he  did. . .  .you  was 
the  oue  [Jumper]  was  after,  and  L . .  . .  only  an  obstacle  in  his  way  ;  and 
just  as  soon  as  he  could  jerk  the  gun  from  him,  of  cottrse,  you  was  .the 
oue  ho  Avould  have  killed.  . .  .Yqu  are  mistaken  aboi;t  oue  thing  you  wrote 
to  the  Governor,  'that  your  children  Avere  di.sgraced  ; '  now  that  is  a  very 
mistaken  idea ;  had  you  committed  a  critne,  then  the  case  woitld  have  been 
a  veiy  diflereut  one.  No,  no,  there  is  no  such  thing  as  disgi'ace  about  it 
to  you  or  yours. . .  .Think  of  the  Chishobn  affair  in  Mississippi  ?  see  how 
much  worse  off — the  Judge  aud  two  children  murdered. ..  .and  as  I  said 
before,  you  must  consider  the  class  of  men  you  had  to  deal  with ....  Your 
stateuieut  is  just  a  straightforward  thing,  and  I  am  glad  you  published  it 


:  '3 


li 


Uil 


i        k 

1 

fflll 

;     ,i    ■ 

«'Mra  1  '' 

\-\ 

jH^  '^ 

■i.  t'^ 


n 


!i>;i 


I  ^!:* 


n 


I-     r 

i     I. 


324 


Struggling  for  Liberty. 


and  BO  are  we  all. . .  .What  a  sbame  to  the  Territory  to  allow  Hucb  work  aH 
liaa  been  enacted  witb  you.  Your  loving  sister,  M.  J.  S." 

"  December  28tb,  1879. 

He  wbo  assaults  auotber's  life,  by  tbat  action  forfeits  bis 

own — tbe  same  may  be  allowed  in  defence  of  our  property  wben  violence 
is  menaced ....  Tbe  verdict  is  a  mystery  to  be  solved ....  Here,  or  in  any 
otber  civilized  community,  tbe  verdict  would  bave  been  "served  the 
^•illaiu  rigbt."  If  a  man's  rigbts  are  no  better  protected  tban  tbat,  it  is  a 
very  bad  place  to  live M.  J.  S . . . . " 

"  March  9tb,  1880. 

Do  not  tbink  tbat  truth  and  virtue  is  at  discount  in  tbe  world 

because,  by  adhering  strictly  to  these  and  other  virtues — as  in  your  case— 
you  be  lodged  for  a  season  in  prison ;  that  is  no  proof  of  those  ^'irtnes 
being  Avrong  ;  they  have  triumphed  in  tbe  past  and  will  in  tlie  future, 
and  you  Mill  live  to  see  it M.  J.  S . . . . " 

"January  3d,  1881. 
Deak  Bkotheb  : — Be  patient,  my  boy,  and  you  will  not  be  there  long, 
and  we  wish  tbe  Governor  to  turn  up  something  for  you  as  a  redress  for 

the  wrongs  you  and  your  family  have  suffered And  be 

thankful  also,  George,  tbat  your  children  are  spared  to  see  you  through, 
and  rindlcdted  an  you  surely  must  be,  as  the  truth,  though  crushed  for  a 

time,  will  surely  rise  triumphant  in  the  end.     Trust  in  tbe  Lord 

M.  J.  S." 

"  March  Ist,  1881. 

You  say  all  shall  be  compensated  for  their  trouble  for  you. 

Now,  George,  never  repeat  such  an  idea,  we  are  simply  doing  our  duty 

and  pleasure The  deep  symi^atby  of  our  natures  bound  towards  you 

in  your  iinjust  trotible,  and  there  is  nothing  in  our  power  tbat  we  wonlil 
not  do  to  extricate  you  from  it We  are  all  so  anxious  to  hear  the  re- 
sult of  petitions,  etc.  We  tbink  of  you  day  and  night,  you  will  ue\er 
know  how  my  mind  revei-ts  to  you  in  all  possible  times ....  may  tbe  Lord 
bless  tbe  present  efforts M.  J.  S . .  . . " 

"Junel5tb,  188L 

How  grieved  we  all  are  to  hear  of  Governor  [Links]  course. 

Dear  me,  Avhen  will  tbe  end  come  ? we  must  trust  to  God  and  try  to 

look  up  through  this  black,  dismal  cloud  in  faith — knowing  there  is  a 
silver  lining,  though  we  are  not  able  to  see  it  yet.  But,  George,  the  silver 

lining  is  surely  there And  now  witb  assurance  that  we  will 

do  all  in  our  power  for  your  release M.  J.  S.  .  .  ." 

"  February  16th,  and  April  8th,  1882. 

I  doubt  not  that  in  time  all  the  mifsteries  of  your 

unjust  imprisonment  will  be  unveiled I  beUeve  your  being  ecu- 


Hllii  N 


1  !i' 


ThUIIJ-INO  CORRESrONDENCE. 


325 


tlncd — nnjuBtlj'  tliongh  it  bo — saved  your  life  fromthoso  cnomips  that  rose 
iij)  HO  vopomouHly  against  you,  for  thoy  seonu'd  tlotormiuod  ou  your  de- 
Htnu'tiou,  and  tliere  is  uo  tclliug  what  means  they  ■\vouhl  have  used  to 

accomplish  their  foul  ends Seo  how  Paul  was  persecuted,  and 

why  ?  It  was  uot  for  any  wrong  act  of  his,  but  because  he  was  straight- 
forward in  doing  his  Christiau  duty.     Wo  are  very  sony  to  hear  of  your 

ill  health Time  ia  a  great  restorer  of  rights,  and  avenger  of  wrongs. 

Your  neighbors  and  townsmen  strongly  petitioned  for  your  re- 
lease, but ....  hiin  very  evideiillj/  been  mrnqttit/  tampered  with 

M.  J.  S..." 


Two  of  my  witnesses  had  been  controlled  to  testify  when 
ou  the  stand,  that  Jumper's  carbine,  at  his  second  shot,  was 
aimed  at  n  ly  near  companion  (L — )  instead  of  at  me,  so  that  I 
woukl  be  defending  another  man's  life  instead  of  my  own.  But 
as  they  had  from  the  fight  and  for  about  nine  (9)  months  there- 
after declared  that  the  second  shot  was  aimed  at  me,  and  there 
being  three  men  at  Seatco  who  had  been  in  jail  with  these  two 
witnesses,  and  had  heard  them  very  frequently  say  that  "it 
was  aimed  behind  L —  at  me,"  I  therefore  desired  to  get  their 
affidavits,  with  those  of  other  men,  to  establish  this  fact  beyond 
any  dispute. 

L —  had  forthwith  after  the  fight  so  declared  it,  and  in  a 
complaint  for  Jumper  and  partner's  arrest,  which  he  wrote  out 
himself,  had  also  sworn  that  this  second  shot  "  was  aimed  past 
him  at  me,"  and  the  other  witness  had  always  so  stated  it  (and 
DOES  NOW,  1889)  to  even  his  wife,  who  never  knew  he  had  ever  von- 
tradicUd  it  tuitll  I  informed  her  after  nitj  reJea.se.  "  Why  !  "  she 
said,  "  He  always  told  me  and  others  that  the  gun  ^vas  aimed 
past  L —  at  you,  and  L —  striking  it  down  saved  your  life  and 
killed  the  horse." 

If  the  Governor  hesitated  in  releasing  me,  I  wanted  him  to 
give  me  some  kind  of  a  trial  (inasmuch  as  I  had  never  had  anij) 
to  enable  me  to  bring  out  and  establish  such  matters  as  these. 
So  I  wrote  to  a  notary  public  to  come  and  take  these  affidavits 
for  me,  and  received  the  following  reply  ; 

"  Tenixo,  November  17tli,  1879. 

Geo.  W.  Fi!.vn('e,  Esq.,  Seatco. 
Dear  Sib  : — I  will  be  at  Seatco  last  of  this  we(>k  or  first  of  next,  when 
I  will  attend  to  your  business.  Yours  truly,  F.  R.  B. . "" 


m  ^. 


■  i  (• 


iitii!ii 


:-!■! 


r*   f' 

-v,      # 

5i  I, 


:}'2() 


StUUOOLINCJ   FOU   Lll'.ERTY. 


But  I  was  uot  to  be  allowed  to  positively  destroy  the  niili/ 
point  tliiit  served  the  ganf»  as  a  pretext  for"  convicting  "  (?)  and 
l)lunderiiig  me  ;  therefore,  though  B .  .  was  frequently  at  the 
bastile,  I  could  uot  get  the  business  done.  Once  I  was  told 
tliat  the  Notary  had  left  word  for  me  "  to  have  the  papers 
signed  and  send  them  to  him,  and  he  would  do  the  "  acknoicl- 
t'tfijiiKj  ((f  home  and  forward  them  on  to  the  Governor  for  me." 
This  was  evidently  a  trick  to  squelch  the  business  as  they  would 
a  letter,  and  B .  .  being  one  of  the  charitable  (?)  brethren,  was 
willing  not  to  interfere  with  their  game  of  torture. 

Here  is  a  copy  of  a  letter  I  wrote  to  B . .  over  three  months 
after  I  commenced  to  try  to  get  this  business  done,  and  /  tvun 
trymj  all  the  time. 

"Seatc;o,  W.  T.,  Febnmry  IGtli,  1880. 

F.  R.  li..  Esq.,  Tenino. 
Deau  Sib  : — Will  you  please  be  so  kind  as  to  attend  to  that  busiuoss 
for  me  at  your  earliest  possible  convenience  ?  Please  to  consider  my  sit- 
nation,  and  that  I  am  unjustly  imprisoned — which  fact  I  Avill  establish  in 
l)art  by  the  three  affidavits  that  I  am  so  anxious  for  you  to  take,  as  I  de- 
sire to  send  them  at  once  to  the  Governor,  or  to  accompany  a  petition 
from  my  home.  Very  truly,  Geo.  W.  France." 

Of  course,  with  an  honest  Governor  one's  life  would  uot 
be  thus  trifled  with,  and  haggled  and  flayed.  But  such,  my 
countrymen,  is  practical  masonry.  Have  I  not  seen  it?  Have 
I  not  felt  and  suffered  it  for  so  many  years  ?  Bout  I  know  Ihdt 
this  is  so  ? 

On  the  first  visit  of  Governor  [Links],  I  being  in  the  din- 
ing room,  easily  got  an  interview  with  him.  I  referred  him  to 
the  briefs  of  my  case  that  I  and  others  had  sent  to  the  execu- 
tive ofiice  before,  and  that  petitions  would  soon  be  sent  to  him, 
and  got  him  to  promise  that  if  there  should  be  any  opposition 
or  objection  to  my  release  that  he  would  let  me  know  forthwith 
by  whom  it  was  made,  and  give  me  an  opportunity  to  meet  and 
disprove  it.  But  I  could  not  get  him  to  state  anymore  than  I 
could  his  predecessor, "  what  showing  he  would  require  to  release 
a  prisoner,"  but  he  repeatedly  said  he  "  would  consider  my 
case  very  carefully,"  etc.,  etc.,  and  I  being  so  plainly  innocent, 
and  having  siach  strong  proof  of  it,  and  such  petitions  Avithal  it, 
dill  seem  to  me  that  there  could  not  be  another  being  in  human 


%  !k;ii 


ThIUUJNG   CoitUKHPONDKNCE. 


327 


form  ai  ,8pect,  so  brutal,  so  corrupt,  so  blood-thirsty  find  cruel 
us  to  reject  and  spurn  it  all,  that  he  nii^'lit  gl  jat  oven-  the  misery 
and  heart's  blood  of  his  victims.  I  told  the  Governor  how  I 
was  denied  the  right  to  attend  to  my  business  as  to  the  attida- 
vits,  etc.,  but  instead  of  his  seeing  to  it  that  none  should  be 
(lt>uied  such  ^ital  rights,  he  settliMl  it  by  saying  that  I  "  could 
just  send  the  papers  in  to  him  simply  signed,  and  he  would 
consider  them  as  though  they  were  sworn  to."  Ik  thus  joined 
in  .squelch iiKj  my  cane. 

"  /"or  ifht-rc  is  iioir  /hitt  hour  or  hidloiri://  (hi;/, 
When  plitnth'rhiii  viUnins  caase  to  prowl  for  pn'u  / 
K.rhdusllfss  iranl/h  /heir  houiu/lf^ss  l/osoms  crara. 
While  thit'fcs  cni/rfii/nl  in.  rri'ri/  r/iiinf  irn  rinw." 

Very  soon  after  this  visit  of  the  Governor  my  petitions 
and  other  papers  were  sent  in  to  him.  But  for  a  long  time 
iii'terwards — though  I  wrote  the  most  plaintive  appeals  to  his 
supposed  sense  of  justice  and  humanity,  and  begged  of  him  not 
to  thu"  torture  and  destroy  all  that  was  dear  and  worth  living 
for  t  and  mine — yet  I  could  get  nothing  out  of  him,  but 

that  Y&a  "  considering  "  my  case.     Oh  !   what  a  hateful, 

treacherous  word  that  "  considering  "  got  to  be.  Still  he  wouhl 
give  me  to  understand  that  he  would  presently  "  act  on  my 
case."  And  when  I  would  ask  him  if  any  one  opposed  my  release 
he  would  always  reply  that  "no  one  opposed  if." 

I  tried,  time  and  again,  to  get  him  to  "  name  some  point  as 
to  which  he  was  in  doubt  as  to  my  innocence,  and  I  would 
undertake  to  satisfy  him  with  indisputable  proof  as  to  the 
same."  But  this  he  would  never,  never  do.  He  would  speak 
of  the  "  unusual  strength  of  my  petitions,"  and  would  not  say 
that  he  needed  anything  added  thereto  or  any  further  proof  of 
my  innocence,  or  any  further  information  whatsoever. 

A  person  that  went  to  see  him  in  my  behalf  reported  that 
"the  Governor  says  your  petitions  are  the  .strongest  he  ever  .saw," 
and  that  "from  what  he  said,  I  think  you  Avill  go  out  in  a  few 
day.s,"  and  shortly  afterwards  the  Governor  told  me  that  he 
"  would  act  on  my  ease  in  a  few  days,"  and  he  said  it  in  such  a 
manner  that  I  and  others  near  me  thought  that  I  would  surely 
go,  when  I  received  the  following : 


i   li    ) 


1      i 


11  * 


328 


Sruggling  for  Liberty. 


"  Home,  April  12th,  1881. 

Oh  !  My  Dear  Husband. — I  have  received  a  letter  from  Governor 
[Links]  and  he  gives  me  no  encouragement,  though  he  don't  say  he  ^\^ll 
not  release  you. 

I  was  so  sure  that  he  would  act  favorably.  I  do  not  know  what  to  do 
next.     Oh  I  everything  is  so  dark 

'  I  have  kept  you  ever  in  my  heart,  dear  George, 
Through  months  of  good  and  ill. 
Our  souls  cannot  be  torn  apart, 
They  are  bound  together  still. 

I  never  knew  how  dear  you  were  to  me. 
Till  I  was  left  alone. 

I  thought  my  poor,  poor  heart  would  break 
The  day  they  told  me  you  were  gone. 

Perhaps  we'll  never,  never  meet 
Upon  this  Earth  again. 
But  there,  where  happy  angels  greet. 
You'll  meet  your  Effle  there. 

Together  up  the  ever  shining  shore 

We  will  tread  with  trusting  heart; 

Together  through  the  bright  eternal  day, 

And  never  more  to  part. '  Effie.  " 

["The  greatest  affliction  humanity  can  suffer,  is  the  agony  of  prolong- 
ed  suspens3." 

"Corroding  griefs  and  slow  consuming  care, 
TlEjir7nly  resolved  your  injured  heart  to  tear.'" 

"Long  as  his  actions  'sdipe  the  public  vieir, 
Whatever  his  passions  prompt,  he  dares  to  do."] 

"  Home,  May  10th,  1881. 

Bixt,  Oh !  It  seems  to  mo  that  you  toill  come.  I  am  with  you  so  often  in  my 
dreams.  Last  night  it  seemed,  it  was  not  a  dream.  I  was  with  you,  and 
the  warm  kisses  seem  to  linger  yet  on  my  lips.  You  Avill  never  be  more 
natural  and  real  in  life,  than  you  were  last  night  in  my  dream . 

I  am  sitting  by  the  window,  looking — when  not  writing — on  the  greon 
hills  and  the  tall,  gloomy  i)ines;  Jhey  are  the  only  things  that  do  not 
change — always  the  same—  and  thinkiug  of  the  past. 

Why  does  everything  rise  in  my  mind  so  vividly  this  morning — there 
seems  to  be  a  something  before  me;  it  does  not  seem  to  be  evil  either — I 

almost  dare  to  think  it  is  something  good I  am 

having  the  garden  planted  to-day.  I  think  of  how  we  iised  to  make 
garden Do  not  desj^air,  for  I  think  it  will  end  well  yet. 


!'!.'■ 


Thrilling  Correspondence. 


329 


,  1881. 

3m  Governor 

fc  say  lie  \\'ill 

vr  what  to  do 


Epfie." 

my  of  prolong- 


1,  1881. 


often  in  my 
kith  yon,  and 
3ver  be  more 

1 • 

-on  the  green 

that  do  not 

|»rning— there 
Bvil  either— I 

lam 

Ised  to  make 
Id  well  yet. 


'  Oh,  breatho  not  those  accents,  though  distance  divide  us, 
Though  time  has  been  lavish  ^ith  sorrow  and  years, 
Thou  art  dear  to  me  still — the  past  cannot  chide  us, 
When  we  turn  and  look  back  through  a  vista  of  tears. 

Ah,  yes!  thou  art  dear,  though  the  siinshine  has  faded 
From  off  my  yond  forehead,  while  shadows  of  care. 
Like  the  twilight  of  evening,  my  pathway  has  shaded, 
And  left,  now  and  then,  silver  threads  in  my  hair. 

Speak  not  of  indifference,  while  there  yet  linger, 
The  hopes  and  the  dreams  of  my  earliest  hours. 
While  memory  points  with  her  magical  finger 
To  pathways  whose  thorns  are  all  hidden  in  flowers. 

How  well  I  have  loved  thee  may  never  be  spoken, 

And  now,  even  now,  in  my  early  decline, 

My  hopes  all  departed,  the  heart  that  loves  thee 

Must  ever  be  thine.^  '         Efpie." 

["  Rare  are  solid  ay  woes; 

They  love  <t  /rain,  they  tread  each  othix's  heel." 

"Her  tempted  virtue  uniirotected  left, 
Kobbed  of  assistance,  of  each  friend  bereft. " 

Friends  wrote  and  urged  the  Governor  in  my  behalf  and 
iuformed  him  of  the  critical  condition  of  my  afiairs,  which  was 
being  taken  advant  ge  of  by  cowardly  dsvils,  to  distress  and 
ravage  my  home  a,ad  family,  and  that  I  had  no  one  to  protect 
them.  But  there  was  no  honesty  in  his  heart,  aud  he  seemed 
to  enjoy  and  gloat  over  such  torture  and  murder.  Of  course, 
lie  DID  enjoy  if,  or  he  would  not  do  if.  "  Since  will  to  act  and 
action  was  but  one."  And  "there  was  a  laughing  devil  in  his 
sneer."  Bather  than  l&t  go,  he  would  cut  out  the  tongues  of 
his  victims  so  as  to  escape  their  dying  curses.] 

"  Home,  May  22d,  1881. 
My  Dear  Husband  : — [She  is  being  robbed  of  between  throe  aud 
four  thousand  doHars  by  one  dtnil  alone,  backed  by  the  gang;  is  being 
got  into  a  stress;  i.s  gloomy,  disci )uragtHl,  distressed  aud  emljaxTasscd,  so 
that  ruination  was  surely  evident  if  I  was  uot  8i)('oialy  i''>leased,  ns  tliore 
was  no  one  else  to  avert  it,  aud  which  I  frankly  aud  plaintively  jilead  to 
the  Governor;  these  letters  to  the  Governor  are  too  plaintive,  entreating 
aud  meek  for  me  to  ever  repeat.  Viid  yet  his  conduct  was  so  maliipuDit 
and  brutal,  that  it  flamed  and  mr.ddeued  my  Anfe's  brain,  tore  her  hoart 
into  shreds,  filled  her  with  the  ■>  cry  frenzy  of  despair,  drove  her  insane 
and  cast  her  down,  so  that  she  was  ruined  and  never  herself  anymore.  ] 


330 


Struggling  for  Liberty. 


'  I  know  not  what  shall  befall  me, 
Goil  hangs  a  mist  o'er  my  eyes; 
And  each  step  in  my  onward  path 
He  makes  new  scenes  to  rise; 
And  every  joy  he  sends  to  me 
Comes  as  a  sweet  surprise. 

I  see  not  a  step  V^efore  me, 

As  I  tread  on  anotJier  year; 

But  the  ijast  is  still  in  God's  keeping, 

The  future  his  mercy  shall  clear; 

And  what  looks  dark  in  the  distance. 

May  brighten  as  I  draw  near. 

For,  perhaps,  the  dreaded  future 
Has  less  bitter  than  I  think ; 
The  Lord  may  sweeten  the  waters 
Before  I  stoop  to  drink. 
Or,  if  Mar  rah  must  be  Marrah, 
He  will  stand  beside  its  brink. 

It  may  be  he  has  waiting 
For  the  coming  of  my  feet 
Some  gift,  of  such  rare  value. 
Some  joy,  so  strangely  sweet. 
That  my  lips  shall  only  tremble 
"With  the  thanks  they  cannot  speak. 

Oh,  restful,  blissful  ignorance, 
'Tis  blessed  not  to  know; 
It  keeps  me  still  iu  those  arms. 
Which  Avill  not  let  me  go; 
And  hushes  my  soul  to  rest 
In  the  bosom  that  loves  me  so. 

So  I  go  on — not  knowing, 

I  w  ould  not,  if  I  might, 

Rather  walking  with  (lod  in  the  dark, 

Thau  going  alone  in  the  light; 

Bather  walking  with  hiui  by  faith. 

Than  a\  alkiug  alone  V)y  sight. 

My  heart  slr-rnks  liack  from,  trials 

Whii'h  the  fntovo  may  disclose; 

Yet  I  never  liad  a  sorrow. 

But  Avhat  tlie  dear  Loi-d  knows. 

So  I  send  the  coming  tears  back 

With  the  whi8i)ered  A\ord  ' He  knows. ' 


Effii! 


,  » 


Thrilling  Corresponden'ce. 


331 


L(ttr  of  Mosi's. — "If  any  Judf^e  takes  briliea,  his  punishmeut  is  tleath; 
ho  tliat  overh)oks  one  that  oflers  him  a  j)etiti()U,  and  this  when  he  is  able 
to  release  him,  fie  is  a  r/idlti/  jn-rson." 

"  Sh'ike,  if  yoH  will,  hut  hmtr." 
"The  smallest  worm  will  turn,  being  trodden  on." 

"  Home,  October  18th,  1881. 

Oh  !  My  Dear  Husband  : — [What 

transpired  and  was  written  within  this  space  of  tin\e,  and  beyond,  is  too 
distressing,  distracted,  miserable,  tender  and  domestic,  to  note  here,  or 
for  the  profane  and  cold  to  comprehend  or  regard,  and  enough  cruel  an- 
guish has  already  l)een  given,  and  is  otherwise  known,  for  such  to  gloat 
over.  She  is  being  governed  by  the  force  of  cruel  distress,  and  is  thus 
distrained  in  the  ruinous  crash,  as  to  which  I  cannot  wiite  any  more,  for 
uo  language  or  pen  can  express  it,  and  to  only  think  of  it  is  maddening. 

"  Oh,  pant  not  thus,  for  his  poor  heart  to  bleed." 

"Oh,  Virtue  !  I  have  worshipped  thee  as  a  God;  but  thou  art  the 
slave  of  dei)ra\-ity. "     That  is  incapable  of  i,  bensation  of  pity. 
She  closes  as  follows  :] 

I  WILL  REMEMBER  YOIT,  LOVE,   IN  MY  PRAYERS. 

"When  the  curtains  of  night  are  innned  back  by  the  stars, 

And  the  beautiful  moon  leaps  the  skies, 

And  the  dew  drops  of  Heaven  are  kissing  the  rose, 

It  is  then  that  my  vuminryjlieii, 

As  if  on  the  wings  of  some  beautiful  dove. 

In  haste  with  the  message  it  bear:.. 

To  bring  you  a  kins  of  affection  and  say, 

'  I  rememl)er  ^  ou,  love,  in  my  prayers. ' 

Go  where  you  will,  on  land,  or  ou  sea, 

I'll  share  all  your  sorrow  and  cares  ; 

And  at  night,  when  I  kneel  by  my  bedside  to  pray, 

I'll  remember  you,  love,  in  my  prayers. 

I  have  loved  you  too  fondly  to  ever  forget 

The  love  you  have  whispered  to  me. 

And  the  kiss  of  afifectiou,  still  warm  on  my  lips, 

Since  you  told  me  how  true  you  would  be, 

I  know  not  if  fortune  be  fickle  or  friend. 

Or  if  time  ou  your  memory  wears  ; 

I  know  that  I  love  you  whore-er  you  roam. 

And  remember  your  love  in  m_   prayers. 

When  heavenly  angels  are  gntirdin;,'  the  good, 

As  (rod  has  ordained  them  to  do, 

In  answer  to  praytns  I  have  offered  to  Him, 


i  ' 


t     -i 


'*(^H       III 


(1  ( 


332 


Struggling  for  Liberty. 


I  know  there  is  one  watching  you  ; 

And  may  ita  bright  spirit  be  with  you  through  life, 

And  guide  you  up  Heaven's  bright  stairs, 

To  meet  with  the  one  who  has  loved  you  so  true, 

And  remembered  you,  love,  in  her  prayers.  Effie." 

**  Oh,  Mercedes !  I  have  uttered  your  name  with  the  sigh 
of  melancholy,  with  the  groan  of  sorrow,  with  the  last  effort  of 
despair.  I  have  uttered  it  when  frozen  with  cold,  crouched  ou 
the  straw  in  my  dungeon ;  I  have  uttered  it,  consumed  with 
heat,  rolling  on  the  stone  floor  of  my  prison ....  I  wept,  I 
cur  ?ed — Monte  Crista. 

In  the  fall  of  1881  the  legislature  convened,  and  a  commit- 
tee of  it  and  the  Governor  visited  the  bastile.  And  while  I  was 
pleading  my  case  to  the  committee,  the  Governor  interrupted, 
telling  me  that  "  all  I  lacked  in  getting  out  toas  the  Judge."  so  I 
subsided  as  he  did  not  ivant  my  case  to  he  knoivn.  But  the  Judge 
had  refused  to  recommend  or  otherwise  favor  others,  and  stated 
that  he  would  not  solicit  any  one's  pardon,  "  as  that  was  the 
Governor's  province  to  use,  independent  of  the  Judge."  Still 
as  he  had  charged  the  jury  in  my  case  that  the  fight  "  was  more 
like  a  duel  than  anything  else" — which  meant  that  it  did  not 
exceed  manslaughter— and  always  maintained  that  I  ought  not 
to  have  got  more  than  five  years,  and  that  he  would  not  oppose 
my  pardon  at  any  time  before,  and  this  while  not  knoiving  hut  a 
part  of  my  case,  I  therefore  felt  that  when  he  should  become 
more  fully  informed,  he  would  fill  the  bill,  and  I  would  go. 
For  "  Hope  springs  eternal  in  the  human  breast,  man  never  is 
but  always  to  be  blest." 

A  friend  who  was  clerk  of  the  court  at  my  farce  of  a  trial, 
and  who  was  now  chief-clerk  of  the  assembly,  wrote  me  from 
Olympia  that  nearly  all  of  the  members  of  the  legislature  would 
sign  a  petition  for  my  release.  And  that  he  had  also  "ex- 
plained my  case  to  the  Governor,  but  he  declined  to  interfere 
with  "  the  judgment  of  the  cotirt"  but  added  that  he  "  thought 
after  five  years  of  imprisonment  I  would  be  pardoned." 

So  it  was  "  the  Judgment  of  the  court,"  was  it  ? 

But  the  "  Judgment  of  the  court "  did  not  bother  him  as  to 
other  men  he  had  pardoned. 

In  the  midst  of  his  cruelty  and  the  shrieks  of  agony,  he 


Thuilijno  Corkespondence. 


333 


has  the  gall  to  express  sympathy  (?)— praises  the  Judge,  aud 
virtually  confesses  that  he  has  not  yet  "  even  considered  my 
care." — Here  it  is. 

(  "  Territoby  of  Washington, 
\         Executive  Department. 
Olympia,  W.  T.,  January  2r)th,  1882. 

I  have  your  letter  respecting  your  unfortunate  brother, 

Mr.  France,  and  I  assure  you  that  you  have  my  sympathy,  so  also  his 
family,  and  if  I  could  with  propriety  indulge  my  ijersoual  feelings  I  would 
give  him  his  liberty.  He  had  a  fair  aud  unprejudiced  trial  by  a  good 
Judge,  aud  found  guilty  of  the  crime  for  which  he  suffers,  and  sufficient 
time  has  not  yet  elapsed  to  consider  pardon. 

There  are  many  in  the  prison  for  the  same  crime,  aud  all  about  equal- 
ly deserving,  so  that  I  cannot  well  select  one.  I  am  soiTy  for  you  aud  his 
family;  with  respect  I  am  yours,  Wm.  A.  [Links.]  " 

This  letter  is  a  fair  sample  of  the  rot  given  by  ring  officials 
to  outsiders.  If  the  prisoners  were  "  all  about  equalbj  deserv- 
imj  "  with  me,  would  a  man  of  any  sense  of  justice  or  humanity 
hold  ANY  of  them  ?  So  he  confesses  to  more  than  I  have  here- 
tofore stated  as  to  the  innocence  of  so  many.  And  he  did  make 
■sdc('tio)is,  and  I  have  be/ore  noted  their  character.  And  he  says  I 
"  had  a  fair  and  unprejudiced  trial !  "  When  even  a  juryman 
afterwards  stated  that  a  majority  of  the  jury  were  fixed  against 
me,  and  another  one  stated  that  he  afterwards  found  that 
I  had  committed  no  crime,  unless  it  was  in  "not  killing  the 
devil  before  he  did." 

I  had  written  to  the  "  good  Judge  "  asKing  his  assistance, 
and  pronosed  to  have  him  fully  convinced  of  my  entire  inno- 
cence, if  he  would  but  name  the  point  or  phase  as  to  which  he 
thought  me  guilty.  But  he  was  determined  not  to  be  compelled 
to  admit  that  I  had  been  entirely  shanghaied  in  his  court.  So 
he  would  never  give  me  any  such  opportunity  to  do  so.  He 
would  ignore  my  questions  aud  propositions  as  to  the  same  as 
follows : 

"Walla  Walla,  Wash.  Ter.,  January,  1882. 
Mr.  George  W.  Franc  k  : — I  have  received  two  letters  from  you,  and 
T  am  sorry  for  you  and  Bympathize  with  you,  as  I  do  with  almost  every 
iiiiin  who  is  unfortunate,  whether  in  prison  or  out  of  it.  /did  not  convict 
vein,  it  was  twelve  of  your  countrymen,  who  no  doubt  knew  you  better 
than  I. 


:  \ 
■  \ 


?;'     i 


;  '      h  • 


¥  ' 


i  J.   t.'.'l- ■■'     ■ 

4    V;|M->/ 


!    ■: 


•■:i;f 


3U 


Stuu(K}Ling  Fon  Liiij'niTY. 


I  gave  yoii  the  shortest  sentence  the  law  Avoiild  allow.  If  I  conlil 
have  made  it  five  (5)  years  instead  of  ten,  I  should  have  done  so,  under 
all  the  circumstances,  as  I  told  some  of  your  friends  who  came  to  me  with 
a  petition  in  your  behalf,  that  I  thought  your  crime  only  deserved  live 
years  imijrisoumeut. 

You  seem  to  foi'get  that  a  Judge  has  any  duties  obligatory  upon  his 
conscience.  Not  a  month  imssesb'.'-  some  one  is  asking  mo  to  recommend 
a  pai'don  for  somebody.  Juries  convict,  the  Judge  sentences,  und  the 
Governor  can  pardon  if  he  see  tit.  That  is  his  provim-e,  not  mine.  I 
shall  not  opijose  your  pardon,  and  shall  see  that  no  advantage  is  taken  of 
you  in  my  court,  if  I  am  apinised  of  any  attemi)t  to  do  so. 

This  is  all  I  can  promise  you,  and  all  I  think  you  can  reasonably  ask. 

Respectfully  your.s,  S.  C.  Wingakd." 

He  did  prevent  any  further  advantage  being  taken  of  me 
in  Ids  court,  as  was  attempted  on  account  of  my  duress,  and 
showed  plainly  that  if  a  Judge  is  so  minded,  he  can  see  that  no 
man  is  robbed  in  his  court,  (hough  he  emjjloy  no  faivyer  and  is  him- 
self absent.  The  whole  horde  of  blackleg  lawyers  should  be 
squelched ;  any  Judge  that  re  >  -ives  a  litigant  to  employ  or 
trust  one,  is  a  thief  at  heart.  T  l  this  court  had  been  used  as 
a  tool  against  me  and  mine  by  the  gang  to  such  an  extent  that 
it  was  not  necessary  in  finishing  up  the  job,  if  the  Governor 
would  hold  me ;  and  he  would. 

So  the  real  judgement  of  the  "  good  court,"  that  the  Gov- 
ernor held  to  be  infallible  as  to  me,  was  a  sentence  of  five  years. 
And  the  sentence  of  ten  years  was  there/ore  A  mere  technicaliit, 
that  nona  but  tyrants  would  make  use  of  to  torture,  ravage  aud 
destroy. 

More  of  his  Excellency's  rot  to  friends  in  the  States. 

"Territoky  of  Washington. — Executive  Department. 

Olympia,  W.  T.,  March  20th,  1882. 

The  letter  is  very  satisfactory.  I  have  no  doubt  of  his  good  character 
up  to  the  time  of  the  crime  for  which  he  sufl'ers.  I  hope  in  time  to  be  able 
to  do  something  for  him. 

The  people  here  muke  yreat  chnnor  over  jx tr don iny, 

I  am  yours  truly,  W.  A.  [Links.]" 

When  tlie  people  where  I  lived  and  my  case  was  best 
known  were  almost  unanimous  for  my  restoration,  and  had  a" 
petitioned  for  i/cars,  and  man}'  of  them  also  plead  for  it ;  ami, 
moreover,  when  the  Governor  had  so  often  declared  that  "nu 


ThUILUXO  ConiiKSPONDENCE. 


3;j 


I  I  conlil 
so,  niiil(H' 
0  nit^  ^vith 
srvecl  live 

upon  liis 
jcoiniuond 
s,  iuid  the 
;  luiue.  I 
.8  taken  of 

)nal)ly  ask. 

[NOAUU." 

en  of  me 
iress,  ami 
see  that  110 
nd  is  him- 
jlioultl  be 
smploy  or 
sn  used  as 
ixtent  that 
Goveruor 

it  tlie  OoY- 
five  years. 

HNICALITY, 

avage  and 
lates. 

1882. 

j)d  cliaiin'ter 
[e  to  be  able 


[[Links.]" 

was  best 

icl  //"'/  w) 

Lr  it ;  ami, 

Id  that  "no 


one  opposes  your  pardon"  who  then  weke  the  "  people  "  ivho 
loould  "cJanior"  against  it,  outside  of  tlie  gaug? 

Say  !  who  were  they  ? 

I  had  an  occasion  to  protest  to  the  Governor  the  unreason- 
ableness of  requiring  the  Judge's  recommendation,  when  he 
knew  he  had  made  it  a  rule  not  to  recommend  anybody. 
"Well,"  he  said,  "your  case  has  not  been  fully  or  forinaUi/  made 
out  or  presented  to  me."  Intimating,  I  took  it,  that  I  should 
employ  a  high  priced  agent,  or  linked  middleman,  or  lobbyist, 
to  present  my  case  to  him  in  a  more  inviling  manner  ;  for  still 
I  coidd  not  get  him  to  name  "a  point  or  phase  as  to  which  he  wanted 
more  light."  And  I  had  relatives  and  other  friends,  who  were 
likewise  pleading  for  my  release ;  some  of  whom  did  r,o  as  re- 
presentatives of  a  whole  community  of  tax  payers.  But  neither 
did  his  excellency  tvant  any  in/or  mat  ion  from  any  of  these.  He 
treated  the  judgement,  will,  and  the  sober  second  thought  of 
the  people  with  contempt — frequently  not  even  making  any 
answer  to  their  true  representatives ;  they  did  not  produce  to 
him  any  mystic  sign  ! 

I  had  now  been  meekly  pleading  and  begging  for  about 
three  years  and  had  not  succeeded  in  getting  even  a  respectful 
hearing  or  an  honest  reply;  nor  had  any  of  my  friends, 

I  was  therefore  determined,  if  possible,  that  the  Governor 
should  fully  know  my  case  in  spite  of  himself,  and  to  let  the 
people  judge,  whether  or  not  "  it  was  fully  and  formally  made 
out  and  presented,"  and  also  whether  it  was  truly  done. 

Therefore  I  wrote  the  following  epitome  of  my  case  and 
troiible,  and  had  a  copy  of  it  delivered  to  the  Governor  at 
Olympia  and  endeavored  to  have  it  published  to  the  people. 

But  the  Governor  and  Co.  would  not  allow  the  people  to 
thus  fully  understand  my  case  and  condition,  .so  tliey  squelched  it 
from  the  people. 

"And  with  uccessity,  the  tvrant.s  plea, 
Excused  his  devilish  deeds. " 

,    "  No  engine  so  sure  as  the  means  Ave  eniidoy, 
To  ridicule  first  what  we  liojie  to  destroy." 


'     7 


'r\\  \ 


!    ?l 


(    rJ 


It 

H    I 


«■        !i>IJ 


1: 

•t 

li 

! 

|l|r 

Li'^^ 

;i 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Prison  experience,  cotilinued. — An  epitome  of  my  life,  case  and  trouble  to 
"the  Governor  and  the  people." — The  only  arf/umsnt  and  summing  up 
of  my  case  thd  was  ever  made. — The  frank  but  fruitless  wail  for  justice 
and  humanity  by  a  victim  shanghaied,  ravaged,  and  languishing  iu 
prison. — "  Let  thy  keen  glance  his  life  search  through,  and  bring  his 
actions  in  review,  for  actions  si)Gak  the  man." — "  While  love  and  ijcaoe 
and  social  joy  were  there.  Oh,  peace  !  oh,  social  joy  !  Oh,  heaveu- 
born  love  !  Were  these  yovir  haunts  where  murderous  demons  rove  ? 
Distinction  neat  and  nice,  which  lie  between  the  jjoison'd  chalice  aud 
the  stab  unseen." 

"Seatco  PiusoN,  Washington  Tebiutory,  Ajjiil  20th,  1882. 
To  his  Excellency,  Governor  [Links],  aud  to  my  countrymen  at  large 
— especially  in  my  own  section  : — 

As  to  "my  case  not  being  fully  or  formally  made  out  or  pre- 
sented "  at  this  stage,  please  consider  that  neither  I  nor  my  frioiuls 
are  lawyers,  but  that  we  have  feelings,  and  thought  we  had  seuse 
and  character  enough  to  make  so  8im2)le  a  case  as  mine  manifest  t« 
any  one  disposed  to  "embrace  the  truth  wherever  found."  And 
that  this  is  all  that  would  be  necessary  at  this  stage.  And  now  my  duress 
has  been  so  prolonged,  that  I  am  destitute  of  means  necessary  to  em2)loy 
experts  to  make  out  a  formal  case  aud  plea — as  at  a  contested,  techniciil 
trial.  From  comfortable  circumstances — a  comi)etency— I  have  been  re- 
duced to  want  and  distress — soi*e  and  cruel.  But  your  Excellency,  iu  a 
homely,  awkward  way,  we  thought  it  Juid  been  shown  and  is  maintained  by 
evidence  given  before,  and  by  and  wit/i  other  facta  proclaimed  and  xn- 
questiuned : 

First. — That  I  was  always  truthfully,  peacefully,  charitably  and 
frankly  disposed,  to  a  fault,  and  temperate  in  all  things ;  that  I  never 
struck  a  child,  harmed  a  kitten,  killed  a  dog,  or  stoned  a  bird ;  or  op- 
pressed anyone  because  he  was  unfortunate,  in  trouble,  ignorant  or  i)0(ir ; 
nor  envied  any  one  his  own.  Aud  would  ever  stand  for  a  fundamental 
truth — though  I  stood  alone  and  then  fell.  Nor  yet  afraid  to  confess  my 
many  errors,  wrongs,  or  sins  to  men. 

But  that  these  traits  are  more  of  an  endowment  than  any  fault  of 
mine,  and  if  their  fruits  be  considered  as  evil,  I  pray  that  they  be  no 
longer  charged  against  me. 

Second. — That  without  molesting  anyone,  and  by  honorable  toil,  I 
made  on  the  outer  border  of  settlement  a  spacious  and  a  hapjjy  home  of 
high  prospective  value,  and  was  possessed  of  plenty  to  the  en  .y  of  others. 

That  I  iiossessed  all  of  the  mo-al,  legal,  technical  aud  customary  titles 
and  rights  to  be  had,  to  each  and  every  portion  of  the  same. 

(336) 


Only  AROUiMENT  of  my  Case  eveu  Made. 


337 


That  it  was  by  hardships,  i)rivations,  and  good  coudiict— taking  in  the 
flower  of  my  life— that  I  won  these,  and  that  I  had  every  right  to  inhabit, 
cultivate  and  enjoy  these,  my  o^vn,  and  to  defend  my  life  while  perform- 
ing such  homage. 

Third. — That  a  transient  few  there  were  who  determined  to  possess 
my  i)roperty,  and  these — forming  a  cUque — waged  on  me  and  have  caused, 
with  their  friends  or  supi^orters,  all  the  trouble  and  loss  I  have  sufl'ercd, 
uud  while  I  was  pursuing  the  even  course  set  forth.  Yet,  they  mostly  were 
friendly  to  my  face  when  we  met,  had  received  favors  at  my  hands, 
aud  cannot  maintain  that  I  ever  wronged  any  one  of  them. 

Fourth. — That  one  of  these  would  contest  the  possession  of  a  part  of 
my  home  with  his  rifle,  and  without  having  any  legal,  moral,  or  customary 
right  thereto  whatsoever — had  not  even  instituted  or  filed  any  contest,  and 
I  had  it  enclosed  with  over  ten  thousand  rails. 

That  he  declared  he  would  cultivate  and  hold  this — my  field  and 
plowing — and  that  if  I  "  attempted  to  do  so  he  would  kill  me."  That  he 
swaggered  to  me  and  to  various  others,  from  the  outset  to  the  fight — as 
sworn  to  by  men  and  women  (the  latter  strangers  to  me).  That  he  "  had 
more  backbone  than  me,  did  not  believe  that  I  was  on  the  shoot,  but  if  I 
was  it  was  just  his  hand  ;  "  that  he  "  would,  by  the  nape  of  the  neck,  \nit\\ 
me  out  of  the  field,  and  if  not  man  enough  without,  would  fix  me  so  he 
could."  That  "  one  or  the  other  of  tis  would  die  there."  That  he  "  would 
or  I  must  go  or  come  into  the  field  a  shooting,"  etc.,  etc.,  etc.,  and  i)ro- 
claimed  Macbeth's  judgment,  "Damned  be  he  who  first  cries  hold, 
enough ! " 

Yet,  your  Excellency,  he  had  good  traits  withal;  we  freqtiently  had 
friendly  chats,  and  he  sometimes  sat  at  my  table.  And  I  don't  believe  he 
would  have  tortured  me  so — during  all  these  troublous,  hapless,  endless 
yeai-s  of  agony  and  despair,  and  while  I  was  crying  enough !  enough  ! 
enough  !  He  would  at  least  meet  me  in  an  open  field,  give  me  a  warning 
and  a  partial  show,  and  end  my  misery.  Will  not  your  Excellency  do  as 
much  ?  Do  not  dissect  me  so  with  the  executive  function  of  mercy,  while 
yet  alive  and  in  my  mind — just  because  I  am  ignorant,  awkward,  in  trouble 
aud  poor  ;  give  me  some  kind  of  a  trial,  and  show  wherein  I  can  defend  my- 
self against  the  inconsiderate  and  most  unusual  verdict  against  me. 

Fifth. — That  neighbors  >/amed  me  to  be  aware,  or  Mr.  Jumi)er  would 
cany  out  his  many  threats  against  my  life,  and  urged  me  to  accei)t  the 
loan  of  a  little  pistol  to  carry  for  my  defence  when  I  went  to  the  woods, 
where  I  was  likely  to  meet  him,  and  in  my  field.  I  did  so  and  kept  on  in 
my  usual  course.  That  the  neighbor,  who  loaned  me  his  pistol,  was  inti- 
mate Avith  Mr.  Jumi)er,  knew  his  intention  to  kill  me,  and  was  therefore 
afraid  for  his  horses  even,  to  be  in  this  field,  least  they  should  be  shot  by  ac- 
cident when  I  should  go  into  it.  All  of  which  he  and  othei-s  swore  to. 
Et'ferenee:  his  Honor  or  clerk  of  my  District  court,  and  the  witnesses  them- 
selves. 


22 


'  ^1 


■  ii 


:^i     i]. 


338 


An  Epitome  of  Fieuy  SntuaoLEs. 


Si.clJi, — That  but  two  meu  could  be  found  during  a  i)eriod  of  over 
nine  (9)  montbs,  who  would  swear  tluit  I  liud  ever  threatened  Mr.  Jumiicr 
with  violence,  and  one  of  these  Imd  einuity  against  me,  because  I  hud  re- 
fused him  a  favor — as  not  believing  hiui  honest — and,  moreover,  the  inci- 
dent referred  to  was  hing  anterior  to  the  tight.  The  other  swore,  I  saiil 
"  such  men  ought  to  be  hung."  The  former  was  false,  the  latter  true. 
(The  former  is  the  only  neighbor,  I  beUeve,  within  two  or  three  miles  nijt 
on  my  i)etition — if  he  can  be  considered  a  neighbor.)  [On  my  return  I 
said  to  an  old  neighbor,  "don't  half  the  jwoplo  consider  him  a  jJtii'jured 
scoundrel  ?  "    "I  guess (dl  of  them  do,"  said  he.] 

Seventh. — That  finally  I  applied  to  a  jjeace  officer  and  preacher  of  the 
■word,  to  bind  the  gentleman  over  to  keep  the  peace,  so  ho  would  not  mur- 
der me,  and  got  in  reply,  that  "  he  was  indeed  a  vicious  and  daugerou.s 
man,  but  that  it  was  simiily  envy — on  account  of  my  prosijerity — tliat 
caused  these  plundering  raids,  and  that  all  things  considered,  his  advice 
to  me,  was  to  he  prepdred  to  ih-fend  myself,  and  (jo  on  dhout  mij  business,  to 
sow  and  cultivate  this  field."  I  simply  did  so,  as  usual  in  my  even  course. 
^Reference,  his  Honor. 

Ei(j]ith. — That  the  following  day — in  company  with  two  other  meu 
(who  were  mutual  friends  as  to  Jum^jer  and  me — and  who  were  not  armed) 
•while  peacefully  at  work,  sowing  wheat  on  horseback,  iu  ray  usual  way,  ou 
said  i^ortion  of  my  home :  That  the  gentleman,  as  aforesaid,  having  averred 
he  would  kill  me  at  such  time,  place  and  circumstance,  seeing  us  from  a 
distance,  i^roceededat  once  direct  for  his  silencer  carbine,  saying  (at  least), 
"  there  is  going  to  be  trouble,"  [and  that  "  he  would  kill  me,"'\  came  direct 
into  my  field,  with  his  gun  cocked,  and  presently  came  to  me  and  made  a 
swaggering,  fierce,  frightful  attack,  "ijlaced  his  cocked  gun  to  his 
shoiUder,"  his  finger  on  the  trigger;  said,  "  I  to  ill  kill  you,"  ''fired  the  first 
shot,"  "killed  a  horse  close  by  my  side,"  under  a  man,  who,  "  reaching  back 
struck  the  muzzle  down  the  instant  it  fired,"  That  my  pistol  shots  quickli/ 
followed  this  of  the  carbine,"  and  were  all  fired  in  rapid  succession."  That 
these  points  and  words  as  given  of  the  attack  and  fixfht  and  position,  were, 
and  are  always  agreed  by,  and  were  sworn  to  by  all  present  at  the  shooting 
who  were  sworn — three  men — excejjt  that  the  man  by  me  was  so  dazed, 
that  he  did  not  see  or  hear  my  latter  shots.  And  the  rapidity  of  all  the 
shots  was  also  declared  and  sworn  to  by  othei-s  who  were  at  a  distance. 
Reference,  his  Honor  or  clerk,  Districtcourt  and  witnesses  themselves. 

Ninth. — That  when  my  companion  "struck  down  the  gun  with  his 
hand,  he  clung  to  it,  was  struck  on  or  against  his  head  with  the  butt, 
dazed,  jerked  off  his  sinking  horse,  and  a  frantic  struggle  followed  for 
control  of  the  gun. " 

That  "  neither  said  companion  nor  any  other  man  had  a  hand  or  a  fin- 
ger on  to  Jumper  at  any  time,"  but  "  only  hung  on  or  clung  to  the  gun." 

That  said  companion  oX,  one  time  "  during  the  struggle,  Avas  flat  down," 
and  one  hand  was  torn  quite  to  the  bone.     These  points  and  language 


wm 


;riod  of  over 
Mr.  Jmniter 
use  I  Imd  le- 
ver, tlie  iiK'i- 
iwore,  I  «uiil 
i  latter  tnif. 
ee  milt'H  not 
my  rcturul 
a  a  perjured 

lacher  of  the 
aid  not  mur- 
d  daugorou.s 
perity— tliiit 
1,  Ilia  advice 
/  business,  to 
even  course. 

>  other  men 
3  not  armed) 
mal  way,  on 
ving  averred 
J  us  from  a 
ig  (at  least), 
came  direct 
ind  made  a 
gun  to  his 
'■red  ike  first 
aching  back 
lots  quuiii/ 
ion."  That 
ntion,  were, 


-^^^If!!!!^!!::^  <^-^  -v.„  M.«.K 


>nd  or  a  fin- 
he  (J  tin." 
flat  down," 
d  language 


339 


^v.-ro  and  are  also  established  JiT^T^ -— 

ence.  "'"«"  a^'l  "I'uutained  as  aforesai.l      q 

"xurtsaui.     Samo  refer- 

r'"'ley-given  possession  of  it  b     T     •"""  ""'^'^l '^'^rhine,  and  was     Jl 
And  m  reason  I  submit  if  .     i 


That  this  nrorpn  ihn*  t 


if" 


rhl^ 


f*  tttir 


'.=  f' 


1 '  f 


;■■('    •'!« 


iiiijtiibi 


340 


An  Ei'iTOME  OP  FiEiiY  Struggles. 


(my)  heart,  aud  Iuh  Htrikiug  ilowu  tbo  gnu  savotl  Iuh  (my)  life  " — which  is 
true. 

That  (Mr.  Jumper  not  appearing  much  hurt)  ho  (L. .)  aud  I  Hworoont 
a  warraut  for  his  arrest  (aud  two  meu — uot  uh — were  empowered  to  make  it, 
aud  iu  which  ho  hwokb  that  miid  Hhot  Avas  aimed  at  me,  aud  he  bo  deelaretl 
at  various  timew,  to  vaiiouH  porsouH,yr;r  soma  niua  monlhs  tharcafter,  an  did 
the  other  wituesH  also,  as  proven  by  documents  heretofore  submitted  as  to 
each  and  the  same,  aud  which  is,  moreover,  evident  Ay  all  the  pf/i/sical, 
iiiln-ri'iil  ttinl  cifcitinntitiitiiil proof  hoaxiug  on  the  same,  aud  which  I  think  I 
can  say  was  not  disputed,  aud  was  certainly  nefer  refuted. 

Thirteenth. — That  Avheu  death,  however,  had  resulted,  I  proceeded  to 
the  justice  and  re(iuested  an  examination,  expecting,  of  course,  an  honor- 
able acipxittal.  But  the  before  noted  diipie  came  to  a  living  man — this 
being  their  opportunity — sent  for  a  shark  lawyer  to  Avork  in  the  tricks  of 
the  trade,  made  him  also  clerk  of  the  court,  delayed  proceedings  (without 
notice  to  me)  till  running  it  past  the  middle  of  the  night,  and  swore,  or 
courted  "  evidence  "  (?)  of  things  so  physically  impossible  and  morally  im- 
probable aud  untrue — on  account  of  distance  and  the  physiology  of  miiu 
— and  conjlicting  witlitd,  aud  which  measurement  and  a  little  reasoniiu/ 
would  iDick  to  jneces,  break  iu  Hinders,  aud  make  plain  to  even  a  child  ; 
that,  therefore,  ou  account  of  the  [masonic]  indignity  of  the  honorable 
court,  I  was  not  sworn  at  all,  nor  was  a>u/one  who  was  present  at  the 
shooting,  or  nearer  than — according  to  their  own  guess — from  70  to  HO 
yards,  aud  Avhich  distance  I  will  further  on  refer  to  more  fiiUy. 

That  Jumjjer  was  not  sworn,  with  plenty  of  ojiportunity,  time  aud 
vigilance,  aud  that  the  others  who  were  reidlt/  the  only  living  persons  who 
ivere  jrresent  ai  the  shooting  aud  couhl  knou^  the  fight,  were — with  one  of 
their  own  who  wanted  to  tell  the  truth — unjustly  and  jieruiciously  cast  oil 
\not  allowed  to  test  if y^, 

Aud  this  is  the  mould,  by  which  they  would  cast  public  oi^inion,  aud 
from  it  they  did  cast  me  into  pxison  thirty  miles  away,  ai;d  reports  that  I 
had  "murdered"  the  gentleman.  Aud  then,  moreover,  cast  my  iudiot- 
meut  from  this  viotdd  alone.  [No  one  "who  was  at  thk  shootiko  was 
ALLOWED  TO  TESTIFY  BEFOKK  THE  QBAND  JURY.]  Reference,  his  Houor  of 
the  justice  court  aud  others. 

Ou  account  of  my  ignorance  of  men,  and  my  duress — thus  caused— 1 
failed  to  get  this  court  ou  the  stand  at  my  "  trial  "  (?),  but  as  it  presently 
petitioned  for  executive  clemency,  I  will  presume  it  thought  this  would  do 
as  well,  which  sadly  disjilays  a  lack  of  knowledge  as  to  the  effect  of  i^rayer 
on  the  human  [inhuman]  heart. 

Fourteenth. — That  a  samiile  of  the  material  or  stuff,  composing  tbin 
mould — from  which  were  cast  the  forms  of  commitment,  indictment  aud 
verdict — by  which  to  oppress  and  rob  me  in  the  name  of  the  people,  law 
and  of  justice,  is  found  of  these  distance  witnesses,  wherein  is  named— ah 
numbered — the  little  bullets,  as  belonging  to  my  respective  discharges,  as  by 


Only  Akqument  of  m^  Case  ever  Made. 


341 


ivhic'li  is 

Avovo  ont 
inivko  it, 
dedavi'tl 
/•,  aa  tliil 
tteil  fts  to 
j)hiisic(il, 
I  tixiuk  I 

ceedetl  to 
an  liouor- 
niiiu — tliirt 
)  triflis  of 
9  (without 
.  Hwore,  or 
Lorally  im- 
gy  of  miiu 

I'lutsniiin'i 
a  a  chilli ; 

honorable 
aent  at  the 

70  to  UO 

',  time  and 
)eritons  ii'ho 
nth  one  of 
isly  cast  off 

binion,  and 
torts  that  I 
Imy  indiot- 

loTlKG    WAS 

Honor  of 

tvnfs^'/ — ^ 

presently 

•wonld  do 

|t  of  prayer 

josing  tbiH 
[tment  aud 
"Leople,  law 
IrtaTnet/ — as 
\rges,  as  by 


iinmhei'H  from  one  (/)  Id  ftun;  each  lo  encli  resprvfipeli/ !  with  vn'ii  or  /lorsfs 
iiiti'rrt'tiiiKj,  tint/  tin'  sf/nts  Jirrd  in  rapid  siiccfssioii  in  n  furious  Jiijlit,  and 
when,  moreover,  two  of  us  w  ho  were  present  did  not  know  they  hit  at  all  ! 

And  again,  in  swearing  to  words,  as  urging  lao  to  greattr  action,  wlien 
by  lucittion  and  time — marked  by  themselves — ^ho  distinction  of  words  was 
beyond  the  reach  of  huindii  f/rnrini/,  as  far  and  ci>rtain  as  to  sn- t/te  litlli' 
hiillfta  liit  was  of  human  vision.  And  as  though  thero  was  ui.^^'  time  or 
impulse  for  talk  in  the  dash  nf  thefriijhifid  life  and  death  coi\fliet. 

And  thus  can  (///that  was  sworn  against  mo  bo  refuted — even  by  its 
own — if  considered  with  a  passive  mind,  and  bo  governed  with  reason,  and 
the  same  standard  accorded  others  in  similar  cases. 

When  thus  shanghaied,  I  foolishly  declared  that  I  "  would  not  care  a 
stiver  for  a  ton  of  such  stufl'."  But  I  thought  tluxt  reason  audjuslire  would 
next  in'ovail  if  I  employed  experts  to  defend  me,  [but,  fatal  to  me,  they 
were  secret  brotlion  themselves]. 

Fifteenth. — That  his  Honor  of  the  Disi  "''•t  court  being  presently  made 
known  of  the  fraudulent  manner  in  whicJi  I  was  held  in  duress,  kindly 
aent  me  word  that  ho  "would  issue  a  writ  and  give  me  an  examination — 
(which  by  law  and  iisage  I  was  entitled  to)  either  at  Dayton  or  Walla 
Walla,  as  I  chose."  But  never  having  been  in  court  troubles  before,  I 
meanwhile,  hastily  and  iguorautly,  was  i)ersuaded  to  trust,  what  proved  to 
be  my  all  to  others  [shyster.s],  and,  therefore,  I  did  not  get  any  examina- 
tion, 1  oaring,  or  trial,  for  over  nine  (9)  months.  And  then  I  did  not  in 
the  usual  sense  and  n  auing  of  those  words,  and  thus  have  I  not,  (//  am/ 
time  during  viy  ti  i,"r'i'j,  had  a  fair  show,  or  deal,  or  hearing,  or  justice,  in 
any  court  or  by  the  public.  And  which  I  swear  to  be  true,  and  will 
further  point  it  out,  so  that  anii  one  who  may  reiul  this  showing  may  know 
it  also.  But  that,  however,  the  chief  points  which  I  have  given,  besides 
others  I  will  give,  have  been  established  he\oui\  reasonable  dispute,  as  be- 
fore shown,  and  none  of  them  could,  or  can  ever  be  refuted  when  the  phy- 
sical and  inherent  evidence  and  undisputed  circumstances  bearing  on  the 
same  are  duly  considered  withal,  and  in,  but  a  few  of  these  jmifds  it  can 
readily  be  seen  evident,  that  there  could  not  and  can  not  be  any  real  case  at  all 
against  me. 

That  the  only  plausible  theory  set  forth,  and  point  formally  made  for 
my  conviction  at  my  "trial"  (?)  is  by  a  preponderance  of  personal  evi- 
dence alo!  in  diverting  the  aim  of  the  murderous  carbine  from  "my 
liP"  '  to  u,i  ufe  of  another,  with  whom  Mr.  Jumper  was  on  fnendly 
.  with  whom  he  had  no  quarrel,  against  whom  he  had  made  never  a 
iiiut,  and  to  'om  he  had  but  recently  i^resented  a  token  of  regard,  and 
ii'/io  wi's  iiuaruf  il.  On  which  account  he  was  with  me  there,  he  thinking 
lie  coi  d  therefore  persuade  Jumpei  from  his  declared  intent  to  kill  me  on 
this  ]  trticular  occasion,  and  they  did  respectively  try  to  do  so. 

But  with  my  proven  .«■     ■  cf  fear  nf  danger,  alone.     Hoav  !  by  what 
law  !  or  precedent  !  or  standard  !  can  such  point  be  held  against  me  ? 


'*ii 


\9'4 


3^ 


An  Epitoms  of  Fiery  Struggles. 


mio  is  to  be  (he  Juilr/e,  ((s  to  t  nch  dangei;  when  the  effect  is  estahlishcil? 
Suppose  the  gun  ■was  uot  loaded  (even  tlie  magazine  was  filled  for 
the  purpose)  or  that  it  was  a  wooden  gun,  or  that  ho  was  only  shooting  at 
my  hat,  or  my  horse,  or  at  "nothing"  (?),  hut  <i  mutual,  unarmed  friend  ,intl 
iw  tcemidcn'!  Or  that  he  was  only  in  sport  to  see  me  run  I 

That  it  does  not — //*  eren  justice  an  I  law — make  any  difference  what 
any  one  else  might  thii'l:  -or  claim  to  tl^ink — just  so  that  /  was  iin^jresscil 
ifUh  dani/er.  And  was  there  ever  a  beiuj;,  cast  in  human  shape,  Avho  would 
uot  be  so  impressed  under  tlie  force,  and  in  the  current  of  such  an  attack? 

That,  moreover,  if  such  point  had  been  reasonably  [aud  without  cor- 
niption]  established:  Tnat  it  is  a  narrow  and  uneven  cause  to  work  all  tin- 
oijpression  and  torture  and  wreck  that  has  been  done.  As  to  which  I  Ix'g 
to  Hul.mit  the  judgment  of  a  court  in  a  State,  where  "  good  is  not  so  fre- 
quently called  evil,  and  e^il  good, "  where  sharks  and  cutthroats  cannot 
and  do  not  ravage  hard-earned  homes  aud  altars  with  impunity,  in  the 
guise  of  justice,  and  cause  their  victims  to  beg  for  life,  and  in  vain.  Ac- 
cording to  the  press,  at  Paterson,  New  Jersey,  May  1st,  1880,  Williuui 
Dalzell,  his  son  being  with  him,  shot  and  killed  Josej^h  Van  Houteu,  who 
was  oue  of  a  i)icnic  party  trespassing  on  Dalzell's  land.  It  did  not  apiJcar 
that  the  tresi)asser  liad  any  ^•iciou3  intention,  motive,  or  impulse,  or  that  hi> 
■was  armed.  He  was  there  only  to  have  a  good,  social  time,  with  his 
inteuded  wife,  in  a  May  i)arty  of  his  friends.  But  in  going  to  the  ])iciiic 
grounds  they  jx'rsisted  in  passing  throiigh  Dalzell's  field,  who  thereupou 
shot  Van  Houteu  dead. 

Judge  Dixon,  in  charging  and  laying  down  the  case  to  the  grand  jury 
— according  to  the  i)ress — said,  in  the  following  words  :  "  If  Dalzellfircd 
the  gun  simply  in  i)rotection  of  his  pro2)erty  against  trespassers,  he  is  guihy 
of  murder.  But,  if  the  trespassers  assailed  him  and  put  his  own  or  his 
.sow's  life  in  danger,  or  caiised  in  them /.''(>•  of  serious  bodily  injuri/,  and 
the  shot  was  fired  to  prcrenl  this,  then  it  would  be  excusable  homicide,  the 
act  having  been  committed  in  self-defense." 

Dalzell  was  indicted  fo?'  manslaughter  and  bailed  out  to  attend  to  his 
business,  and  i)repare  for  ti'ial.  And  here  follows  the  outcome  in  the  words 
of  the  associated  press  : 

.  ""William  Dalzell,  the  infuriated  farmer  of  Paterson,  New  Jersey,  who 
shot  and  killed  Josej)!!  Van  Houteu  last  Mry,  for  (as  one  of  a  picnic  party) 
invading  liis  farm,  and  who  came  near  being  lynched  at  tlse  time  by  the 
enraged  companions  of  Van  Houten,  has  just  emerged  from  his  trial  with 
a  verdict  of  '  not  guilty. '  He  succeeded  in  getting  a  jury  of  Bergen 
County  farmers;  as  a  chief  point  in  the  defeuso  was  that  a  man  has  a  right 
to  defend  his  property  from  trespassers,  and  on  this  i)oint  the  farmers  were 
a  unit  in  Dalzell's  favor." 

Now  suppose  Van  Houten  had  made  an  attack  on  Dalzell  with  a  coch'il 
carbine  inbothhands,  and  fired  the  Jirslshol — after  hiring  declared  he  would  kill 
him  on  that  very  occasion;  and  that  after  nine  montha  [dirty]  work  by  the 


h  ,|.  i^ 


s  estdhli shell? 
as  filled  for 
f  sliootiug  ut 
edfrieiul  and 

[Terence  what 
tum  iinpressfd 
e,  who  would 
till  an  attack  ? 
Avitliont  cor- 
o  work  all  tin- 

0  wliicli  I  beg 
ia  not  so  fi'c- 
hroats  caiuiot 
punity,  in  the 

in  vain.     Ac- 
1880,  William 

1  Houteu,  who 
lid  not  appciU' 
ilse,  or  that  hi» 
time,  with  his 
r  to  the  jncnic 
vho  thereupou 

the  grand  jury 

If  Dalzelllired 

ra,  he  is  guilty 

lis  own  or  /"■''■ 

ly  iiijitri/,  and 

homicide,  the 

attend  to  his 
lie  in  the  words 

|\v  Jersey,  who 

picnic  party) 

time  by  the 

his  trial  with 

j-y    of   Bergen 

(an  has  a  right 

farmers  were 

irilh  a  cncb'il 

edhf  would  kill 

work  by  tho 


Only  Argujient  of  my  Case  ever  Made, 


343 


tricks  of  a  [secret]  clique  of  sharks,  it  was  made  to  appear  that  Van  Houteu 
■\\a.a  "onlt/"  trying  to  murder  Dalzell's  son.  What  do  these  sharks  take 
the  yeomanry  and  homebuilders  of  this  country /£»;•  anyway  ?  It  will  thus 
he  seen,  that  according  to  "Jersey  Justice,"  were  I  hu\dug  a  fair  deal  and 
almost  give  the  iirosecutiou  all  they  ever  claimed  as  a  whole — with  tho 
stuff  siyi'orn  and  vented — I  would  not  have  been  held  at  all,  or  the  first 
uaU  diiven  in  my  coffin. 

And  I  would  resi)ectfully  submit,  whether  any  man  has  succeeded  i.. 
making  and  holding  a  home — worth  envying — in  this  country,  if  it  was  uui 
beheved  he  would  fight  to  defend  it.  And  if  it  will  be  possible  to  do  so, 
if  the  sharks  are  sui)i)orted  and  backed  by  the  powtir  of  Ciovernmeut, 
not  disputing  the  "infallibility  of  the  coiir;.s,"  but  as  a  matter  of  e.rperience 
aiidfdci  lit,  the  Idstori/  of  the  sctlliin/  (did  h.id)it<iti()tt  of  this  county}!.  Will  men 
work  the  best  part  of  their  lives  in  making  and  earning  homes,  if  they  can 
jump  or  Avreck  those  already  done  with  safety  and  security  and  even 
veuendion? 

As  to  which  I  would  refer  to  the  reports  of  the  shotgun,  rifle,  pistol 
and  strife  throughout  this  country. 

That,  had  such  "Jersey  Justice"  been  proclaimed  by  Executive  and 
courts,  my  trouble  and  also  that  of  several  others  in  my  section — since 
been  made — would  not  likely  have  occuiTed.  Or  had  I  been  known  as  a 
vicious,  reckless  man,  or  as  haWug  such  in  my  emjiloy,  as  many  do,  I 
would  not  now  be  i)leading  for  my  life  at  your  Excellency's  feet. 

That  Mr.  Jiimper  had  just  previously  undertaken  to  jump  another 
man's  claim,  but  being  at  the  outset  met  in  kind,  ho  found  it  to  bo  a 
stump  he  was  jumping  against,  without  shooting  into  it,  so  there  was  not 
much  trouble  there. 

That  there  was  a  man  living  with  Jumper  previous  to  and  at  the  time 
of  our  fight;  that  ho  therefore  reasonably  knew  more  of  his  intention, 
manner  and  motive,  than  any  other  man.  That  he  also  closely  followed 
Jumper  into  the  field  and  witnessed  the  fight  as  closely  uui/uuiy  (is  the  jrri/'- 
cqxd  prosecullnr/  icititess.  That  they  subpienaed  this  witness  and  2  laced 
him  on  the  stand  at  the  so-called  preliminary  examination;  that  he  was 
ilisi)osed  to  tell  the  truth  as  far  as  he  knew;  swon^  he  "did  not  know  the 
number  of  jiistol  or  carbine  shots,  as  they  were  fired  so  near  together  and 
rapidly,  that  it  was  a,  fierce,  hot,  mixed-np  fight,"  etc.  (I  sh.ould  say  so, 
■with  bouiidiu;/  horses,  men  (tiidjirc,)  "  but,  that  there  were  more  pistol  than 
carl)ine  shots,"  and  that,  on  account  of  tho  distance,  he  could  not  recog- 
ui/e  us  as  the  men  engaged,  though  dn^ssed  tho  same*  as  at  the  fight. 
That  their  lawyer  <tnd  clerk-of-tlie-cnurt  th(>n  (]nickly  and  abruptly  dropp- 
ed this  companion  and  eye  witness — blurting  out  that  '•  (mother  such  wit- 
ness >i'ill  throw  us  out  c)f  court."  (V) 

Whereupon  the  sherift"  and  others  said  to  me  that  "  //«  would  he  »ii/hesf. 
vitiiesii.'"  Certainly,  he  reasonably  knew  as  nmch  as  either  of  the  other 
two  "distance"  Avitnesses.     Certainli/,  he  would  hold  them  lnvel  in  their 


''Mlh  'I 


^t 


H 


'm'^-' 


J — 


-J!l|,"1 


n 


mi 


344 


An  Epitome  of  Fiery  Struggles. 


future  swear iny;  and  it  matle  him  mad  (saying,  "bow,  the  bell,  coild 
I  tell  in  such  confusion  and  at  such  a  distune,'')  when  they  iusinuated 
that  be  ought  to  swear  something,  that  would  appear  damaging  to  mo,  not- 
withstanding the  distance  and  nature  of  the  fight,  and  it  being  so  plain  in 
my  favor  on  its  face  and  back  and  bottom,  and  which  he  did  A-itoir. 

That,  moreover,  they  also  dropjied  him  out,  when  binding  their  other 
witnesses  to  appear  at  the  District  Coui-t.  And  that,  I  being  left  in  duress, 
remember,  thus  compelVuig  me  to  tnist  to  others,  I  therefore  utterly  failed 
in  securing  him,  and  he  disappeared  before  my  trial  (?). 

If  I  was  getting  a  square  deal  (which,  however,  no  one  to  my  knowl- 
edge has  had  the  hardihood  to  seriously  declare),  then  why,  oh  why!  was 
not  such  a  witness  secured,  placed  on  the  stand  before  both  the  Grand  aud 
Petit  Juries,  and  told  to  tell,  in  his  own  way,  cdl  that  he  did  know  about 
the  tragedy,  and  evei^thing  appertaining  thereto,  befoee  and  afteb,  and 
then  LET  Hi>i  TELii  IT  ?  And  then  sift  the  wheat  from  the  chatf,  if  auv 
chaff  there  be. 

That  any  man  who  will  not  consider  such  sample  circumstances  as 
proof  of  a  crooked  deal  and  swindle,  to  be  repudiated,  should  not  eom- 
plaiu  if  ever  he  be  judged  in  kind. 

That  the  most  sacred  property  and  abode  known  to  man  or  animals  is 
that  of  home!  That  doubly  sacred  are  these,  when  they  be  made,  fashion- 
ed aud  won  by  one's  own  honorable  and  persistent  toil !  That  the  most 
sacred  law  and  impulse,  and  truth — of  instinct,  of  God  and  of  man — is  that  of 
defense  of  one's  life,  while  worshipping  on  such  an  altar  !  That  no  law  of 
God,  or  of  man,  or  of  honor — decently  meted  out — requires  one  to  nm 
from  such  an  altar,  or  swerve  while  engaged  in  such  homage. 

Your  Excellency !  I  propose  to  further  notice,  meet  and  embrace,  in 
refutation,  the  most  extreme  points,  stuflf  and  tattle,  ever  set  up  or  insinu- 
ated against  me  as  crime — morally  or  technically — at  auy  stage  of  the 
trouble  and  as  to  every  phase  of  the  same,  by  considei-ing  them  and  it,  as 
bunched  together  and  as  separated;  and  then  showing  four  germaue  aud 
fundamental  points  and  principles,  that  they  are  established  in  my  favor 
and  recorded,  and  can  be  again  and  again;  and  which  must  refute  hei/otid 
ri'dsonahle  and  fair  dispute  all  such  matter. 

I  think  that  most  any  one  while  engaged  in  earning  and  maJduH-  a 
home  should  derive  sense  enough  even  from  horses,  calves,  children  and 
the  Indians  about  him,  to  enable  him  to  roughly  portray  a  standard  nudi^r 
which  lie  can  perform  his  homage  in  safety  from  carbines,  sharks  and  the 
function  of  mercy.  But  I  can  only  do  this  in  my  own,  simjile,  awkward, 
frank,  homely  way,  an<l  in  stinging  duress! 

First  jwint  or  reason  of  the  "  four." 

That  I  had  a  moral  and  technical  right  to  be  there  and  on  the  hapless 
spot,  A\  hich  is  my  intention  aud  puri)ose,  my  course  in  hfe — what  was  in 
my  heart  and  bones. 

Second  i)oint  and  reason. 


w; 


OnTjY  Argument  o?  :jy  Case  eveii  Made. 


345 


That  I  bad  a  moral  and  technical  right,  cause  and  reason — in  common 
pniclence — to  be  aimed,  and  have  my  iiistol  gi'asped  in  my  hand  for  action 
imiiHMliately  preceding  my  shooting;  Ihis  is  my  conduct,  good  or  bad,  wse 
or  otlierwise,  as  to  the  fight. 

Tliird  point. 

The  motive  and  i  npulse  causing  action  in  the  shooting. 

Fourth  jioint. 

The  state  of  fei,r,  which  is  that  of  instinct,  as  I  understand  these 
things. 

Eiyliteenih. — That  the  pi-"  ipal  prosectiting  and  officious  witness  was, 
as  before  shown,  too  distant  to  reasonaldy  or  jihysically  know  much  about 
tlie  fight,  or  anytiiincj  as  to  disjjiited  points  or  matter,  or  more  at  least, 
than  the  witness  whom  they  rejected,  discarded  and  cast  n  wo j/;  because  thoy 
were  together  at  the  outset,  and  neither  approached  to  aid  either  of  us  (and 
on  account  of  the  brevity  of  the  shooting  dash,  and  the  perplexity  of 
motion  and  increased  danger,  such  ajiproach  would  not  increase  their  op- 
portunity of  knowledge  anyhow).  And,  moreover,  as  heretofore  shown, 
the  "cast  away  ''  sirore  it  to  be  impossible  to  define  the  fi'/ht,  on  account  of 
its  fury  and  ?iature  'V/<  such  a  distance."  And,  moreover,  no  one  testitied, 
(or  cliximcd  that  I  know  of)  to  seeing  this  i)rincipal,  officious  aui'i  linked 
;vitn('ss  during  the  fight.  (The  e\idenco  of  the  '  'castaway"  would,  of  course, 
lia^■e  1  leeu  valuable  to  me  on  this  point  also, )  And  the  first  time  any  of  us  three 
saw  anything  of  him — from  a  time  before  the  fight — Avas,  as  we  left  the 
tiekl  inunediately  after  it,  at  a  place  half  a  mile  from  the  fatal  spot;  and 
tliou  Ave  met  him  coming  from  a  different  direction  to  ns/or  to  enquire  as  to 
the  fight!  Of  one  of  us,  further  on  ahead,  this  source  of  so  much  linked 
misinformation  inquired:  "  Are  you  shot?  "  "  /s-  France  shot?  "  Etc.,  etc. 
And,  moreover,  the  places  he  had  been  and  the  words  besides  Avhicli  he 
had  siioken  to  othei's,  ("that  I  was  shot  anyway,")  and  the  long  distance 
he  had  travelled,  auCitime — with  other  jn'oof  to  be  had — wotild  show  that 
this  Avitness  run  like  a  deer,  on  the  first  fire  or  before,  and  Avhich  shoAving  of 
itsolf  Avould  have  shattered  the  so-called  case  ( ?)  of  the  prosecution  from 
the  outset — the  commilinenf,  indictment,  and  dxress — had  I  belonged  to  a 
shark  gang,  instead  of  being  but  a  peaceable  tiller  of  the  soil. 

In  which  case  it  Avas  ' '  not  considered  necessary  or  Avorth  bothering 
A\-ith  ;  "  notAvithstanding  I  had  paid  a  thousand  dollai-s  to  hare  such  irork 
(Idiic,  (all  of  Avhich,  had  I  not  been  traitorously  held  in  duress,  I  coukl 
haA'e  done  myself  Avith  less  labor  and  skill  than  is  retpiired  to  jjIoav  tAvcnty 
acres  of  ground — a  ^30  job).  And  the  '^  castau-ay"  sAvore  that  "ho  run 
for  some  timber  "  to  get  aAvay  from  the  carbine,  and  his  comimnion  surc^ly 
and  CA'ideutly  run  for  shelter  also.  And,  moreover,  if  I  Avould — as  I  Avill 
do  in  one  place  and  another — shoAv  that  this  "  distance  "  Avii  less  and  the 
otlior  distance  one — Avho  together  constituted  my  commitmotf,  indiclnnnt 
(lull  duress,  and  the  source  of  lyin<),  perjured  misinformation — Avould  mur- 
der me  in  my  field,  Avould  this  even  be  any  help  to  a  "  haymaker,"  or  must 


i 


III 


I  'i 


%. 


!?' 


346 


An  Epitome  of  Fiery  Stuuggles. 


such  in-actice  and  malicious  slander  emanating  therefrom,  be  varnished 
for  all  time  ynth.  my  blood  ? 

That  I  had  jnst  previous  to  the  fight  offended  said  officious  and  distance 
witness  by  refusing  him  a  favor — a  matter  of  several  hiindred  dollars  to  him 
— and  that  we  were  not  on  f  riendl}'  terms  anyway,  but  that  yet  he  was  where 
he  was  (in  the  field)  tr  get  my  answer  as  to  said  favor,  and  by  mi/  special 
ri'qnast.  Now,  was  I  such  a  lunatic  as  to  jdace  an  enemy  on  the  scene  if  I 
had  intendeO,  or  had  (uitj  intenlion,  to  "  murder  "  his  linked  friend  ?  And, 
moreover,  to  offend  him  just  before  I  intended  to  do  it  ?  And,  further- 
more yet,  to  at  the  same  time  ask  him  to  go  with  me  close  to  his  linked 
friend,  which  would  be  to  see  me  do  it  more 2)l(nnly  (which  I  will  show  that 
I  did).  If  S8,  then  why  was  I  not  caressed  and  sent  to  an  asylum  adapted 
to  idiots,  instead  of  shanghaiing  me  to  hades  for  torture  or  executive 
charity  V 

That  when  Mr.  Jumper  first  appeared  in  my  field  andwasapjiroacliing 
one  of  my  men  who  was  at  his  work,  that  this  witness  exclaimed  to  me, 
*'  There  comes  [Jumper^  now  with  a  gun!  "  that  I  answered,  "Let  us  go  out 
and  see  what  he  is  going  to  do  with  it !  "  that  he  answered  me,  saying,  "  / 
don't  cure  a  damn  !  whd  he  does  with  it !  "  and  did  not  accomimny  me,  all  of 
which  he  admitted  on  the  stand  to  be  true.  Same  reference  as  heretofore. 
And  that  presently,  after  following  me  and  one  of  my  comjmnions  around 
(as  we  sowed  wheat)  and  faiUng  to  frighten,  swagger  and  drive  us  out  of 
the  field — from  my  homage — with  his  cocked  carbine  in  both  hands, 
that  the  gentleman  then  (juve  it  up  and  left  v;..,  to  h<ive  a  t<dk  with  said 
linked  Avitness  at  the  place  I  had  left  him.  And  as  to  which  talk  or 
conference,  except  that  it  was  had,  nothing  triinspired — unless  it  be  in  the 
conduct  thidfollowed  it.  But  had  he  been  an  unprejudiced  and  honest  vit- 
ne;'s,  Avould  he  not  have  tried  to  arert  the  <dt<tck  of  his  friend?  And  luid 
he  done  this  woiild  it  not  have  so  transpii'ed  ?  That  then/)v>?«  tliis  ici/urss 
Mr.  Jumper,  enraged  and  thirsting  for  my  blood,  proceeds  to  my  other 
comi)anion  ("  his  friend  ")  at  Avork,  asking  him  "as  a  friend "  to  "  lediu;  the 
Jield,  for  there  is  going  to  he  trouble!"  that  he  then  struck  direct  to  me 
and  my  other  companion,  clone  together  and  peacefully  at  work  on  my 
altar,  and  belching  out  a  stream  of  furious,  raging  profanity,  made  liis 
final  attack.,  ji(m2>ing  iigciiist  (I  stump  th(d  h.dd  not  swaggered  and  whicdi  he 
had  found  would  not  qiiail,  {the  whole  cane  in  a  single  sentence).  Which 
frightful  display,  from  the  oxitset  to  the  fight,  as  well  as  the  relative  i)osi- 
tions — especially  that  we  two  (Tiay  and  I)  were  dose  together  at  wcirk 
when  ho  mar.e  the  final  attack,  as  we  had  been  all  the  time  since  I  liad 
gone  to  him  at  the  onset,  or  first  attack,  was  agreed  and  sworn  to  by  all 
jjresent  who  were  sworn — three  men.  Same  reference  as  before,  and  wit- 
nesses themselves. 

That  my  companions  were  veteran  soldiers  antl  brave  men,  and  averred 
that  they  had  never  witnessed  a  more  frightful,  hideous,  -.vicked  attack  by 
any  man.     Witnesses  themselves  and  the  evidence. 


k^.iv,„ 


Only  Argument  op  my  Case  ever  Made. 


347 


Had  I  reason  and  cause  and  right  to  grasp  my  pistol? 

Aiul  witlml,  when  in  close  succession,  "  he  put  his  cocked  cuu  to  his 
Bhonlilcr  "  (No.  1),  "his  finger  on  the  trigger!"  (No.  '2),  and  I  stared  in 
the  muzzle  !  and  "  he  said,  I  ^nll  kill  you  !  "  (No.  3),  "and fired  "  (No.  4), 
"  the  gun  being  struck  down  the  same  instant  it  fired  !  "  (Point  5). 

Had  I  the  right  ?  accorded  to  other  men,  to  vetHrn  the  fire  ?  repel  the 
uttdck  ?  shoot  into  the  frightful,  ftlal  dmiger  ?  And  Avith  all  the  rapidity, 
impulse,  force,  steam  and  power,  which  he  himself  thtis  transmitted  and 
Jiri'il  into  me  ? 

That  these  five  numbered  points  were  always  agreed  and  sworn  to  to 
the  letter,  by  all  who  were  jiresent  at  the  shooting,  who  were  sworn,  three 
nuu.  unipiestioned  as  to  reputed  veracity.  Same  reference,  and  witnesses 
tlieiuselves. 

What  ?  Oh  !  What  ?  am  I  and  my  friends— who  know  these  sworn 
facts — taken  for  ?  And  am  I  being  held  in  duress  to  justify  and  hide  in 
my  grave  the  brutal  crimes  of  criminals  !  or  what  ?  Why  !  am  I  thus 
butchered  ? 

Nineteenth. — That  there  was  but  one  other  witness,  besides  the  distance 
and  ijrejudiced,  offended  and  absent  one  before  noted,  who  was  not 
2)n  sent  at  the  shooting,  who  jiretendtd  to  define  the  fight,  or  split  hairs  as 
to  tlie  same.  And  this  other  one  was  Jumper's  partner,  in  the  fullest 
sense  of  the  word,  and  swore  to  being  outside  of  the  field  when  the  shoot- 
ing commenced,  and  guessed  at  the  c'istance  to  be  "  about  seventy  j^ards  " 
at  my  "  trial"  (?)  or  "  about  half  the  distance  of  the  other  one." 

Now  what  minute  part,  in  i)hysical  reason,  could  such  witness  define 
iu  truth,  within  the  succeeding  few  seconds  of  the  shooting  dasl-,  as  to  the 
same,  and  with  the  fire,  sound,  men,  hoi-ses,  smoke  and  fury  in  the  Avay  '? 
How  many  little  bullets  or  hairs  could  bo  seen,  split,  jilaced,  and  numbered 
(as  "from  1  to  4")  and  exact  positions  of  gun,  vieu,  and  other  things, 
comprehended  '?  And  words  understood  and  all  fixed  in  the  mind  in  the 
few  seconds  of  such  a  shooting  dash  ?  In  such  sj)ace  of  bewilderment  of 
any  one's  brain,  within  range  or  reach  of  l,he  fire  and  fury  ? 

Great  Heavens  !  what  faculty  of  vision  ?  of  hearing?  of  comprehen- 
sion ?  Oh  !  what  mighty  powerful  minds  !  possessed  by  these  two  "  dis- 
tance" Aritnesses  !  to  be  engaged  in  such  Imsiness  too  ! 

Even  admitting  the  distance  as  no  greater  than  they  guessed  it,  and 
which,  moi'eover,  I  do  not  do  {one  (f  them  u-ns  running  airni/).  (]5ut  I  am 
— us  usual — working  only  on  ground  which  I  can  readily  hold,  by  any 
standard  of  law,  of  right,  of  reason,  and  precedent.  And  which  is  estab- 
lished beyond  reasonable  and  fair  dis])nte,  and  I  su])p<)se  i-eciiMed.  And 
wherein  the  witnesses  themselves  can  be  readily  referred  to.) 

So,  therefore,  must  not,  m  law,  justice,  truth,  decent  dealing  and 
humanity,  tlie  evidence  of  those  irho  irere  present  at  the  shooting,  be  the 
evidence,  as  to  things  jd/j/sicoily  imjiossiMi'fm-  others  to  know  ?  Just  so  far  as 
does  not  conflict  with  natural  reason,  inherent  proof,  or  other  circum- 


1  H 


I]  r        I 


"li* 


348 


An  Epitome  of  Fiery  Strugguis. 


BtanccH,  or  iiuiterially  ■with  themselves  ?  Ami  most  certainly  so  when  two 
of  the  three  of  these  present  witnesses  were  bnt  nuitiial  friends  and  pcaee- 
jnakers  (I  being  the  third)  and  their  general  or  reputed  veracity  nnqnes- 
tioned. 

And  when  neither  of  the  other  two  '^ cared  a  tlnmn!  what  he  did  irith 
his  (jun,"  made  never  an  efl'oi-t  to  avert  the  contiict,  biit  so  he  parted  from 
each  of  them  unhindered  and  thirsting  for  my  blood,  were  prejudicod, 
interested  and  oflicions.  And  swore  positively  to  things  impossilne  to 
know,  and  to  others  established  to  be  false  beyond  dispute.  And  who 
were  afraid  to  meet  and  face  on  the  stand  the  witness  they  drojjped  out 
and  cast  awuy.     And  who  were  imjieacfted  witlntl. 

Oh  !  the  desecration  of  that  which  should  be  venerated,  and  ever  held 
the  most  sacred  by  all  men  !  Oh  !  the  stabbing  of  the  most  cheiished 
and  beautiful  functions  of  our  Government.  Are  drunken  sailors  nun-o 
basely,  brazenly  shanghaied  !  and  then  held  and  tortured  V  And  from 
such  a  source  of  information  and  influence  ? 

Some  good  men  hold  that  I  should  have  suiTendered  my  homage  at 
the  previous  attack,  while  others,  just  as  good,  maintain  that  I  should 
have  been  prei)ared  in  kind  and  repelled  the  attack,  shot  the  danger,  when 
it  first  appeared.  Yet,  thoiigh  I  owniul  a  shotgun,  i>,nd  there  was  also  a 
navy  revolver  in  my  house  and  an  improved  rifle,  belonging  to  a  man — 
fond  of  htiutiug  sport — in  my  employ  ;  yet  the  little  pistol  was  the  only 
weapon  taken  or  had  by  us,  which  fact  was  not  disijuted. 

If  your  Excellency  please,  it  was  always  to  me  a  son-y,  sickening  sport  (?) 
to  hunt  down  God's  beautiful  creatures,  to  see  them  suffer  and  quiver  iuul 
die  !  How  sorrowful  then,  indeed,  must,  in  reason,  be  my  feelings,  us  to 
the  taking  of  human  life.  But  men  are  few,  who's  life  they  would  give 
that  another  might  live.  And  there  are  those  who  cherish  and  love  tluir 
lives  and  wives  and  children — homes  and  homage — and  the  beautifid 
wherever  found  ;  and  possess  in  the  vigor  of  manhood  certain  S2  arks  iu 
moral  sentiment  which  can  be  made  to  glow,  and  which  they  would  not 
desecrate  or  smother,  though  thoy  die  ! 

Had  I  surrendered  at  the  previous  attack,  my  surrender  would  have 
been  demanded  again  and  again ,;  as  was  afterwards  done,  as  this  pica  is 
witness.  Had  T  run  from  the  final  attack,  I  w-ould  likely  have  been  shot 
in  the  back,  or  called  on  to  ran  again — but  not  likely  more  than  ouce 
more. 

It  was  confident  surrender  that  worked  my  downfall  and  put  nio  in 
this  most  horrilde  grave.  That  the  peace  ofiicer,  who  dechned  my  api)li- 
eation  to  guard  my  life  by  the  courts  at  public  expense,  only  admiuistcroil 
an  unlettered  law  of  public  sentiment— in  which  my  lot  was  cast — wliich 
is  "  That  one  who  will  not  defend  himself  is  imworthy  to  be  defended." 
and  which  history  of  such  proceedings  there  will  maintain  as  to  sentiiiiout 
and  actions. 

Beally,  your  Excellency,  the  main  force  of  the  prosecution  was  not 


Only  Akcument  of  my  Case  ever  Made. 


349 


serious  aucl  grave,  but  rather  as  Avitli  a  snit'ker,  iu  the  way  of  business  and 
revenge.  But  yet  they  made  many  good  but  credulous  men  believe  that 
tluy  were  honest  and  humane  (?),  and  that  I,  who — though  a  farmer  most 
of  my  hfe,  and  with  all  my  hardness  as  to  other  things,  had  never  killed 
even  any  domestic  animal,  except  hogs,  and  though  struggling  with  rugged 
fortune,  had  never  struck,  in  anger,  any  man,  woman,  or  child — that  1 
was  a  murderer  (?).  Thus  have  they  pierced  me  and  i)iorced  me  deej) — 
(lei'2)er  than  they  knew — in  the  region  where  I  live,  and  where  it  hurts,  us 
with  many  poisoned  arrows,  and  cast  me  into  a  stigmatized  horrible  giavc 
uear  five  hundred  miles  from  where  my  children  were  born.  Oh  !  don't 
pliiy  with  these  arrows  now,  it  huiis  so  !  nor  fear  to  pull  them  out,  or  I 
had  rather  "  winged  the  shaft  that  quivered  in  his  heart  !  " 

Tirentieth. — Was  Mr.  Jumiier  down  during  the  few  seconds  of  the 
shooting  dash  ?     If  so,  Avhen  ?  how  much  '?  and  how  did  he  get  down  ? 

He  was  inches  over  six  feet  tall,  weighed  ovt!r  200  i)ounds,  and  a 
boasted  man  of  strength  and  actiA-ity.  His  antagonist  (for  control  of  the 
guu)  Aveighed  about  150  i)ounds  by  his  word,  but  he  was  no  slouch  either; 
lie  was  active,  strong,  and  brave,  or  I  could  not  testify  to  it  now.  But  he 
had  a  throat  trouble,  hurting  him  in  over  exertion,  and  that  it  troubled 
liiiii  very  much  in  the  sanguinary  struggle.  And  now  be  it  remembered 
that  "the  pistol  shots  followed  that  of  the  carbine,"  and  "all  fired  in 
quick  succession,"  (more  jjroperly,  my  flmt  shut  tras  fired  vith  it,  which 
exjilains  the  loudness  of  this,  the  second  carbine  shot).  "That  he  (Jumper) 
jerked  him  (Lay)  by  the  gun  oft"  of  his  sinking  horse,  struck  him  on  or 
against  the  head  with  the  butt  of  the  gun  and  dazed  him  ;  "  and  that  ha 
(Lay)  (("((s  (iuir)i.'"  That  "  nobody  had  a  hand  or  linger  on  Jumjier  at  any 
time."  That  "he  gained  ten  to  fifteen  yards  in  distance — his  way  over 
the  ground."  That  "  he  Avas  active  and  strong  to  the  end  of  the  conflict." 
Aud  but  one  of  my  shots  were  at  all  fatal,  and  no  eff'ect  was  manifested 
to— his  then — antagonist  by  any  or  all  four  of  my  shots  at  a/ii/  time  duiing 
the  conflict,  and  he  averred  at  the  end  of  it  that  I  "had  not  Irt  him  at 
all,"  iiud  bittei'ly  and  madly  condemned  me  for  not ' '  kuocldng  him  down  and 
staui2)iug  Jiis  head  deep  in  the  ground,  damn  him  .' "  and  afterwards  declai'cd 
that  "  he  should  have  had /or/y  hdls  into  him,  instead  n/fonr.'"  And 
this,  mark  you,  from  one  who  was  before  kindly  disjjosed  towards  him,  aud 
trying  to  divert  him  from  his  death  with  never  an  angry  word,  nor  did  any 
oue  utter  an  angry  Avord  to  him  in  the  field. 

Ho,  therefore,  it  niitst  be  evident  ihat  all,  if  any,  of  the  "  doAvu"  there 
Avas  about  it,  Avas  done  by  me  shooting  him  doAvn  A\ith  as  late  as  the  last 
shot,  or  that  together  Avith  the  others.  Aud  this  man,  hanging  on  to  the 
again  cocked  gun,  or  danger,  sAvoro  that  during  this  time  he  Avas  so  dazed 
that  he  did  not  see,  hear,  or  knoAv  of  my  shots,  or  see  me — all  the  i)OAvers 
of  body  and  mind  that  he  then  had  being  riveted  to  the  gun  and  danger. 

And  there  Avas  no  physical  or  circumstantial  proof  to  shoAv  that  he  Avas 
down.     Nor  did  any  one  Avho  Avas  uear  enough  at  this  time  to  knoir  who 


i  ! 


i'1 


i^i  " 

1  i  [^H 

ii,  u 


I 


rKpi  if 


i    1  :.V 


350 


An  Epitome  of  Fiery  STx{uaGij:H. 


was  sworn,  claim  to  have  seen  me  shoot  him  when  he  was  down  and  at 
that  stage  of  the  fright  and  fury  !  I  do  not  believe  that  any  one  ut'ur 
cuongh  /i)  know,  coxli/  know  hardly  one  maiifi'om  the  other,  or  jnst  wheie 
he  himself  Avas,  or  what  he  was  doing,  for  it  was  daugeroiis  most  any  where 
aroiiud  there  then.  If  this  be  not  reasonable,  then  Avhy  ia  it  that  scarcely 
ever  does  any  two,  or  even  a  crowd  of  eye  witnesses  agree  exactly  and  hon- 
estly in  desu'ribiugany  frightful  light  done  in  theu*  midst  before  their  eyes  V 
And  that  the  theory  be  abont  correct,  that  a  man,  when  excited,  is  like  a 
horse  to  the  extent  that  he  cannot  comprehoml  but  one  object,  or  thought,  at 
a  time  V  But,  however,  he  tf/ itiAs  that  he  shoidd  linow  everything  that  had 
transpired  within  the  view,  and  often  imagines  that  he  does,  Avhen  perliaps 
he  did  not  know  anything.  In  a  side  view,  if  one's  sight  be  shurplv 
draAvu  to  and  Ji.r('((  on  a  frightful  man's  finger,  and  "sees  the  finger 
placed  on  the  trigger  "  of  a  gun  to  fire  a  murderous  shot,  I  do  not  believe 
that  he  can  know  certain,  within  a  foot  of  where  the  muzzle  of  the  gnu 
is,  or  its  exact  aim,  while  his  sight  and  mind  is  thus  fixed  and  set  on  the 
trigger,  and  distinctly  hears  from  the/r/V////.s  lips  "7  irlll  kill  i/ou  !  "  "  ami 
the  gun  fired  and  was  struck  down  the  instant  he  said  it ! " 

But,  if  a  man  va.  front  does  not  know  where  that  muzzle  is,  he  at  least 
is  impressed  with  the  most  biirning,  fearful,  flaming,  blazing  imagination, 
that  can  be  stamped  on  and  in  the  brain  of  man,  and  will  not  then  discuss 
or  study  about  the  matter  before  taking  action  !  Nor  does  the  most  artful 
double-dealing  flawed  law — concocted  by  sharks  and  applicable  to  the 
case,  require  tlmt  he  should.  And  I  humbly  confess  that  in  some  of  my 
wakeful,  suffering  hours  of  night,  I  could  imtke  any  man  gnaw  the  muzzle 
of  a  cocked  carbine  who  would  dispute  that  siich  a  display  must  cause 
fear  of  life  in  the  one  expecting  the  shot,  and  in  range  of  the  aim  !  Be- 
cause I  believe  he  would  do  it,  but  to  turn  and  snicker,  which  I  would 
never  do  to  even  a  cannibal,  under  such  circumstances — for  money,  fear 
or  fame. 

In  the  tame,  cool  assassination  of  Gai-field,  who  was  the  man  to  iu- 
stantly  jump  onto  the  tame  assassin,  to  rejiel  the  attack;  to  gi-asp  the  dan- 
ger with  his  hands  !  though  standing  all  around  him  ?  And  were  there 
any  two  of  the  numerous  witnesses  present  who  exactly  agreed  as  to  what 
transpired,  or  was  in  view,  for  a  time  after  the  first  shot  was  fired  ?  I  think 
not.  'Mark,  how  they  difi'ered  about  his  hat,  etc.  But  what  would  have 
been  the  state  of  their  minds,  were  it:  a.  fierce  shooting  ,;^_r/Z!<  and  struggle, 
with  three  biicking,  bounding,  struggling  horses  mixed  up  with  the  rest  ? 
Is  it  not  evident,  therefore,  and  anyway — to  Avise  men  or  to  fools — that  had 
Jumper  been  shot  any  less,  that  he  Avould  have  succeeded  in  killing  me,  if 
not  others  besides,  who  would  have  tried  to  stay  him  in  his  rage  ? 

As  to  the  first  point  of  "  the  four  : " 

Your  Excellency,  Did  I  have  a  moral  and  technical  right  to  be  there, 
and  on  the  hajiless  spot  ?  This,  the  prosecution  did  not  attempt  to  refute, 
for  the  official  records  near  at  hand  would  settle  that ;  if  the  very  laAVS  by 


Only  Aroujient  of  jiy  Case  ever  Made. 


351 


which  T  was  boiug  tried  (?)-wereany  authority  to  go  by,  and  as  boforo  said, 
thci'i'  was  novor  auy  coutest  instituted  agaiust  mo,  aud  thoro  was  no  ijut's- 
tioii  as  to  the  lines. 

Sacond  point  of  "  the  four  :  " 

Did  I !  Did  I  !  have  a  moral  and  technical  right,  cause,  and  just 
reason,  and  in  common  prudence,  to  be  armed  to  the  extent  I  was,  and  to 
lia\o  my  pistol  grasped  in  my  hand,  immediately  jn-eeeding  my  shots  ? 
Xor  was  this  disputed,  nor  was  it  asserted  or  daimtul  on  "trial  "  (V)  that  I 
wont  to  the  field,  or  to  the  spot,  with  any  evil  in  my  heart. 

Aud  how  could  that,  in  reason,  be  done,  under  all,  or  but  a  i)art  of  the 
sainple  circiimstances  heretofore  shown,  germane  to  the  same,  and  none  of 
tlieni  were  assailed,  but  they  were  sciuelched.  They  cut  me  very  short  in 
my  testimony  ;  indeed,  they  tried  to  i)reveut  me  from  testifying  at  all,  and 
asked  me  hut  twoqnes/ioiis,  when  they  dropped  me  aud  virtually  said,  "  go 
off  now  and  lie  down  like  a  good  lamb. "  (I  was  being  tricked,  shanghaied, 
and  cast  out  of  the  way,  which  I  will  swear  to  be  true,  and  can  further 
show,  if  necessary),  though  they  did  not  disi)uto  my  being  there,  right  on 
the  spot,  and  on  or  about  there  during  many  yeara  before.  Nor  did  they 
(luestion  my  reputed  veracity  or  good  name,  though  I  invited  them  to  do 
so  by  "every  witness  put  on  the  stand,  by  either  side,  or  anyone  else,  or 
that  1  was  ahvays  a  peaceable  citizen." 

Third  point  of  "  the  four  :  " 

It  seems  to  me  that  it  ynnst  he  pUdn,  that  after  Mr.  Jumper  had  failed 
to  swagger  and  frighten  me  out  of  the  field,  that  Avhen  he  returned  to  me 
again  in  that  manner  he  plainly  showed  his  certain  intent  to  carry  out  his 
declared  and  now  manifested  </etenw//i«//o/i  to  "shoot  me  out,"  and  per- 
haps anyone  else  in  his  way  to  this  end.  But  as  he  had  just  left  un- 
harmed one  of  my  men  without  threatening  him,  and  addressed  him  "  as 
a  friend,"  and  had  been  on  more  friendly  tenns  with  the  other  by  me: 
AVliy  should  he,  why  would  he  kill  him  ?  What  would  be  the  benefit  or 
advantage  to  him  had  they  both  left,  or  were  dead,  and  I  had  remained  ? 
Except  it  be  to  get  rid  of  them  as  witnesses  to  more  securely  murder  me  ! 
Could  I  not  get  other  men,  when  I  had  two  or  three  others  in  my  employ 
all  the  season,  and  could  and  did  I  not  work  myself  ? 

Did  I  not,  therefore,  know  that  he  now  knew  that — though  I  might  be 
easily  flattered,  imposed  on,  tricked,  betrayed,  sold,  frightened  and 
killed^that  /  would  7iot  be  bullied  or  swaggered  from  my  homage  ?  There- 
fore, in  the  mad,  furious  desperation  of  this  final  attack,  tnust  I  not  reason- 
ably, instinctively,  necessarily  and  surely  be  in  fear  of  my  life? 

If  not,  what  in  the  name  of  high  Heaven  would  cause  such  fear  ?  If 
not,  what  then  was  the  matter  with  me  when  I  was  bewildered,  dazed, 
"perfectly  wild"  from  the  onset  of  the  attack  until  after  all  violence 
ended,  and  at  the  time  a/ter  the  shooting,  when  I  cried  out,  "for  God's 
sake,  help  us  !  "  as  both  sentences  were  swoni  to  by  even  this  friend  of 
Jumper,  and  added  that  "  (re  were  all  perfectly  wild!  " 


1  ^mn 


V 

I' 


1:1 


If  -■■(:     ■  ; 


; 


'  r 


352 


An  Epitome  of  Fiehy  Sthuggles. 


To/ni;  )H>ii- :  If  law  anil  Justice  Ih  the  standanl,  ami  hi/  the  eriilt-nc; 
ii'hiit  irtis  t/invKitfcr  with  me?  Your  Excellency,  what  AvaH  the  canso  andtlio 
motive  of  this  st(iti>.  nffe.nr  ?  Where  did  it  come  from  ?  Who  hunf  ed  fur 
it  ?    Who  made  and  fired  it  ?     Who  drove  it  in  ? 

Note  than,  with  my  pistol  clasped  in  my  hand  and  thus  impresscil, 
stami)od,  fixed,  set  with  fatal  fear,  a  ml  thus  uttdckctl!  What  then  is  the  most 
reasonable,  rightful  and  instinctive  motive,  imimlse,  force,  current  aiul 
action  to  follow  V  If  not  to  shoot,  to  repd  the  atldck,  to  fioht  the  friyht/td, 
fatal  (huKji'r?  Did  11  Did  I!  Did  I!  have  a  moral,  legal,  instinctive 
right  to  shoot  the  dnmjer  ? 

If  not,  why  then  should  I  have  a  pistol  in  my  hand  ?  If  not,  why  did 
he  hunt  and  attack  me  with  a  loaded  and  cocked  carbine  in  both  hands, 
with  blood  in  both  eyes,  in  a  furious  rage,  and  having  declared  he  would 
kill  me — '^  shoot  me  out  of  the  field" — in  this  very  way,  time,  and  place  ? 

In  the  light  of  all  these  established  and  nmjuestioned  facts,  w^.s  I  not 
shanghaied  ?  Or  what  is  the  namo  for  it  ?  Am  I  not  being  butchered,  or 
what  is  it  that  a  farmer  can  understand  ? 

Fourth  ijoint  of  "  the  four  "—the  state  of  fear. 

Your  Excellency,  when  one  is  thus — as  is  established  I  was — in  a  state 
of  fatal  fear,  what  is  the  most  probable  shortest  space  of  time  such  state 
can  be,  that  the  force,  power,  current  of  such  shooting  impulse  can  exist, 
be  spent,  and  the  brain  be  impressed  with  an  adverse  or  diverse  thougbt 
so  that  different  action  can  follow,  transpire,  by  the  force  of  reason  ? 

To  those  who  may  not  have  given  this  subject  due  thought  I  would 
submit,  that  in  such  sanguinary  attack  and  conflict,  sound  and  fury,  the 
brain  and  mind  is  naturally,  necessarily,  spontaneously  and  uncontrollably 
impressed,  stamped,  fixed,  and  spell-bound  Avith  danger  for  a  //?««  or  slati;. 
That  during  such  state  or  spell,  the  reasoning  function  of  the  brain  (tlie 
only  accountable  motive  in  man)  is  suspended  or  paralized,  and  he  is  then, 
therefore,  consequently  and  unavoidably  simply  a  machine,  in  the  jjower 
and  control  of  an  engineer,  or  distinct  jjower  [instinct)  which  is  in-esijonsi- 
ble  to  any  man. 

That,  therefore,  the  acts  that  are  done  during  the  time  of  such  state 
of  fear  or  spdl,  are  the  spontaneous,  ungovernable  acts  of  artless  instinct, 
nature,  and  of  God. 

That  a  jMn-son  cannot  cry  and  laugh  at  one  and  the  same  time  ;  that 
he  cannot  write  with  one  hand  intelligently  on  a  serious  or  dangerous  sub- 
ject or  event  with  much  force  of  thought,  and  at  the  same  time  write  vdi\x 
the  other  hand  with  force  of  thought  on  an  opposite  or  a  diverse  subject, 
also,  that  when  the  mind  is  firmly  set,  fixed,  or  strained  on  any  thought— 
as  of  apjjarent  danger — such  thought  and  impression  cannot  be  suddenly 
dropped,  removed,  or  rubbed  out,  sufficient  for  the  brain  to  receive  an- 
other or  oi)posite,  or  a  diverse  impression,  distinctly  impressed  or  iihoto- 
graphed,  so  that  it  be  possible  for  intellii/ent  opposite  or  diverse  acts  to  fol- 
low instantly  ;  that  before  such  other  dififerent  acts  can  be  displayed,  au 


.   I  .^ 


Only  Argument  op  my  Case  ever  IVLvde. 


353 


eritknc, 
w  and  till! 
mi*ed  fur 

mpresseil, 
H  the  most 
imnit  luul 
)  /riijhl/ul, 
iuHtinctive 

)t,  why  dill 
3tU  bauds, 
I  he  would 
jildce  ? 
,  Wi.fi  I  not 
.tchered,  or 


1 — in  a  state 
e  such  state 
le  can  exist, 
rse  thougbt 
3ason  ? 
;ht  I  would 
d  fury,   the 
controllably 
'Jim;  or  stdti;. 
le  brain  (the 
he  is  then, 
the  ijower 
irresponsi- 

such  state 
less  instinct, 

time  ;  that 
|gerou3  sub- 
write  Avith 
Irse  subject, 
thought— 
36  smldenhj 
I  receive  au- 
or  photo- 
,  acta  to  fol- 
tplayed,  au 


interval — a  space  of  tinifi — must  and  does  thoroforo  intervene,  and  that 
duiiug  such  interval  of  time,  the  motive  or  nuisoning  power  gets  to  work 
and  works  another,  or  photographs  siich  diff(u*ent  impression  on  the  then 
jiiissivo  brain,  (i/lcr  which  intelligent  and  resjjonsible  acts  are  done,  and 
not  bi'foi'O  or  soo'.er  van  they  be.  That  during  such  interval  or  inter- 
mediate H2)ace  of  time,  a  jjerson  is  necessarily  in  a  state  of  bewilderment, 
perplexity,  folly,  and  of  instinct,  it  may  bo  passive  or  intense,  extnuno  or 
active,  or  dazed — according  to  the  force  of  events  transpiring  or  trans- 
mitted in  the  way — and  which  the  force  of  instinct  deals  with  in  its  own 
simple,  artless,  yet  most  efl'ectivo  way;  that  this  sjjace  of  time,  from  reason 
to  reason  and  state  of  fear,  in  my  case,  as  a  matter  of  established  fa<'t  as 
heretofore  shown,  did  extcmd  from  the  time  Jumper  made  his  linal  attack 
and  tired,  iintilhe  was  disarmed,  or  gave  up  his  gun,  ortherepelhngof  the  at- 
tack was  accomplished.  That.besides  being  established  by  personal  evidence, 
the  instinct  of  reason  teaches  that  such  time  must  be  greater  than  the 
fi^w  seconds  of  the  shooting  tlash.  That,  therefore,  if  I  committed  any  crime 
it  was  in  performing  my  homage  and  grasping  my  pistol. 

That  no  standard  law  (or  any  other  I  ever  heard  of)  classes  a-i  murder 
ANY  act  or  acts  done  in  such  a  state.  But  that,  however,  in  nnison  and 
fact  I  did  not  shoot  as  long  as  the  fatal  danger  lasttjd,  and  that  it  was  a 
most  extremely  narrow  escape  or  miss  from  death  that  I  had  from  first  to 
last— from  the  onset  until  the  gun  was  surrendered. 

That  none  of  such  reasoning  or  discussion,  as  I  have  roughly  cast, 
wasallowed  meat  my  "trial"  (?)  or  to  argue  or  sum  up  the  case,  or  to 
use  diagrams  that  were  drawn  for  the  occasion.  But  that  to  impeach  the  two 
jirosccntion  witnesses,  each  as  to  some  part  of  their  evidence,  and  to  es- 
tablish the  words  sjjoken  by  Jtimper  as  he  fired,  was  held  to  be  sufficient ; 
which  was  done,  besides  the  other  e\'idence  as  before  noted.  The  declar- 
ation, "  I  will  kill  you  ! "  was  not  disputed. 

That  the  evidence,  or  rather  stxff,  hy  which  I  had  been  held  without 
bail  or  trial,  or  hearing,  was,  as  before  shown,  of  Jumper's  partner  [who 
wa-i  not  even  arrested]  and  the  other  prejudiced  and  interested  witness 
[who  was  not  prosecuted  either]  who  "didn't  care  a  damn  !  what  he  did 
with  his  gun,"  if,  indeed,  he  did  not  urge  him  on.  And  who  both — as 
before  also  shown — were  too  distant  to  kuoAV  as  to  disputal)le  material 
l)niuts,  or  parts,  or  matter  ;  siii^iiosing  anything  could  or  should  in  reason 
ami  even  justice  and  law  be  vert/  material  with  the  iiidisputithlefact,  that  he 
WHS  hunting  me  with  a  cocked  carbine,  and  murder  in  his  heart! 

The  Grand  Jury,  as  a  whole,  I  believe,  thought  as  /  did,  that  my  trial 
would  follow  immediately,  and  perhaps,  therefore,  did  not  summon  any 
(>:ii'.  who  was  present  at  the  shooting,  and  knew  the  fight,  or  who  was  un- 
preJTidieed  or  honest,  which  criminal  negligence  doubtless  secured  my  in- 
dictment for  murder  anyway,  and  the  succeeding  six  months  of  duress, 
and  by  irhich  duress,  most  '.ile,  only  could  my  conv-iction  be  managed  or 
accomphshed.  Because  the  evidence  to  be  had  up  to  this  time  against  me, 
23 


*     , 


f  '  1 ' . 


:■} 


354 


An  Epitomk  of  Fiery  SriirooLES. 


f.-  ■ 


«i,iii 


Ml 


■\vaH  roiilly  citlicr  iiiimutoriul  or  cIho  .so  thin,  fulso  and  rotten,  tlmt  alnioHt  anv 
clicai)  police  (■(Hilt  lawvcr,  or  any  fanner  with  aliility  onongh  to  nialus  and 
hold  a  t'onifortabh- livelihood  ont  of  tin*  p;ronnd,  eonld — with  meaHnreiucnt, 
a  dia<^rani,  (•onii)aris(in  ^^ith  eveu  its  own  as  orii^inally  Hworn,  md  a  li1tl(> 
reasoninf^ — nnik(*  plain  and  evident  to  cn'on  a  nhild,  and  bhn',  it  away  hv 
any  standard  of  reason,  l.iw,  justice,  or  i)roeedent,  an  ^ler  samples  given. 
The  prei)onderan('(^  of  personal  evi(h>n('e  to  divert  the  aim  of  the  f^nn  fidni 
"my  heart"  to  the  num's  lif(!  hy  my  Hi(h>,  was  managed,  wrought  and 
irrmi;/  out  of  (fiirrss,  (fis/rcsa  innf/eur,  mauag(*d  for  the  pnriioso  hy  a  prac- 
ti('(!  that  would  make  even  cannibals  lilnsh  with  shame,  and  for  whi(di  i\m 
people  were  tax(Ml  and  /  held  as  criminally  responsibh^  And  this,  while  I 
was  hold  in  vile  duress  and  in  a  false  light,  without  eveu  a  hearing,  iii;  1 
begging  f(n'  a  trial  !  A  situation  that  will  cause  any  one's  average  friends 
to  stampede  like  a  bimd  of  sheep  when  one  of  their  numlusr  is  attacked  liy 
a  i)ack  of  wolves,  and  whiidi  was  a  i)art  of  the  play  and  swindle  ;  and, 
fxirthermore,  it  was  a  surprising  trick  sjinau/  on  lh<^  stuntl.  The  proof  of 
which  can  be  discovered  in  various  articles  of  this — ///'•■  onli/ari/uiwn/,  phu, 
and  stimniiiiij  i>p  of  mil  casi;  ever  made,  ami,  of  course,  it  could  be  dono 
better. 

[To  fix  the,so  witnesses,  they  Avero  indicted  for  "premedifaled  ami  muli- 
eioiia  murder,  hearing  which  one  of  them  ("Jumper's  friend"),  frightened 
AV'th  fear,  ciied  ont,  "Oh,  my  (k)d  !  I  am  as  innocent  as  a  child  unborn, 
but  they  will  Ikdhj  (dl  of  us!  "  ■\Vhereui)on  he  was  privately  interviewed, 
a  l)argaiu  struck,  and  ho  was  turned  out:  But  it  retpiired  six  mouths 
longer  to  fix  the  othei-.  ] 

The  Jury  was  not  chosen  by  lot  and  was  illegal.  And  I  was  tricked 
{as  any  producer  can  he  and  is  in  danger  of  being  by  the  hidden  tri(dvH  of 
the  trade)  into  an  embarrassed  duress  and  misplaced  confidence  in  which 
I  had  no  say  as  to  its  (the  Jury's)  construction,  or  any  power  against  the 
traitoroxis  tricks  jilayod  on  and  off  of  the  stand  to  my  ruin.  But  yet  pint 
of  the  jurymen  said,  that  had  it  not  been  for  my  last  shot  or  two,  nothing 
could  have  been  made  out  of  the  point,  or  any  of  the  matter  iiut  against 
me  anyway  and  voted  the  judgement  they  did,  ^vith  the  hoi)e  and  exiiecta- 
tiou  that  the  execiitive  would  abrogate  it.  And  those  of  these  who  luul 
not  gone  away  did prenetdly  so  petition,  and  the  verdict  included  a  recom- 
mendation to  the  court  for  mercy. 

But  to  consider  duly  ■withal  the  r((pidity  of  the  sJiots — that  they  were 
of  the  very  same  impulse — and  the  manifest  danger  all  the  time  until  (//A/' 
the  shooting,  and  the  state  and  imjjiilse  of  fear  and  the  natural  inability  of 
witnesses  to  really  know  much  in  siicli  danger  and  fury,  was  it  not,  indeed, 
at  least  an  inconsiderate,  a  narrow  and  most  unusiial  verdict;  and  was  I 
and  those  of  my  friends  who  did  not  stampede,  unreasonable,  or  criminally 
unwary,  when  we  trustingly  believed  that  as  soon  as  the  circumstances 
and  traitorous  tricks  that  induced  it  were  shown  to  the  executive,  with  a 
fair  petition  of  the  peace  and  home  loving  citizens  of  my  section  and  ac- 


i,  ' 


■%■  i, 


most  uny 
uiiko  ami 
uronu'iit, 
,1  a  littlo 
away  liy 
IcH  pivcu. 
gim  fviMu 
jught  and 
by  a  pviuv 
whii'li  i\w 
irt,  wliilf  I 
ariut,',  "V.'l 
ige  frit'uilH 
.ttacki'il  l>y 
u,\l,> ;  and. 
le  proof  of 
Hltll'llt,  l>l'''i> 
.111  bo  ("luno 

edaiidm'di- 
I,  frigUteued 
lilil  nnl)orn, 
interviewed, 
six  niontlis 

■was  tiicked 
ien  tricks  of 
ICO  in  -svbicli 
against  the 
JBut  yet  part 
;wo,  uothiiig 
put  against 
land  expei'ta- 
•se  "vvlio  Inwl 
led  a  rei'oiii- 

[at  tliey  woro 
lie  until  <'/'''■ 
inalnlity  of 
uot,  iudi'cd, 
and  was  I 
jY  crimimdly 
trcumstaucps 
lutive,  witli  a 
jtion  and  ac- 


Onf.y  Auoumknt  op  my  Case  ever  Made. 


355 


quaintanco,  that  my  roHtoration  would  bo  very  ])roH<'iitly  granted.  And 
wlu'U  others,  ii'ho  unf  f/nilti/  of  a'im<\  are  bo  froipieutly  roHtort'd  in  tho 
vcfgo  of  their  sentcnceH,  irJti/ mn  I  ///us  (/iscriminn/rf/  ii>/iiiiis/?  And  is  it 
n<it,  indeed,  hard  and  oj)pressivo  and  nuirderouH  to  nie  in  my  woro  and 
wringing  distresses  and  ill  health  ? 

That  tho  i)rodueing  class  cannot  support  a  grasping  horde  f)f  sharks 
nud  hoiuewreckers,  hav»»  tiui((  left  to  keep  jjosted  in  the  e-.er  changing 
tricks  of  their  trade,  keep  the  public  ])OKted  as  to  every  job  put  up  against 
tlitiii,  and  bt'sidt's  have  time  to  niako  somethiug  for  the  nselves  or  their 
cliildna.  That,  therefore,  it  is  unfair  and  grinding  to  deny  recourse  to 
(1110  of  these  victims  from  their  nefarious  coil,  aud  without  proclamation  of 
warning  made  before.  That  I  never  had  any  quarrel  or  trouble  with  my 
settled  neighbors  whatever,  except  with  one,  but  with  a  few  transient 
sliurks  or  raiders,  who  retpiired  of  me  to  buy  my  peace  of  them  at  ruinous 
))rices  and  disLnnor,  till  I  had  to  run,  deliver,  fight,  or  die! 

And  as  only  oiia  hi  ah<>\dfift\i  of  the  first  settlers  of  the  land  have  suc- 
ceeded in  making,  holding  and  enjoying  comfortable  homes  thereon,  per- 
ba})s  I  shv)uld  have  T)een  guided  by  their  experience  and  been  satisfied  to 
live  in  a  tent.     I  know  whereof  I  speak,  only  one  in  about  fftii ! 

Oh,  how  bravo  and  jiatriotic  (?)  for  a  [secret]  clique  of  men  to  divert 
tlie  powers  of  government,  to  wreck  and  devastate  a  well-earned  and 
happy  home!  And  take  the  life  of  a  single,  solitary,  '~  -^"able  tiller  of  the 
soil,  on  tho  strength  aud  sadness  of  tho  funeral  of  one  who  at  least  had 
tho  sand  to  undertake  it  alone. 

That  I  have  imiilored  your  Excellency  and  his  Honor,  not  to  consider 
the  dignity  of  state  or  fimctions  of  oflice,  or  of  personal  feelings  too  great, 
to  iioiut  out  to  my  understanding  mnf  aisr  (i;/iiinst  me,  or  to  show  any  re- 
futation of  the  iioints  I  have  roughly  taken,  when  all  the  circ^umstances 
are  duly  considered;  or  that  these  are  uot  germane  and  rightly  taken,  or 
lus  to  which,  if  any,  need  further  proof,  t'xplanation  or  reference?  But 
have  been  granted  nothing  as  to  the  same,  except  that  I  '  'was  convicted  by 
a  Jury  of  my  countrymen." 

I  have  also,  throughoiit,  begged  for  executive  mercy  (though  "the 
world  </f"'.s  turn  round"),  and  ever  ready  to  confess  to  any  guilt  or  sin, 
shown  to  my  understanding,  or  to  that  of  my  near  or  proven  friends,  and 
to  mend  my  ways  or  pursue  others  entirely  different,  if  such  rule  be 
shown  to  me  by  which  I  can  live  better,  in  more  peace  and  less  dishonor, 
^^hic■ll  also  have  fallen  on  stony  gi'ound,  leaving  me  in  the  dark  and  as 
one  in  a  dream — having  been  pushed  off  of  a  high  bridge,  and  though 
louscious  of  the  fatal  fall,  yet  powerless  to  combat  or  avert  it,  except  by 
a  hand  in  sight  but  withdrawn  or  clinched. 

Anything  as  to  my  statements  of  my  case,  etc. ,  that  may  be  too  con- 
( ise  and  suggestive  rather  than  complete  and  exhaustive,  [and  retpiiring 
a  day  or  two  to  read  it,  as  is  the  case  when  a  member  of  a  secret  gang  is 
tried,]  and  may,  therefore,  (on  account  of  its  comparative  brevity)  not 


iMi 

m 

M 

i 

ii 

■1 

: 

1 : 

\ 

J  ■ 

t 

"1 

i  ■ 

1 

i 

^ 

i 

■■V-. 

m 


I 


m\A 


irf     .r 


356 


An  Epitome  of  Fiery  Struggles. 


seem  jilaiisible  to  a  previdiced  or  contracted  understanding,  function  or 
motive,  can  be  shown  wherein  and  why  It  is  true;  as,  for  example,  why,  if 
these  things  be  all  true,  did  my  neighbors  and  friends  permit  my  op- 
jircssion  ?  Because  I  did  not  wiiil  about  my  trouble  nor  proclaim  it  from 
the  housetops  or  through  the  press,  but  kej.'t  on  my  even,  peaceful,  con- 
fident course;  my  relatives  were  far  away,  I  belonged  to  no  clique  or 
clan,  but  looked  jonfidently  on  "every  man  in  the  right  as  a  brother " 
and  honesty  as  honorable.  My  neighbors  ami  friends  are  peaceful  citi- 
zens— not  sharks  or  containing  the  element  of  mobs — and  IhkI  IronlAe  (uul 
k)ilenou(/h  o/theh' own  to  keep  th era  very  busy,  and  did  not  think  there 
could  be  any  conviction;  naturally  thinking  that  when  one  had  ahilitv 
enough  to  i:)rosper  so  long  and  well,  where  so  many  others  had  failed, 
that  he  should  have  sense  and  character  and  means  enough  to  take  care  of 
himself  or  to  choose  proper  and  safe  assistance,  if  he  was  right — not  suj)- 
l)osing  that  their  own  taxes  and  government  could  be  turned  against  him 
in  such  a  case,  and  there  was  dirt  cast  and  thrown  into  their  ej'es  [by  the 
lying  gang]  from  the  outset,  throiigh  which  many  could  not  see  clearly. 
But  some,  of  course,  did  not  care  anyway,  for  they  could  now  cuh  li  uj)  iu 
the  rugged  struggles  of  life,  foolishly  shutting  their  eyes  to  the  fact,  tlmt 
such  selfish  lack  of  critical  interest  [and  earnest  action]  is  just  what  keqjs 
lis  eternally  ground  in  the  dirt;  and  of  their  turn  to  come  to  /eel  it,  iu  om' 
■way  or  aiiolher—ffti/  chances  to  one! 

But  my  neighbors  did  volunteer  much  help,  as  much  of  the  evidence, 
eKv,  shows,  and  offered  more  of  such  assistance,  I  have  no  complaiat 
against  my  n('ighl)ors  and  they  have  none  against  me,  whilo  there  are 
some  whose  troubles  will  ever  be  mine  also. 

But  the  single  fact,  that  the  ground  and  iiortion  of  the  field  Avhcre  the 
tragedy  occurred  was  never  measured,  shows  how  sadly,  indeed,  they  iiiis- 
ju<lged  my  ability  in  choosing  honest  assistance,  though  tJtei/  would  not 
oppress  me  on  account  of  my  ignorance. 

The  f/iiess  of  the  two  interested,  jirejudiced,  distant,  etc.,  prosecutiou 
witnesses  alone  was  .sought  and  taken  as  to  their  distance  off  from  tL'.' 
shooting.  One  was  on  one  side  of  that  body  of  plowed  ground  and  thf 
other  about  opposite  and  some  distance  outside  of  tlu  fence,  and  wlm 
f/ia'ssed  at  tht;  distance  from  the  shooting  as  aboNi'  half  that  of  the  former, 
who  put  his  distance  at  1 10  yard-i. 

Now  there  wus  an  unju-ejiidiced  man  present  at  this  jiretense  of  a  trinl 
who,  wliile  ivi  niy  emi)loy,  plowed  that  ground,  and  he  guessed  this  di> 
tauce,  Avhile  he  was  even  stepping  it  so  much,  to  be  "a  quarter  of  a  mile," 
4  JO  yards,  (instead  of  "210"  as  put  and  accepted),  but  which  (440yard;<i, 
however,  was  about  100  yards  too  great;  but  had  it  not  been  deemed  I'y 
others  [secretly]  against  me,  that  "they  had  i)laced  themselves  far  cnougli 
out  of  distance"  and  reason,  with  the  other  circumstances  and  impeach- 
ment against  them,  then  the  one  (piarter  of  a  mile  (4:40  yards)  would  li;iv" 
been  his  (juess  evidence  as  to  the  same,  although  subpa>uaed  l)y  the  jim- 


Only  Argument  of  my  Case  ever  Made. 


357 


si'iution  in  their  raking  the  coiintiy  for  threats  from  me — as  though  I 
would  not  have  the  right  to  ilefeml  myself  on  my  owu  home  anyway — (I 
never  had  a  quarrel  Avith  any  man  in  my  employ,  nor  did  I  "murder"  any 
of  them,  nor  had  I  threatened  Juihik  i- with  more  than  legal  i)roces3  to 
them,  nor  would  any  one  of  them  swear  that  I  had.  This  one  swore,  that  he 
"plowed  about  40  acres  for  me  there,"  and  ho  plowed  less  days  than 
others  had  for  me  in  breaking  this  field,  and  with  the  same  four-horse 
team.  Yet,  they  would  not  let  any  of  these  testify  as  to  the  distances. 
Aud  I  had  hauled  and  laid  into  fence  nearly  every  pannel  of  fence  ai-ross 
and  about  thoic  uud  had  worked  on  this  land  in  this  and  other  ways  for 
vpars,  and  had  it  partly  fenced  before  it  was  survej-ed  by  the  Government, 
so  that  /  could  have  guessed,  as  knowingly  as  anybody,  if  allowed;  had 
not  the  evidence  of  these  two  witnesses  [don't  you  forget  it]  by  whom 
my  indictment  and  near  ten  months  of  vile  duress  was  cast  and  my  con- 
ric'tiou  (V)  fi.\ed,  put  up,  secured — been  de(nned  to  be  already  abun- 
dantly refuted,  "so  that  my  knowledge  as  to  the  fight  and  trouble  and 
distances  would  bo  superfluoiis. "  Didn't  tvunt  'me  to  testify  nt  idl !  [An if 
(iHfi  win)  i/isinuides  that  I  iiuta  honestly  defended  or  htd  ani/  re<d  trial,  Is 
a  lliir,  :i  thief  (tad  <i  eitr,  duel  a  traitor  at  heart.] 

A  portion  of  these  rails  I  bought  of  Jumper  himself  in  the  Avc^ds,  for 
this  expressed  2)urpose,  and  afterwards  when  h(>  had  started  in  to  ;umpthe 
lauil.  ho  admitted  to  me  m  the  presence  of  others,  in  these,  his  owu  words, 
that  "no  man  has  e\er  treated  me  better  than  you  have." 

This  was  a  quarter  section  of  school  land  destitute  of  water  (so  as  to 
be  of  little  or  no  value  as  a  home  by  itself)  and  adjoining  my  other  land. 
I  had  it  leased  in  due  form,  besides  tirst  inqjrovements,  and  had  it  en- 
closed— which  was  tn-ti  points  more  than  the  law  required.  Jumper's  pre- 
text was  that  certain  sharks  had  told  him  to  "  sail  in."  that  the  statute  by 
which  such  lands  had,  was  and  is  being  taken  and  held  (in  nearly  every 
county  of  the  territory)  was  void.  But  as  it  (the  law)  had  not  be(m  abro- 
gated by  the  courts,  aud  as  (dl  of  the  st(ttiites  are  flawed  for  to  he  <inestloneil 
for  a  price,  I  therefore  reijuin.'d,  and  was  willing  to  <  ntend  for  some- 
thing more  official  than  his  word  or  otlii>r  tatth',  and  I'leu  he  siiid  he 
"AS'ould  give  me  an  ounce  of  lanl."  And  1  shouM  hue  taken  it,  should  I  ? 

]3ut  another  gentl.  manhad  been  trying  to  i\\n^l^  another  portion  of  my 
home  to  which  I  had  for  years  a  United  Stut^^s  patent,  he  going  into  an- 
other tield  and  took  2K)ss(!ssi<m  of  my  springs  and  only  water— some  one 
hundred  and  fifty  (150)  yards  within  a  wAi  marked  government  line  on 
ilpi'ded  laud  T  had  lived  and  pione(>red  on  for  yeirs  when  my  settlement 
was  a  suV)jeet  of  ridicule  and  jest  -and  denied  me  even  water  nect>ssary  for 
my  domestic  use  aud  that  of  neighbors  who  were  in  a  measure  dependent 
1111  the  same,  and  this  after  I  was  out  o\  ir  $\'iO  to  acurommodate  him  or  in 
Imying  my  peace.  He  told  me  "  if  I  wanteil  watei'.  to  dig  for  it,"  and  I 
did  not  "murder"  him,  or  arm  myself  in  any  way,  because  he  only  used 
•I  lia If  dozen  men  to  take  poasession  with — no  carl.iu>      I  vainly  i)leaitl  lO 


t   \l 


l\ni 


358 


An  Epitome  of  Fiery  Struggles. 


him  for  several  weeka  for  only  enough  Avater  for  domestic  use,  ami  -while 
we  "vvore  carrying  it  nt^ar  oiHi-quar^'cr  of  a  mile  ou  his  account;  l))it  I 
finally  got  very  tired  and  ashamed  of  myself  ;  then  I  told  the  genth'iuau 
to  take  a  turn  as  water  carrier  himself.  He  did  not  like  it,  and,  of  course, 
I  was  in  hia  way  then,  and  ao  he  said  "  he  would  help  Mr.  Jumper  with  his 
jol.." 

I  waH  willing  to  divide  up  occasionally  with  such  influential  ^^entk^- 
men  so  that  they  would  inTuiit  me  to  live  in  their  country,  but  they  fic- 
qui'iitly  want  to  take  all  an  "  idiotic  haymaker"  has,  to  divide  it  up  tlicui- 
selves.  Aud,  of  course,  if  the  Ooverniuiait  and  press  and  false  fricmls 
back  them,  then'  can  get  away  with  it  every  time,  and  butcher  anylxxly  in 
the  way.  Although  being  awar(>  that  the  courtsdo  not  often  <lefcud  homes 
without  at  least  mortgaging  them  into  the  ground,  yet  I  inqjlored  these 
gentlem(>n,  that  such  was  the  more  civilized  and  advanced  method  of  get- 
ting them,  and  if  tliey  wanted  mine,  to  take  it  in  that  way,  that  "  it  would 
look  bettt'r  anyhow  aud  I  wanted  to  see  how  it  was  done  ;"  l)ut  to  insti- 
tute Buits  and  divide  iho  stock  in  that  way  would  be  too  tedious  fen*  tlieni, 
they  wanted  it  tltnti,  or  I  must  die  !  ^Ftist  I?  Tliese  gentlemen  were 
[close]  friends  and  talked  to  me  of  each  other,  and  one  of  them  (ii(f  show 
me  "how  it  is  done,"  fiKt  if  irits  oit  t/te  f/nirili/  of  Ihi'  ullici'  oif't^fum'rdl. 

It  was  he  w-ith  his  men  and  but  two  or  tlii'ee  others  of  liis  friends  tlmt 
was  the  iwwer  at  the  throne,  at  which  I  was  first  held  or  (Jmnghiticd ;  he 
had  a  shot-gun  and  otlu-rs  of  them  were  in  like  manner  armed,  and  he  ili^l 
"do  it  with  a  grin."  It  was  afterwards  said  [and  is  yetj  that  a  ipiart  of 
whiskey  added  that  night  would  have  been  my  death,  together  with  tlmt 
of  the  oidy  u(\ir  witnesses  to  their  defeat  the  day  l)efore  ;  but  otliers 
would  have  bitten  the  dust  also.  Tliis  is  the  little  midnight  mob  noteil  at 
the  outset;  this  is  the  "serioua"  grave  (?)  force  that  prosecuted  uiul 
hunted  me  to  the  grave,  and  which  ijrjictice  is  being  justified  by  my  bludd. 
This  is  the  "brave"  (V),  i)atriotic  (?),  \drtuous  (V)  element  "that  is  tlms 
being  venerated  and  backed  !  " 

la  there  no  ottice  without  the  reach  of  such  power  ?  no  official  heart 
but  what  is  mellow  to  such  "seiious"  (V)  j)  ray  era,  and  hardened  to  the 
sons  of  honorable  toil  ? 

And  I  have  written  as  truly  as  Bancroft  could  write  this  history,  but 
it  is  no  pleasure  for  me  to  write  it,  and  I  am  suffering  because  it  is  true, 

If  yonv  Excell(>ncy  Avonld  gra.it  me  butanotlun'  chance  to  live  against 
tlie  forty-nine,  then  i)ermit  me  to  swear  to  this  ei)itomo  and  ouli/  ilisoission 
of  mil  case,  by  the  sentence,  by  sections,  or  as  a  whole,  as  far  as  I  prcteiul 
to  know;  stand  what  is  left  of  me  on  but  the  partial  level  of  a  liaggled,  re- 
stored victim,  and  if  any  one  would  face  me  with  a  denial,  I  can  be  tiieil 
by  another  "jury  of  my  countrymen  "  for  perjury,  and  in  which  event,  it' 
it  1)0  criminals  your  E.'ccellency  wants,  thcii  can  be  found,  though  I  be  not 
iionvicted  any  more. 

The  good  citizens  of  my  section,  if  your  Excellency   please,  may  be 


t ;  l)ut  I 
jeutU'iuau 
of  course, 
lH"  witli///s 

lal  ^,'entle- 
they  frc- 
h  up  thciu- 
Iso  fricmls 
inyliDily  in 

't'Ud  llOllKS 

(irctl  tln'sc 

lOtl  of    f^'ft- 

'•  it  would 
ut  to  iusti- 
s  for  tliiMii. 
.emeu  were 
m  ilh(  Hhdw 

friends  tliiit 

,n^liiti<'d;  lie 

p  and  lie  ill'l 

a  quart  ef 

■r  with  that 

hut  others 

lob  uoted  irt 

,eeut«d  iuul 

my  hloiiil. 

lilt  is  thus 

il'u-ial  heart 
nied  to  the 

liiHtory,  Imt 
it  is  true. 
liv(!  afiainst 
'(/  (lisoifxion 
IS  I  preteml 

laj^'phnl,  re- 
■au  ho  trieil 

eh  event,  it' 
[^li  T  he  uot 

ise,  may  l)e 


Only  Argument  of  my  Case  ever  Made. 


359 


swayed  to  trust  in  men  who  always  have  aud  Avill  tap  their  grauaries  to 
the  Injttom  ;  but  au  augel  from  Heaven  eould  uot  make  them  believe  that 
they  have  uot  lost  the  grain,  or  that  the  courts  are  perfection,  infallible, 
aud  mercy  a  sin. 

"With  all  possible  humility,  and  respect  and  (-ourtesy,  I  submit  for 
decent  consideration,  whether  it  is  jtlainly  and  l)y  good  aaUioiity  shown 
that  instead  of  the  flock  of  crows,  so  immense  as  to  darken  the  sua  of 
heaven  against  me,  that  in  truth  there  never  \\  as  c^ven  a  single,  solitary  little 
blackbird;  and  that  this  storm  was  i)ut  uji  for  plunder  aud  crime  in  the 
cowardly,  sneaking,  traitorous,  deadly  guise  of  friendship  and  of  justici'. 
And  by  which  I  have  Ixh-u  iilunderedof  my  liberty  and  life,  of  my  family, 
of  my  hard  aud  well  earned  home  aud  herds,  and  my  children  of  their 
riulitful  care  and  heritage.  Aud  this  by  gentlemen  who  would  rob  orphan 
cliildreu  of  their  last  chicken  and  their  doll,  cast  them  in  prison  to  hide 
their  crime,  and  v.oixld  stdl  their  Saviour  and  their  souls  fen*  a  litth;  moiicy 
—these  cut-throats  aud  sharks  !  Aud  on  their  account  I  must  be  butch- 
ered !    Must  IP 

Your  Excellency  seems  to  h'"- vc  forgotten — it  being.srj  long  ago — that  not- 
witlistanding  my  case  having  not  been  fully  aud  fairly  made  known  to  the 
public,  that  yet  my  restoration  has  long  since  been  seriously  petitioned  for 
hy  my  neighbors — with  scarcely  exception  for  several  miles  about  me  — 
witli  a  goodly  and  re)'->«<>ntative  portion  of  the  other  good  citizens  of  my 
counties  and  range,  a";  !  \'  h  a  jiortion  of  that  "  jury  of  my  cmiutrymeu  " 
that  so  haplessly  "con,..!,  d"  (?)  me,  and  thisAvithout  any  remonstrance 
friiin  any  (prart(>r  or  person — at  least  inddich/  or  sijiiart'/)/  (Innc.  And  that  a 
fi'iHully  ijortiou  of  these  ai'<'  Christian  men,  of  manly  honor  and  tine  feel- 
iugs.  aud  comi)rise  the  best  elements  of  society  ;  men  who  Mould  not  cling 
to  a  h'gal  mistake  or  fiction  if  tliey  only  half  know  it,  if  it  d(>secrates  a 
fiuidamentiil  aud  beautiful  truth,  or  the,  sacred  sentiment  of  charity. 
Your  Excelli'ncy,  all  of  these  petitionei-s  know  much  as  to  the  struggles  in 
earning  and  holding  a  home  aud  livelihood  in  their  country,  of  courts  and 
sharks,  whom  artless  men  cannot  kn(jM  withont  experience,  of  my  trouble 
au'l  distress,  aud  th(\v  know  me.  I  thiui  .  to  a  num.  as  a  citi/en,  husband, 
father,  aud  somewhat  as  au  otlieial.  and  as  a  neighbor,  not  as  perfection, 
nh.  11(1 ;  but  they  are  not  afraid  1  would  "  murder"  anybody,  or  willingly 
liriiig  sorrow  to  any  lireside.  Tlu'se  good<'itizens  jiray  to  your  Kxeellrncy 
that  I  be  no  longer  held  as  a  dejiraved  criminal  !  Are  their  prayers  to 
avail  me  nothing?  Will  such  a  force  of  jiraycr  not  jiliase  tlie  executive 
heart  and  tind  therein  a  single  sj)ark  of  mercy  ? 

Your  Excellency  could  also  discover  among  these  petitions  men  who 
ut  the  outset  of  my  trouble  were  active  in  my  downfall,  they  would  give 
me  a  whirl  in  the  way  of  business,  they  would  fight  me  when  I  could 
ti^'li*  them  in  return  ;  but  wIumi  they  had  won  the  contest,  tlfi/  wouhl 
not  oppress  mo  to  the  deain.  and  have  prayi-d  that  your  Ivxcelleucy  do 
Hot      Of  Hueh  as  thev  I  never  wailed,  la  such  1   can  cherish  no  hatred. 


'     '    '  '  H' 

■    1 

IJi 


i 


Hltt 


^ft.! 


T^ 

*^  1^' 

1;       Si 

tl 

M. 

360 


An  Epitome  of  Fiery  Struggles. 


And  I  am  loth  to  opon  soits  that  might  otherwise  be  healed,  and  re- 
frain from  d(jing  no  except  bo  far  as  my  situation  oomix'ls,  and  -which 
I  think  your  Excellency  might  consider.  Are  the  prayers  of  these  also 
to  he  disdained  ? 

I  would  also  beg  to  remind  your  Excellency  of  an  additional  dusty 
2)etition,  composed  as  it  is  of  rejjresentative  men  of  exalted  order  in 
my  native  state,  including  a  Supreme  Judge  of  renowned  talents.  That 
tliese  petitioners  also  know  me  in  a  manner,  and  consider  my  word  alone 
good  enough  for  them  to  base  their  action  on,  and  they  know  ■what  was  sworu 
to  against  me.  That  to  imjiose  on  and  stultify  these  petitioners  I  would 
necessarily  be  a  consummated  villain,  bom,  bred,  and  practiced  ;  and  to 
2)resumethat  they  would  impose  on  or  stultify  your  Excellency,  would  not 
be  done  by  those  who  know  them  well.  It  is  hard  and  mortifying  to  think 
or  know  that  the  prayers  of  such  men — who  would  extend  tome  from 
afar  a  helloing  hand,  though  in  troiible  and  stigmatized  as  a  felon — glance 
or  bound  to  the  ground. 

But  though  your  Excellency  may  consider  all  of  the  ardent  i)rayers 
in  my  behalf  as  if  but  a  casual  breeze,  and  me  as  a  vicious  animal,  fit  only 
for  the  yoke  and  the  slaughter,  and  my  wife  and  children  as  but  suitable 
victims  and  game  for  depravity  ;  yet,  thank  (lod,  those  of  my  kind  (andtlio 
kind  are  numerous)  who  know  mo  and  my  trouble  well,  do  not  so  consider 
the  matter  ;  though  they  be  powei"less  to  avail  me  anything  but  fruitless, 
though  ardent  prayers. 

His  Honor — thougli  not  famiul  for  excessive  mercy,  and  with  th(>  dis- 
cord of  such  i)osition,  and  also  while  not  fully  knowing  my  case — has  said 
that  had  tlie  literal  statute  iiermitted  it  under  the  verdict,  he  would  have 
made  my  sentence  five  years  instead  of  ten,  and  that  he  would  not  oppose 
my  pardon  at  any  time  before. 

That  if,  therefore,  I  have  any  lights  whatever  any  more,  l)ut  to  suffer, 
and  quiver,  and  die  ;  and  it  be  only  a  rightful  i)ro2)ositit)n  to  consider  ten 
years  as  but  a  technical  sentence,  and  five  astlii!  moral  or  spirit  of  the  judg- 
ment against  me,  and  that  I  am  l)y  right  entitled  to  the  time  I  suffered  in 
jail,  begging  for  a  trial ;  and  the  abatement  of  time  provided  by  law  for 
good  conduct,  applied  on  such  judgment,  then  I  will  in  Odnln'r  I'r.ri  hurt; 
fidJilU'il  tin: full  trriiis  (>f  mir// Jm/ipticiif.  And  if  this  is  done,  then  therefore 
I  most  respectfully  submit  if  your  Excellency  will  not  then  have  entirely 
rejected  all  of  the  manifest  i)rayer8,  showings,  and  i)roofs,  so  earnestly, 
honestly  and  hundily  offered  for  executive  clemency.  And  that  any- 
thing beyond  wouhl  bo  simply  enforcing  a  hard,  unusual,  unintended, 
technical,  distressing,  unlawful  swindle  of  a  verdict;  made  out  of  fixed 
evidence,  sprung  on  duress  without  a  moments  warning  or  recourse,  and 
■.round  out  in  part  by  about  115  nimiths  of  false,  pernicious,  dastardly  iiu- 
])risonment  and  fcur,  Hxed  up  and  plotted  for  the  purpose.  And  I  must 
be  butchered  in  order  to  stuff'  such  practice  down  the  throat  of  the  j'"''!^'' 


Only  Argument  op  my  Case  ever  Made. 


361 


as  " lionorable  "  (?)  mus/ 1'?    That  sharks  aud  cut-throats  may  fatten  on 
human  misery  '■.ntl  blood. 

That  the  single  germane,  iudisimtablo  fact,  that  iTunii)or  was  hunting 
me  on  my  home,  ■with  a  cocked  carbine  in  both  hands,  with  murder  iu  his 
heart,  and  having  declared  to  me  and  to  others  that  "  he  would  do  so  and 
kill  me"  on  the  very  occasion,  makes  e^•ident  of  itself  that  his  death  was 
only  a  pretext  and  blind  used  by  unconvicted,  criminal  sharks,  to  use  the 
])ower  and  taxes  and  protection  of  government  to  suck  my  blood.  And 
liiul  these  blooil-siickers  been  in  like  manner  and  intent  with  Jumper  at 
tlic  front  and  I  had  killed  them  all,  would  it  have  been  murder  ?  Or  ara 
I  and  my  whole  tribe  savages  or  fools,  indeed  ? 

Though  always  loth  to  bewail  my  troubles  -with  or  to  men,  yet,  I  owe 
it  to  myself,  to  my  children  and  my  kind,  to  thus  submit  my  case  at  this 
late  day  for  public  as  well  as  executive  consideiation.  as  I  am  still  being 
haggled  in  the  deadly  guise  of  fiiendship  and  of  justice,  till  some  of  my 
old  friends  would  hardly  know  me  now;  and  my  name  and  pride  which 
before  was  not  considered  bad,  to  take  alone  iu  the  way  of  business  any- 
way, is  being  haggled  too.  And  I  have  been  choked  and  supi)ressed  and 
oppressed,  and  bctniiied  and  sold,  till  this  is  but  a  death  rattle.  But  if  any- 
thiug  in  conflict  with,  or  denial  of  any  of  my  avertments  be  embrai'cd  and 
then  intelligently  and  honestly  sifted,  i)ressed  and  hammered,  it  will  fly 
in  burned  fragments,  and  no  jjoint  be  made  that  will  pierce  or  turn  any  I 
have  sliown  in  my  case  or  character.  And  let  any  one  who  would  care  to 
know  Uie  truth  as  to  my  trouble  know  it  now  and  not  loi'get  it,  as  is  valu- 
ed aXi  that  is  most  dear  and  sacred  and  beautifid  to  man. 

Very  truly, 

Geo.  \V.  France." 


wi\i% 


I  i-u.  M 


:  ;.  <    :  '  I 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Prison  experience  concluded. — Effoi-ts  to  get  my  case  before  the  Supreme 
Court. — Copious  extracts  from  my  iliaiy  ke))t  in  prison. — "  Cousi tier- 
ing my  case."— "Beeing  alumt  it,"  etc. ,  etc. — My  appeals  to  Legis- 
liitures,  the  President,  Congress,  etc. — How  changes  in  Governors, 
etc.,  are  discut'sed  by  prisoners. — Prisoners  that  ■were  shanghaied  aud 
never  co»r,'c/'^d. — Howl  established  my  good  conduct  against  tlielyiii<j; 
gang. — The  "good  Judiciary. "--Eftorts  of  and  for  other  prisoners 
and  results.  — Eemoval  to  Walla  Walla. — My  release,  etc. 

1  HE  Governor  treated  tlie  epitome,  etc.,  of  the  foregoing 
chapter  just  as  he  had  all  other  communications  in  my  Leluilf, 
because  he  %vas  3 ble  to  squelch  it  from  the  people,  of  whom  he 
said,  "  they  make  great  clamor  over  }:>ardoning."  He  was  dead 
to  every  generous  or  just  emotion  and  every  elevated  senti- 
ment. 

So  then  I  made  an  effort  with  the  "  good  Judiciav}' "  to 
grant  me  some  kiud  of  a  trial  wherein  I  could  be  defeutied  or 
defend  myself,  and  in  accordance  with,  the  same  wrote  the 
following  letter : 

"Seatco,  Thurston  Co.,  W.  T.,  June  21st,  1882. 
Hon.  S.  C.  Wingard: 

I  hereby  ajjjdy  to  your  Honor  for  a  new  trial.  1  can  show  ten  tinifs 
more  than  the  reasons  usuiilly  deemed  sufficient  for  other  men.  The  sub- 
ptnnce  of  which  are  that  theiv  is  not,  and  never  was,  any  real  case  of  crime 
,,'.;■. ^asi  me,  and  there  was  and  is  an  abundance  of  i)rcof  to  estabhsh  be- 
yond dispixte  my  entire  innocence  of  uny  crime.  That  I  simply  killed  an 
assassin,  ivho  Avas  hunting  me  like  a  wild  beast  on  my  own  liome,  Mith  a 
cocked  V  arbine  in  both  hands  and  declared  murder  in  his  heart;  that  I  shot 
only  after  ho  had  made  the  attack  and  fired  the  first  shot,  and  while  lie  was 
trying  to  kill  me  with  his  gun  again  cocked;  that  I  thus  defended  my  life 
by  every  other  right,  besides  following  the  advice,  counsel  and  directimi 
of  a  "court  of  justice";  that  my  commitment  to  jail  vas  bulldozed  by  a 
httle  armed  gang  in  the  middle  of  the  uigbt,  (\\  hich  gang  had  ju'evioiisly 
tried  to  jump  another  portion  of  my  home,  to  which  I  had  a  U.  S.  pctent) 
they  ha\dng  a  shyster  "  lawyer  "  for  ^clerk  tind  to  fix  ui«  tlio  proceeding's, 
■who  was  alsfj  thei    i.icosecutiug  attoi'ne\,  aud  1  was  not  ))ermittcd  any 

'I'i;at  ■wlaen  in  dures-s.  my  counsel  betrayed  or  sold  me,  kept  me  m  jail 
fur('\er»inc  uioutirs,  whik>  they  heljHHl  to  m*J)ag''  niy  conviction,  iint- 
withstuuUdiig    you    bad     declared    &    williQgue»i»   to    ^ivo  ue   ttu   iiu- 


My  Release. 


363 


nietliato  trial,  or  examination,  wbii-li  slionld  have  omlod  my  tvoulile.  That 
they  extorted  my  means  of  defense  by  the  most  base,  false  juvtenses,  and 
refused  to  be  discharged  when  I  had  found  them  ont.  ThatC. .  exju-essed 
with  1110  at  court  great  surprise  at  the  trick  ai)ruug  on  the  stand  (that  the 
gun  was  aimed  at  another),  when  it  transjiired  that  he  had  l>i/<>re  granted 
tliis  in  his  charge  for  you  that  was  rejected.  That  he  had  previously  de- 
cliircd  to  me,  that  he  "had  great  influence  with  the  court,  that  it  loved  him 
though  ho  despised  it,  and  that  ho  had  written  a  charge  for  it  which  would 
be  the  charge  to  the  Jury,  and  under  which  I  must  be  accjuitted,  so  it 
would  be  superfluous  to  make  out  or  sliow  all  of  my  case,"  or  to  hammer  to 
jiioccs  and  destroy  (as  could  be  done)  all  that  was  sworn  against  me. 

All  of  which  foregoing  I  will  swear  to  and  can  give  a  bill  of  pavtii;ulars 
as  to  the  same,  as  conclusive  as  any  similar  victim  ever  can  under  the  same 
circumstances  and  duress. 

If  there  is  any  recourse  for  such  as  me  in  the  courts  of  this  country,  I 
want  to  find  it;  and  I  most  respectfully  and  courteously  hereby  apply  to 
you  to  assist  me  in  doing  so. 

Geo.  W.  France." 


1  s  ■ 


I 


I  also  applied  to  others  and  to  the  Chief  Justice  of  the 
Supreme  court,  only  to  find  it  to  be  so  exclusive  and  hi«^h- 
priced  and  prostituted  that  to  get  there  I  would  have  to  iiave 
the  way  and  by-waya  with  gold  in  quantities  which,  by  this 
time,  I  had  not. 

Could  anarchy  be  any  worse  condition  for  the  common 
people  ? 

Some  months  after  the  delivery  of  my  epitome  to  the  Gov- 
ernor, ho  was  at  the  bastile  and  I  took  occasion  to  spread  out 
a  copy  of  it  on  a  table  before  him,  and  urged  him  "  to  poivt  out 
a  single  move,  intent  or  act  in  my  conduct  as  to  the  fight,  or  any- 
wliere  in  the  trouble  that  was  bad,  and  to  say  what  more  he 
retpiired?  " 

To  which  he  replied  in  the  presence  of  ovhers  (which  I 
have  tlie  documents  to  prove),  "  Of  cour.se,  France,  you  have  a 
very  strong  case  ;  I  cannot  discuss  it  with  you,  but  I  will  let  you 
go  on  the  recommendation  or  favorable  report  of  the  Judge." 
To  which  I  replied,  "  You  know.  Governor,  that  Judge  Win- 
gard  will  not  recommend  or  solicit  any  man's  pardon."  "But," 
he  replied,  "  I  do  not  require  that :  you  get  only  ix  favorable  re- 
port or  word  from  him  and  /  icill  hi  i/ou  j/o." 

I  then  asked  him  if  he  knew  Mr.  N  . ,  ex-president  of  the 
council,  and  "  Avhether  he  would  consider  him  a  reliable  man  ?  " 


m 


); }  (8 


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"HP^ 

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3G4 


EXTIIACT8  FUOM   DiAUY   KeI'T   IN   PllISON. 


to  which  he  replied  that  he  "  did  know  him  and  considered  hira 
very  roliable,  indeed."  I  asked  him  to  "  publish  my  case  uiul 
argument  (epitome)  and  see  if  anyone  could  be  found  who 
would  assail  it  or  discuss  it  with  me."  No  reply.  I  then  sug- 
gested that  "  he  refer  the  question  of  pardon  to  any  three 
ministers,"  he  replied  he  "  guessed  we  could  get  along  without 
preachers."  (The  one  who  came  there  said  he  "would  have 
(hnie  just  as  I  did,  by  the  evidence.")  I  then  wrote  to  Mr.  N. . 
stating  to  him  what  the  Governor  had  promised,  and  requested 
him  to  see  the  Judge  accordingly,  to  which  Mr.  N . .  replied  as 
follows  directed  to  me  : 

"Dayton,  W.  T.,  October  lOtli,  1882. 
Mr.  W?t.  B. .  [who  was  tho  chief  ooutractor  of  the  bastile.] 

Sik: — You  will  ilo  me  a  favor  to  assist  Geo.  W.  France  to  get  ai)artlt)ii. 
I  know  he  has  paid  the  penalty  of  tlie  crime, which  he  Avas  impiisoned  for. 
Theroforc.  it  being  justice  to  the  man  and  the  laws,  I  ask  that  you  see  tlie 
(it)vernor  and  stat(!  the  case  to  liini. 

Jialje  Wiuijiird  thinks  that  Fntncf  is  entitled  to  a  p<trdon. 

Yours  trulv, 

II.  G.  Newland." 
Also  this  to  me  : 

Dayton,  W.  T.,  Oct.  lOtb,  1882. 

I  have  received  yours  of  tho  7th,  inst.,  and  also 

one  before  that,  I  should  have  answered,  but  Judge  Wingard  was  away  at 
the  time.  I  spoke  to  him  last  Satiirday ;  he  said,  ho  was  willing  that  yon 
should  have  an  unamditinnid  pardon  now,  and  I  hope  tho  Governor  will 
grant  you  an  unconditional  pardon  immediately. 

Every  one  here  that  knows  anything  of  your  case  expresses  a  desire  to 
have  you  luudoned.  So  the  Governor  need  not  be  afraid  that  the  public 
opinion  is  opijosed  to  your  being  pardoned  out  of  i^rison. 

Y'ours  truly, 

B.  G.  Newiand." 

Not  hearing  from  this  effort,  I  addressed  the  Governor  as 
follows: 

"Seatco,  Oct.  2Gth,  1882. 
To  his  Excellency: — [Bill  Links.] 

I  herewith  send  your  Excellency  copies  of  letters  from  the  Hon.  R.  G. 
Newland,  transmitting  Judge  Wingard's  substantial  recommendation  for 
my  pardon.  Believing  that  this  fulfills  your  Excellency's  requirements 
and  trusting  that  you  will  not  be  unmindful  of  yoi;r  jiromise,  I,  therefore, 
have  sent  for  means  to  reach  the  wreck  of  my  home  and  family. 

I  presume  this  matter  has  been  presented  to  you  by  Mr.  B . . ,  as  be 


My  Release. 


3G5 


E^VIlANP. 


hiis  promised  to  do  bo,  ami  "  loml  all  the  aHsiHtanee  iu  i)ro('iiring  my  release 
that  lies  in  his  power,"  but  I  Avoiihl  not  neglect  any  portion  of  Jiligeuce, 
duty  or  i)rivilege  in  uneh  a  rilitl  itidllrr  to  me.  itiul  mini'.  I  have  said  thut  I 
was  •willing  to  be  ahlirjdted  to  show  and  estaljlisli  to  the  satisfat'tiun  of  the 
Judge,  that  there  was  not  even  the  shadow  of  any  true  case  of  crime 
against  me,  and  I  still  court  the  ojjportunity  to  do  so. 

Very  resi)ectfully, 

Geo.  W.  Fkance. 

Copy.  Seatco,  W.  T.,  November  24th,  1882. 

Dear  Sistek: — Yours  of  the  8th,  inst.,  just  received,  with  §25;  but  my 
pardon  is  still  withheld,  notwithstanding  the  Judge's  substantial  recom- 
lucudation  and  the  Governor's  2)rom.ise  that  this  would  efl'ect  my  release. 
Geo.  W.  Fkance." 

Fbom  my  Pkison  Diaky. 
"J(t)i.  20th,  18H'3. — Gov.  [Links]  here.  He  came  to  me,  82)oke  and 
extended  his  hand  very  cordially;  examined  the  medicine  I  was  taking 
(digitalis,  iron  and  bismuth),  noted  my  condition,  saying:  "you  are  cer- 
tainly quite  unwell,"  etc.,  and  that  he  "  would  see  me  aijuiu  bi'fore  hf.  left."' 
but  he  did  not,  and  left  without  me  getting  anything  out  of  him  as  to  my 
ri'lease  and  the  Judge's  substantial  recommendation.  He  is  on  his  way  to 
the  States." 

So  I  again  appealed  to  the  Judge,  as  follows : 

"Seatco,  W.  T.,  March  1st,  1883. 
The  Hon.  S.  C.  Winoard. — I  beg  your  Honor  to  consider  that  in 
August  next,  without  any  rebatement  (and  to  concede  to  me  the  time  I  lay 
iu  jail  begging  for  a  trial),  I  will  have  suffered  five  years  of  most  terrible 
imprisonment  and  distress;  that  my  health  is  imimired,  and  that  my  home, 
tliiit  I  toiled  the  best  years  of  my  life  to  make,  my  means  of  livelihood, 
family  and  atlairs  are  in  a  most  encumbered  and  deplorable  condition,  be- 
yond my  control.  That,  as  I  am  i)laced,  I  cannot  attend  to  and  protect 
anything,  and  fiiends  who  would  help  me  declare  their  inability  to  do  so, 
and  that  I  am  "already  ruined  !  "  They  have  suggested  that  I  take  certain 
artiou  in  the  matter,  but  find  that  my  duress  is  such  that  I  cannot  ac- 
complish auytliiug,  nor  to  even  communicate  with  my  wife  and  children 
to  know  definitely  the  ijroper  mode  to  i)ursue.  And  the  breach  is  made 
wider,  the  intriguing  coil  drawn  tighter,  and  the  ravage  more  ruinous  every 
day  and  hoiir.  I  beg  your  Honor  to  consider  that  I  have  ever  earnestly 
plead  and  affirmed  that  there  was  in  truth  never  a  stronger  case  of  self- 
defense,  and  that  there  was  and  is  indisputable  jn-oof  to  establish  this  be- 
yond fair  question,  and  all  else  that  I  have  claimed.  And  I  have  continu- 
ally, from  the  day  of  the  tragedy,  plead  and  begged  for  an  opportunity  to 
so  establish  it.  But  instead  of  granting  this  right  I  am  condemned  to 
destruction,  with  no  efi"ective  recourse,  excei)t  through  your  Honor's  viore 
ettviii'M  endeavor.  If  you  are  loth  to  otherwise  efl'ect  my  release  now,  under 


t.,- 


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366 


Extracts  from  Diary  Kept  iif  Prison. 


I-;' 


■ 


'■'\ 


such  vital  and  critical  eircumatancos  ami  mififortunc— far  roaching  as  tlicv 
1)0 — or  if  JiHcredit  as  to  the  truth  of  anything  I  have  iittorod  Ito  iu  the  wav, 
thon  I  l)og  that  you  reoommeud  and  urge  my  reloaso  ou  condition  that  I 
make  each  and  every  assertion  that  I  have  made  and  do  make  as  to  aiiv 
l>haso  of  my  case,  tsituation,  condition  and  trouble,  good  and  establislird 
within  a  given  time  to  your  Honor's  satisfaction,  and  to  be  held  in  reasou- 
able  restraint  or  obligation  till  tlu!  same  be  done.  Grateful  for  favorn 
done,  I  implore  you  to  consider  well  the  full  meaning  of  every  wcjrd  hem- 
in  uttered,  and  that  I  am  willing  to  stake  what  is  h^ft  of  my  life  and  fortune 
on  the  truthfulness  of  my  ass('rti(ms,  and  that  time  and  events  have  already 
proven  much  that  was  considered  as  with  a  sne(>r. 

j\Iost  respectfully,  and  iu  great  distress 

Geo.  W.  France." 

.V<nrh  (1th,  icS.S.?.— Note  from  sister  M.  J.,  in  the  States,  dated  Feb',, 
f-~)lji,  that  "they  were  tel(>grai)hing  to  tind  tlie  Governor  to  interview  him, 
etc." 

M(trck  18th. — Received  letter  from  lu.  J.,  at  Trenton,  N.  J.,  where 
they  wi>re  to  see  the  Governor,  who  had  just  left  very  suddenly,  but  inter- 
views his  son  and  interests  other  parties,  so  that  they  are  confident  I  '"ifill 
lie  released  in  a  month."     Date  of  letter,  March  1st. 

MnrcJi  20th. — Received  the  following  terms  for  my  release,  iu 
the  name  of  "  the  people  "   (?)  (that  had  really  declared  tluit 
they  were  unanimous  for  my  restoration)  which  I  will  give  as  a 
fair  example  of  severai.  such  propositions  : 

"PoMEiioY,  Garfield  Co.,  W.  T.,  March  8th,  1883. 
G.  W.  France,  Seatco,  W.  T. 

Dear  Sir: — I  write  to  you  to  ask  what  is  the  least  you  will  take  for 

a  deed  to  vour  homestead 

This  is  private  between  us.  I  have  been  feeling  the  pulse  of  the  "people" 
and  trying  in  every  way  to  see  what  chance  there  is  for  you  to  be  released, 
I  know  of  only  one  way  possible,  and  that  is  for  you  to  have  a  few  hundred 
dollars.  Would  communicate  the  facts,  if  I  knew  how  to  get  them  to  you 
privately. 

It  is  no  illegal  plan,  but  the  best  plans  are  sometimes  frustrated  by  too 
many  knomng  them. 

Let  me  hear  from  you  at  once,  and  the  least  you  will  take  in  cash  to 
sign  a  deed  to  the  land  named. 

Would  you  give  it  to  get  out  honorably,  if  it  could  not  be  effected  for 
less  ? 

Hoiiing  you  are  iu  health,  I  remain  yours, 


Oh,  no  !  this  "people  "  (?)  ("who  clamor  ")  would  not  rob 
or  ravage,  or  murder  anybody.    They  would  only  give  them  "  a 


My  Release. 


3G7 


fair  iinti  miprejuiliced  trial,"  (?)  torturo,  betr.av,  deceive  aud  loot 
tlunu  of  all — eirri/f/iUKj  they  possess!  Aud  do  it  so  "legal- 
ly "  and  so  "  hunoi'dhJy  "  (?)  while  to  saud-l)a<^  a  man,  take  only 
§9  aud  a  silver  watch  and  l(>t  him  go  on  home,  is  made  a  crime  ! 

"  Oh,  consistency,  thou  art  a  jewel."  But  think  of  tlie  ex- 
cnrsion  tickets,  the  sogars  aud  whiskey  and  newspajier  pufls 
tliis  " people,"  (?)  would  enjoy  oiit  of  .so  many  yen rn  of  toil  (nid 
hineM  endeavor  !  Oh!  my  "people!'''  "Would  you,  oh,  would 
you,  so  "  legally  "  aud  so  " //'>«oraW// "  picnic  in  my  miserable 
ruiu,  or  "  clamor  "  that  I  die  ? 

Is  this  the  price  of  liberty  ?  No !  vol  even  thai,  l)ut  to  still 
toil  on  for  another  such  picnic  to  the  gang. 

"For  THIS  his  sioord  the  midnight  ruffian  dran's; 
For  THIS  the  licensed  inurderer  spurns  the  laws, 
Hears  his  proud  head  dimi'ish'd  justice  o'er, 
His  trophies  watering  icith  ti,  brother's  gore" 

"  The  dagger,  hid  in  honors  specious  guise." 

Mitrch  2  ilk. — Governor  [Liuks]  here.  Was  distant  and  cold,  said, 
"lie  knew  my  ease  ns  well  or  better  than  I  did,  and  if  he  wanted  to  talk 
any  more  to  me  about  it,  he  would  let  nu;  know." 

"There  was  a  laughing  devil  in  his  sneer." 

7/i;  would  "sini/f  (1)1(1  smile,  ir/iile  secret  irouuds  did  bleed  heneath  MY 
cloak." 

Perhaps  I  had  better  deliver  up  my  homestead,  my  livelihood,  so 
mmji  years  of  honest  toil,  and  take  to  the  road.  Curse  them,  if  I  do! 
'■'liitisc.d  the  fire  of  venyeonce  in  the  hearth  But  how  do  I  know,  but  they 
mwhl  take  the  price  and  hold  me  all  (he  same,  or  put  me  in  die  ground  to  hide 
their  crimes,  as  no  secubity  is  held  out  tliat  I  would  not  i/ct  he  held. 

"Some  men  have  so  little  sense  of  honoi*,  that  they  do  not  regard  an 
oath  as  to  theu'  duty,  even  in  the  discharge  of  oflieial  duty.  He  who  kicics 
at  this,  hia  conscience  stings  and  is  the  man." 

March  20 fh. — Mr.  B. .  came  to  see  me;  said,  "  there  was  no 
public  sentiment  against  me  whatever,  and  that  the  people 
wauted  me  out,  except  members  of  the  gang,"  and  said  he 
"  Would  see  the  devils  in  HELL  hefore  he  icxndd  give  them  a  dollar 
more."     But  I  was  to  be  in  hell  while  they  were  in  clover. 

April  18th. — Received  letter  from  M.  J.,  that  they  had  been  again  to 
New  Jersey  and  "were  assured  by  the  Governor's  son,  that  he  would  soon 
(tccomjjUsh  my  release,"  etc. 


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Extracts  from  Dury  Keit  in  Prison. 


"  Oh,  labor  to  keej)  alive  in  your  breast  that  little  spark  of  celestial 
fire,  called  conscience." 

As  to  his  Excellency's  veracity:  he  writes  as  follows  to  a 
sister  in  the  States : 

"Tebbitory  of  Washington. — Executive  Department. 

OiiYMPiA,  March  30th,  1883. 

Dear  Madam  : — I  did  not  receive  your  note 

desiring  to  see  me  until  after  I  reached  this  place.  My  son.  Dr.  [Liuks], 
Jr. ,  wrote  to  me.  I  have  given  much  investigation  to  the  case  of  ]\Ir. 
France,  and  regret  to  inform  you,  that  it  was  a  much  more  aggravated  case 
of  mortal  shooting  than,  perhaj^s,  you  know  of.  His  case  was  fairly  tried 
and  the  Judge  considers  thejyenalty  not  excessive,  I  must  state  reluctantly  to 
you,  that  I  have  but  little  consideration  for  any  person  who  takes  human 
life,  except  in  clear  cases  of  self-defense. 

I  am  yours  truly, 

[Bill  Links.]" 

To  which  she  replies  as  follows : 

Governor  [Links]. — Dear  Sir: — Yours  of  the  3()th  of 

March  was  duly  received  and  its  most  mysterious  contents  sadly  read,  and 
to  our  great  sorrow  not  favorable  to  my  brother's  release.  WJi^  is  it  that 
Judge  Wingard  acts  so  strangely  in  this  matter?  He  certainly  has  to  others 
said  plainly  that  he  would  not  oppose  his  pardon,  besides  the  petition  for 

his  release  was  signed  by  almost  the  whole  communitii 

His  action  i^uems  so  strange. 

Did  you  not  long  ago  receive  a  letter  transmitting  Judge  Wingard's 
substantial  recommendation  for  his  pardon  ? 

The  clique  who  set  [Jumper]  up,  to  get  brother  in  trouble,  was  gov- 
erned by  no  principle  or  feeling  but  those  which  avarice  and  unprincii)led 
an)bition  inspire,  and  are  prospering  on  brother's  hard  eai-ned  property;  and 
it  is  to  their  interest  to  keep  him  imjirisoned  as  long  as  possible,  so  that  he 
may  have  nothing  left  with  Avliich  to  redress  his  wrongs. 

I  can  very  easily  see  how  impossible  it  is  for  one  occupying  the  positon 
of  Governor,  to  understand  the  workings  of  so  deep  laid  a  plot.  But  should 
any  man  attack  another,  as  he  was  attacked,  on  his  own  home,  while  (jniet- 
ly  engaged  with  his  employees  sowing  wheat,  in  this  State  most  surely  the 
verdict  would  hejnstijiable. 

Time  will  convince  you,  honored  sir,  of  the  innocence  of  any  crime, 
save  of  the  clique  and  [Jumper]  their  agent. 

My  dear  brother  is  losing  his  health  and  suffering  more  than  tougue 
can  tell,  and  innocent  (tsj/ou,  sir,  or  /of  any  crime,  save  that  of  defendinf,' hJH 
own  life;  and  all  he  needs,  is  a  chance  to  show  that  there  was  not  evcu  a 
shadow  of  any  true  case  of  crime  against  him,  and  he  cc  arts  the  op- 
portunity. 


hi 


My  Release. 


369 


of  any  crime, 


The  Jury  was  composed  of  au  elemout  that  we  would  all  bo  very  slow 
in  intrusting  so  important  a  case.  Some  men  have  no  sense  of  honor  and 
uo  ri'f^ard  for  their  oath. 

I  confess  uiyself,  that  I  would  have  very  little  consideration  for  any 
person  who  takes  human  life,  excejit  in  clear  cases  of  self-defense,  and  I 

am  N'ov  th<tl  this  van  such  a  case 

M.  J.* 

Mai/  12th,  lS83.—necei\e  word  from  G.  H. . .  that  he  will  "«•///«  the 
stiiirliiin  ami  in  conjunction  irilh  Jndi/e  Winr/ard"  endeavor  to  get  me  released. 

I  Wliicli  is  the  opposite  of  his  Excellency's  statement,  that 
"  tlie  Judge  considers  the  sentence  not  excessive;"  so  one  or  the 
other  evidently  lies  ;  or  else  the  Judge  is  "  strange,"  indeed.] 

"Calumny  isoflen  milled  to  oppression,  ifbutforthe  sake  ofjnstifyiny  it." 

But  I  have  a  few  friends  left  through  all  such  reports  of 
"  the  lying  gang,"  and  some  of  them  urge  the  "  good  Judge  "  to 
recommend  my  release  direct  to  the  Governor,  and  to  establish 
who  it  is  that  is  such  a  cold-blooded,  villainous,  brutal,  cow- 
artlly,  unmitigated  liar,  and  he  replies  as  follows  : 

"  Walla  Walla,  W.  T.,  June  Ist,  188.3. 
His  Excellency  [Bill  Links],  Governor. 

8ib: — Georye  W,  France,  now  in  the  Ter.  penitentiarif  under  sen- 
U'lice/or  murdei'  in  the  second  deyree,  has  served  imprisonment  as  loiuf  as  I 
voiilil  hare  sentenced  him  to  undergo,  Jiad  the  law  allowed  a  less  sentence  than 
limposad.      Twj/  respectfully, 

S.  C.  Winoard,  Judge." 

The  foregoing  document  is  considered  by  other  Governors 
to  be  alone  recommendation  enough  to  release  prisoners,  with 
nothing  else  done  in  their  behalf.  One  Governor  (Knott)  de- 
clared in  his  inaugural  address  that  he  would  grant  pardons  or 
commute  sentences  "  only  when  the  court  is  satisfied  that  the 
sentence  is  unjust." 

And  to  hold  me  longer  with  this  staring  him  in  the  face 
was  to  rob  and  torture  me  on  the  flimsy  pretext  of  a  mere  tech- 
nical .sentence  that  had  f)een  thus  altrogated  by  the  "  good  Judge." 
Tlie  Governor  was  so  guilty  that  he  would  not  face  me  any 
more  to  talk,  or  make  any  reply  to  this  recommendation  ;  he 
heeded  it  uo  more  than  he  had  the  other.  He  woiild  not  even 
criticise  or  make  objec^tion  to  it.  The  question  now  was  "  what 
excuse  would  he  invent  next  to  spit  at  my  stand  by  friends,  to 
injure  me,  and  yet  not  aggravate  them  so  they  would  get  mad 
24 


il 


1:  \ 


ii 


370 


EXTHACTS  FltOM  DiAllY  KeIT  IN  PRISON. 


I*. 


and  howl  out  his  brutal  and  mi/sfcrious  conduct  to  the  public  ?  " 
So  they  and  I  were  always  being  advised  to  "  keep  sfill." 

But  /  could  get  mad  and  still  be  damned  ;  for  could  tlu'v 
not  squelch  my  letters,  etc.,  and  thus  keep  me  in  the  dark,  and 
the  truth  hid  from  the  people  who  "clamor?  "  This  ce^sor.sltip 
onr  a  prisoner  s  correspondemr  should,  h'  killed  I 

.lull)  S/Ji. — "  R.  F. . .  aud  J. . .  jnmiMMl  nf?aiu." 
,////v  loth.-''  T. . .  and  F. . .  junipi-.l." 

And  who  could  honestly  blame  them  to  jump  from  such  a 
hell  and  such  a  Governor?  Why  should  they  be  in  prison  and 
the  lying  gang  in  clover?  They  had  a  right  -by  the  higher  law 
of  Heaven — to  wade  over  the  carcasses  of  such  as  woidd  hold 
them  there. 

Jii/i/  ]-'}tJi.—H. . .  came  here  from  Dayton;  brought  word   from  ]}. . 
that  "he  wa-s  going  to  work  to  get  me  out,"  ete. 

Jx/i/ 2-JnI. — Get  note  ["  undergrouud"]  from  a  frieml,  as  follows' 
"Copy  of  .Judge  W.'s  reeommendation  received;  all  right.  Be  patieut. 
Your  release  will  siirt'lij  eome  ere  long  from  the  Governoi'." 

We  had  to  smuggle,  when  we  could,  such  vital  papers, 
letters  and  life-or-death  business — out  and  in  the  bastile — so 
thej'  would  not  be  squelched  by  the  lackeys  of  the  gang. 

Jiihf  2!>th. — I  get  the  following  :  "  We  have  just  returned  from  Tren- 
ton agani;  /(oi;'  vuike  your  oilcKltdioita  to  he  relensed  very  soon." 

"  Oh,  what  a  tangled  web  y\e  weave, 
Whene'er  ve  practise  to  deceive!  " 

Ai"j.  o/L — Received  letter  from  Mr.  W. . .  [It  was  registered,  so  I  got 
it;  bat,  though  he  wrote  several  others,  I  did  not  get  any  of  them. J  Ho 
says,  that  "Judge  B. . .  ia  working  for  my  release;  had  written  to  thoGov- 
erDor  and  to  Judge  Wiugard;  that  he  was  j)eraonally  acquainted  witli 
them  both,  and  that  ho  would  go  aud  see  the  Governor  and  urge  my 
release;  and  they  were  '  rery  coiif.i/ftit  if  success.'  Also,  that  my  wifo 
was  working  for  my  release  and  thought  it  so  roy  strini>ji',  I  i/lil  not 
(jct  licr  letters." — [1  had  written  a  dozen  letttn-s  to  her  without  receiving 
any  reply.] 

It  afterwards  transpired  that  his  Excellency  next  invented 
for  an  excuse  to  still  hold  on  to  me  ;  not  that  he  "  was  consider- 
ing my  case, '  nor  "that  it  was  n(>t  yet  time  to  consider  it,"  nor 
that  "  the  people  would  clamor,"  nor  that  "  I  had  had  a  fair 
trial  by  an  unprejudiced  jury  and  a  "  gooil  Judge,"  nor  that 


My  Release. 


371 


3  public?" 

nr 

could  tliey 
i  (lurk,  Jiiul 
s  censorship 


rom  such  a 
i  prison  luul 
i  hi}.;her  law 
would  lidltl 

rd  from  15. 

1(1,  as  fallows: 
Be  piitieut. 

vital  papers, 
bastile— so 
gang. 

(I  from  Tren- 
m»." 


Btered,  so  I  gut 

if  them.]    He 

ton  totlioGov- 

;q\taiutoil  with 

and  nrgo  my 

that  my  ^nf** 

iiiijf,  I  ili'l  ""' 

hont  recoiviug 

[ext  luventeil 

las  consiilpi- 

iiiler  it,"  nor 

ll  had  a  fair 

"  nor  that 


"my  case  was  such  an  aggravated  one,"  nor  yet  that  "the  (jdotl 
Jtuhje  did  not  consider  the  sentence  excessive,"  because  all  of 
tlu'se  excuses  were  now  worn  out  and  known  to  my  friends  to 
hi\f(ilsr  j))rtcx(s,  and  he  knew  that  they  knew  them  thus  to  be. 
But  as  his  conduct  had  not  made  my  friends  desperate  or 
dangerous  to  him,  but  only  disgusted  and  sick,  and  as  he  was 
keeping  me  choked  down  (I  "  iit  list  hep  quiet  I ")  he  could 
therefore  feed  thoit  most  anything  to  keep  them  sick  and  stiJI, 
while  I  U'dN  dying  in  the  oijonij  of  misiwusc  and  of  despair.  So 
lie  spit  this  rot  into  the  face  of  Judge  B .  and  others,  that  mij 
"conduct  loas  vcrij,  very  had." 

Great  God !  Is  a  man  supposed  to  have  «?!//  "conduct" 
after  so  many  years  of  cruel  torture,  and  ravage,  and  betrayal, 
aud  hjing  deceit?  Deluded,  deceived,  oppressed,  trifled  with, 
aud  murdered  in  a  living  tomb  ? 

"  Oh  jiitliji-viPiit  thou  art  fli-if  to  brutish  beosts, 
And  mea  hope  lost  thi'ir  rcostiu." 

And  if  he  still  lives  and  has  some  kind  of  "  conduct "  left  is 
he  to  blame  ? 

And  yet,  during  this  very  time  the  chief  prison  officials 
were  promising  to  recommend  my  pardon  to  the  Governor  "  if 
he  would  but  request  it  of  them."  And  neither  they  or  the 
Governor  had  any  charge  against  my  conduct  to  make  to  my 
fcice. 

About  this  time  a  friend  told  them  that  "it  Avas  a  G — d 

d d  brutal  outrage  for  them  to  hold  on  to  me  as  they  did." 

Nor  did  they  dispute  or  discuss  the  matter  with  him  either, 
though  he  put  it  to  them  in  their  own  language. 

All'/,  l-llh. — Receiveil  the  following  from  the  Strttes  :  "Jndge  K. . . 
is  hourly  expecting  an  answer  by  telegraph  from  the  Governor." 

"Not  so  yonr  friend — with  grief  oppressed  I  see 
That  i)eaoe,  which  smiles  ou  many,  frown  on  me." 

Si'jit.  l.'itfi. — "So  fur  we  can  hear  nothing  from  the  Governor.  We 
are  doing  everything  that  vmi  be  dotio,  to  get  him  to  ttd  at  once." 

Xipl.  2')th. — "We  are  still  in  suspense.     Judge  R. . .  and   are 

doiu;(  ((//  ill  thi'ir  jioirrr" 

lit  takes  a  lot  of  killing,  expensive  experience  and  a  long  time 
for  outsiders  to  learn  the  mystic,  traitorous  ways  of  a  secret 


m 


f 


.1    1 


m 


if  ,ii.  I  :mkK 


372 


Extracts  from  Diary  Kept  in  Prison. 


Then  the  Governor's  sou  wrote  to  a  sister  as  follows  : 

"Trenton,  N.  J.,  Oct.  2ua,  l8H:t. 

My  father  wrote  me  in  roforc'iioo  to  yonr  hrotlior, 

and  I  do  not  think,  from  the  tonor  of  Iuh  h(tt<';,  that  hti  is  very  favor- 
al»hf  towiinls  liis  i)ar(h)u. 

I  anticipate  going  to  Washington  Tenitory  about  Novenilx  r  1st. 
Ph'ase  write  to  mo  and  give  me  your  brother's  full  name,  I  have  fur- 
gotten  it.     Youra  very  trnly,  [Bill  LiukHj,  Jr." 

[Aud  so,  even  he  had  to  judge  by  the  mere  "  tenor  "  of  the 
Goveruor's  letter,  as  to  what  he  would  do.  | 

Odolwr  1st. — Legislature  met,  and  reports  come  that  some 
of  the  members  and  others  are  determined  to  secure  my  re- 
lease ;  whereupon  the  "  doctor-Governor-and-the-law "  ox- 
claimed  to  a  number  of  men  :  "  Well,  by  G-o-a-d,  France  is  a 
man  that  always  behaves  himself  and  attends  to  his  own  busi- 
ness, and  he  has  been  here  long  enough,  by  G-o-a-d,"  which 
did  not  correspond  with  his  Excellency's  rot  to  distant  friemls 
"  that  my  conduct  was  exceedingly  bad,"  and  some  of  sucli  dis- 
tant *riends  blamed  and  lectured  and  charged  me  severeJij  unr 
and  over  again  to  "  Ixihave  myself  and  KEEP  QUIET  !  "  "0//.  thnj 
could  not  help  me  unless  I  would  quit  Iwing  so  liad,  and  was  nrij 
quiety  "  Yes  !  '  in  some  way  '  (but  what  way  they  could  not  dis- 
cover, except  that  I  did  not  keep  still  enough.)  I  had  olfcndal 
the  Governor!"  [Horrible,  HOUHIBLE  thought,  to  "offend"  liis 
Excellency  (?)] 

That  siicli  slimy  cattle  as  these  blackleg  governors  could  iu 
any  way  get  my  friends  to  doubt  me,  hioivn  as  I  was  to 
them,  made  my  flesh  creep  and  me  feel  that : 

"With  friends  and  falsehood  I  have  done : 
I've  fifty  had  and  yet  not  one. 
They  are  only  adders  in  the  breast : 
That  nestling  in,  devour  their  nest; 
That  pleasing  dretiTn  forever  o'er 
My  bosom  I  unlock  no  more, 
Yet  though  all  hope  oi  friends  is  fled, 
I'll  place  acquaintance  in  their  stead, 
I  weep  the  sad  exchange  I  own, 
(For  my  poor  heart's  not  callous  grown.") 
But  the  governor  never  dared  to  tell,  outside  of  the  gang, 
wherein  I  "offended"  or  my  "conduct  was  so  exceedingly  bad." 


My  Release. 


373 


Those  who  hearil  the  superiuteudeut  autl  others  talk  about 
it  !it  this  time,  thouf^ht  I  wouUl  be  released  tiure. 

A  member  of  the  Lefjislature  from  my  section  said,  "France 
did  wrong,  b».t  if  lie  had  not  killed  the  man,  lie  would  have  killcil 
Fi'nitce  !  " 

Cnjii).  "Seatco,  Wash.  Tkiuutouy,  October  1-ltli,  1883. 

Hon.  S.  C.  Win(jai{0  : 

Dr.AU  Siu  :  Your  certiticiitt",  etc.,  of  Juuo  Ist,  1883,  was  gratefully 
rtcoivcil  and  Hcut  to  the  (iovernor,  Imt  ban  aflorded  mo  no  relief.  Have 
not  tlie  wislieH  of  those  who  hd  orimiually  coU8i)ired  to  murder,  plunder, 
and  outrage  mo  and  my  family  lieeu  sulDoiently  gratified  aui\  sun uliouad? 
You  must  certainly  know  -if  you  have  taken  any  pains  to  iind  out  the 
truth— that  there  was  not  the  shadow  of  any  true  case  of  crime  against  me. 
15nt  if  you  think  there  was,  then  whi/  don't  yon  name  to  mo  the  point  or 
j)()iiits,  or  idiaso  in  whit-h  you  may  think  me  guilty,  and  give  me  a  respc  t- 
ftil  lu'uring  as  to  tho  same,  inasmuch  as  I  was  not  accorded  this  at  the 
uioro  proper  time  ?  I  was  thus  shanghaied  in  your  court  and  sentenced  to 
this  pri.son  by  yourself  ;  i)ut  ymi  have  certified  to  the  eHect  that  you  did 
uot  ([uite  mean  it  to  be  my  destruction,  and  for  which  I  am  certainly  duly 
firatcful.  But  how  near  it  has  destroyed  me  and  mine  you  must  be  aware; 
ami  lis  the.  Governor  is  <is  In:  is,  will  you  not  therefore  please  concede  to 
"/•'/(;  my  case  yet  more  strongly  and  effectively  after  all  these  years  of 
sutleriug  and  abuse,  and   of  cheating  hopes  V 

Most  respectfully,        Geo.  W.  Fkance." 

The  eftbrts  of  those  who  were  to  get  me  out  having  availed 
iiotliing,  I  made  the  following  appeal  to  the  Legislature  : 

"Seatco  TitisoN,  Wash.  Tekiutory,  November  17th,  1883. 
To  the  President  of  the  council  and  the  Si)eaker  of  the  House — the  honor- 
able Legislature  at  Olympia,  Wash.  Temtory. 

I  h<>rebv  earnestly  recpiest  tluit  your  body  investigate  my  case  ;  there 
uevcr  licmg  any  true  case  of  crime  agaiu.st  me,  as  is  shown  beyond  dispute 
(ir  icl'utiition  to  his  Excellency,  tho 'Governor.  My  case  being  in  truth  — 
as  ciiu  be  .seen — tho  strongest  case  of  self-defense  ever  brought  to  trial  in 
this  Territory  with  an  abundance  of  proof  to  establish  it. 

And  I  have  tho  strongest  i)etitions,  vouchers,  recommendations,  etc., 
ever  tiled  at  Olympia  in  a  similar  ease,  including  a  goodly  portion  of  the 
jury,  the  Judge  and  all  of  my  neighbors  (except  one)  for  my  release.  And 
his  Excellency  promised  to  "let  me  go  on  the  recommendation  or  far' >r- 
ahh  vi'iKtrt  of  tho  Judge."  I'et  I  am  being  thus  held  to  the  destruction  of 
my  liciilth,  and  tho  ravage  of  my  family  and  home  I  carved  in  tho  wilder- 
lu'ss,  and  where  three  of  my  children  were  born.  I  beg  for  an  investiga- 
tion in  which  I  am  accorded  a  respectful  hearing,  which  my  established 
character  should  entitle  me  to  receive  ;  or  that  I  be  allowed  to  make  my 


;fc  1 


m 


m 


I^^B      >U  in 

I;f 

Md 


*  ''I 


■1 


ii. 


874 


EXTUACTS  FROM  DiARY  KePT  IN  P1U8ON. 


case  known  to  tho  Cliristiuu  UHHociatiouH  of  tlio  t-omitrv,  ami  to  attt-nd  to 
my  business.  Geo,  W.  Fuanck." 

"  Walla  Walla,  Wahu.  Tkiuutoky,  June  Ist,  1hh;5. 
His  Excellency  [Bill  Links]  Governor  : 

SlU : — (ittiirt/a  W.  J''rii/ia;  imw  in  the  'JW.  poiileatinrii  nmlir 
si'iili'iiri'/t))'  innrdi'i'  in  the  second  dfi/rci',  has  scrred  iiiijirisonnn-n/  iia  lani/  us 
I  troiild  hiivie  seulenciid  him  to  Knt/i'iyo  /tud  the  Imr  iillniri'd  <i  less  sifu/i-tH<'  Ihnu 
I  imjiosed.  Vei'y  respectfully, 

H.   C.   WlN(»AHl>,  JU(1|L,'('." 

(J.  W.  F.  " 

I'i  the  pulilishecl  report  of  the  legishitive  proeeediu^s  of 
November  27th,  1883,  was  the  foUowiiif^,  and  oil  the  i)ii|)ers 
publishing  the  legislative  proceedings  contained  substantiully 
the  same  paragraph  : 

•'  A  petition  was  read  from  a  prisoner  now  confined  in  tho  peniteutiaiv 
at  Seatco  named  Gtjo.  W.  France,  certified  to  by  Judge  Wingard,  reliitivc 
to  his  confinement,  and  asking  for  an  investigation  of  his  case.  A  cum- 
mittee  was  appointed  to  cxamme  into  the  matter  and  rei)ort." 

"  December  ISfh,  18S3  :  -  Governor  [Links]  and  son  liere; 
the  latter  soiight  an  interview  with  me  and  informed  me  tliut 
he  "  had  promised  my  people  in  the  States  to  do  all  he  could 
with  his  father  for  my  release  but  had  not  as  yet  presented  my 
case  to  him,"  [wliich  made  me  acquainted  with  Mm,,  for  he  h;ul 
arrived  at  Olympia  nearly  a  month  previously,  and  now  he  had 
7io  information  for  me  and  did  not  want  ani/from  me.  The  Gov- 
ernor was  polite  enough,  asked  me  how  long  I  had  served, 
thought  I  looked  better  iu  health,  etc.,  and  inquired  about 
some  of  my  folks  in  the  States,  but  had  never  a  tcord.  to  s.iy 
about  my  "  bad  conduct "  that  he  had  been  and  was  reporting 
to  others.  I  could  not  get  any  information  from  him  as  to  my 
release.  They  returned  to  Olympia  when  Dr.  [LinksJ,  jr.  sent 
the  following  letter  to  the  States  : 

"Teri{ito.<y  of  Washinoton,  ExEcrrivE  Depaktment. 

Olympia,  December  lUtli,  1H83. 


I  went  to  see  your  brother  Geo.  W.  Frauee  to-day.  I  have  not  liiul 
CJX  oijportunity  i)rior  to  this.  Yonr  brother  seemed  to  be  ipiite  du'crtnl. 
My  father  has  not  been  able  to  do  anytlung  for  him  as  yet.  I  do  not  kimw 
exactly  what  course  he  means  to  pursue. 

Youra  very  truly,  [Bill  Links],  jr.' 


My  Eelease. 


375 


[Those  who  wilfully  tolerate  secret  "mysti-rii"  in  office, 
should  be  made  to  suffer  its  practical  workings  direct.  | 

"  Junudry  1th,  1HH4. — Dr.  LinkH,  jr.,  iu  reply  to  a  letter  wrote  :  "I 
luul  II  free  couverHation  with  your  brother  couctiriuuK  his  euHe,  aiul  muler- 
utiiiiil  it  thoroughly.  The  legislature  did  nut  nj>i>oiut  any  eniumittee  to  iu- 
Vfstigate  hia  case.     Jiidgo  Wiugartl  has  not  rccommemled  his  ])ar(h)n 

Yours,  etc.,  [Bill  Links],  jr." 

We  had  no  conversation  about  my  case  AT  ALL.  He  did  not 
want  auy.  As  to  the  other  matters  they  are  on  record,  as  I  have 
sliiiirii.  A  committee  of  three  ivas  appointed  by  the  legislature, 
but  one  of  my  shyster  lawyers  and  one  of  my  jury  (both  masons 
and  wicked  enemies)  managed  to  get  on  to  it  in  the  deadly 
guise  of  friendship,  and  thus  was  the  investigation  and  report 
siiuclched.  I  wrote  several  letters  to  the  committee  but  could 
uever  get  any  reply  or  any  hearing. 

A  member  of  that  legislature  told  me  that  "  Judge  Wingard 
joined  in  urging  him  and  other  members  to  work  for  my  re- 
lease, but  that  'they  had  no  inflnence  ichatevtr  tcith  the  Governor 
ill  III  11  behalf.' "  [He  evidently  owed  first  allegiance  to  his  secret 
sworn  brethren  and  their  government.] 

"  JdiiKiny  Otk,  1S84. — Dr.  Links,  jr.,  came  here  as  prison  physician. 

'\fitiiiitiri/  2-'ird. — Governor  [Links]  here.  I  asked  him  if  he  wonhllet 
me  f,'i)  ?  He  replied  that  he  "  would  see  about  it;"  bo  he  has  quit  "con- 
sidering "  it  and  is  going  to  "  see  about  it."    Sincerity  never  thus  eciuivo- 

cutcs. 

U'ho  is  it  that  is  an  unmitigated  liar  ?  From  Judge  Win- 
gard : 

"  Walla  Walla,  Wash.  TEKKiTony,  January  2{5th,  1884. 


Your  favor  of  the  lO'th  inst.  is  received.  I  sentenced  Mr.  France  to 
tlio  minimum  term  of  ten  years.  If  I  cotild  have  doue  so  I  would  have 
Sfuti'uced  him  to  five  years  imprisonment,  because  in  my  o2)iuion  that 
would  have  been  all  he  deserved.  I  have  written  to  the  Govenior  saying 
tliat  live  yeai"s  imprisonment  would  atone  for  his  crime.  Why  the  Gov- 
ernor does  not  pardon  him  I  do  not  know.  I  have  heard,  but  could  not 
jirove  it,  that  Mr.  France  has  offended  the  CJoveruor  in  some  way.  The 
rt'lations  of  the  Governor  and  myself  in  regard  to  pardoning  have  not  been 
Larniouious.     The  Judge  has  no  i)ower  to  jiardon. 

Respectfully  yours,  etc.,  S.  C.  Winoahd." 

In  what  way  did  I  offend  {^)  his  Excellency  ?     Was  it  be- 


t 


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ii: 

376 


Extracts  from  Diary  Keit  in  Prison. 


r(iu.^('  I  ilid  not  surrender  the  wreck  of  my  home,  or  ivlmt  ?    AVliy 
did  he  uot  dare  to  state  tvherein  I  "  oflViided  "  Lim?  Aud  ugiiiii: 

"^^^AI.I,A  AValla,  Wash.  TKitiuroiiY,  Febniarv  IH,  1884. 


YourH  of  the  5th  iiint.  ('iickming  tla;  letter  of  [Bill  Liiiks],  jr.,  is  ut 
hand.     I  hen'witli  r<-tiun  Hiiid  hdter  nw  yon  lequpst. 

The  letter  which  I  wrote  to  the  (lovernor — the  Huhstanee  of  ■  lii(  h  I 
stated  in  my  liust  letter  to  yon — I  sent  to  Geo.  W.  Trauee,  aud  I  know  lu> 
received  it.  What  he  did  with  it  I  do  7i<>t  know.  It  is  to  be  Hniiposcd  Ik; 
sent  it  to  the  Governor  [of  courHC,  I  did).  I  know  nothing  of  Mr.  Fniuii'o 
family  hiuce  I  reinsed  to  entertain  her  (MrH.  F)  tti)i»lication  for  a  divorce. 

Hesjjectfnlly  yonrs,  S.  C.  Winoaio)." 

Tlie  Governor  aud  Co.  seemed  to  think  that  their  elF(irts  to 
make  this  a  secret  prison  were  entirely  successful,  so  tliiit 
people  must  takr  thdr  words  for  the  truth,  while  the  facts  would 
1)6  squelched  when  the  victims  were  made  to  "  hep  fitlll."  And 
according  to  the  following  from  the  son  and  "  executive  clerk  " 
I  was  getting  along  sfihudidly,  so  why  was  the  rush  aud  clamor 
about  me  getting  out  into  the  cold,  cruel  world  !  Nor  does  it 
appear  that  I  was  "  ofi'ensive  "  to  anybody'  here  or  to  the  gov- 
ernor. It  is  the  cruel,  unjust  "  people  "  again  who  are  so  hos- 
tile," and  would  "  clamor  "  against  my  liberty.  But  why  did 
they  not  tetl  this  to  the  imrple,  or  thvir  true  representidlves?  To 
them  the  pretext  was,  that  "  my  conduct  tnts  b((d,"  or  I  had  iu 
some  mysterio^is  vfny  "  oflfended  the  Governor,"  and  why  did  he 
hold  me  through  all  those  previous  years  of  unjust  sutieriug 
and  destruction,  d.uriiuj  ivhich  time  it  was  conceded  that  my  con- 
duct was  good  ? 

But  what  need  he  care  about  my  "  offensive  "  conduct  as 
an  unwilling  victim  to  depravity,  when  the  2^eople  with  whom  I 
had  and  was  to  live  were  so  well  satisfied  with  my  conduct  oh  a 
citizen  among  them  that  they  clamored/or  my  restoration  ? 

"  Terbitoky  of  Washington,  Executi'S'e  DErAiiTsiENT, 

Olympia,  January  24th,  18iS4. 


Your  letter  received.  In  regard  to  your  brother's  pardon  I  will  say 
that  no  committee  was  appointed  by  the  Legislature  to  investigate  his  case, 

I  saw  Mr.  France  yesterday  ;  he  is  in  good  health  and  spirits.  It  is 
impossible  for  you,  without  i)ractical  knowledge  of  frontier  hfe,  to  umler- 
stand  how  hostile  the  people  are  to  i)ardou  persona  who  have  committeil 


My  Release. 


377 


fiiiiitiil  ortVnsi'H,  and  how  (liflieult  it  iH  for  t\w  Exccutivo  to  curry  out  his 
jK  isoiml  iiu'liuutious,  OHpeoiully  in  nisi's  avIhtc  prisorn'ra  are  moU  con- 
iit'itcd,  and  int«'rt>st  niunifcstt'd  in  tlit-ir  nUusc.  Tlio  Governor  wonUl 
gliully  acci'do  to  jour  rcqui'st,  but  Ihoro  in  at  tliis  tinu'  ho  niui'h  of  violent 
crinicH  coniniittcd  that  tho  pultlif  vimt  their  extrenu'st  indignation  at  any 
lilierality  exercis»'d  in  this  direction. 

Just  8o  Hoon  as  lio  tan  ooUKistently  do  ho,  ho  will  give  favoral)le  eou- 
sidoratiou  to  your  apijlieation  in  behalf  of  your  brotlier. 

Yours  reHpec'tfuUy, 

[Biiiii  LiNKs|  jr.,  Executive  Clerk." 

At  the  very  time  the  doctor  uucl  executive  clerk  says  I  was 
"iu  good  health  and  spirits,"  he  was  dosing  me  with  digitalis, 
opium,  bromide  aud  irou — stamlard  medicine  for  heart  disease, 
with  which  they  had  afflicted  me.  Aud  he  repeatedly  stated 
that  he  was  "giviug  me  stronger  medicine,  and  more  of  it,  than 
he  gave  out  to  any  other  patient  that  he  had,  as  my  condition 
required  it." 

And  the  governor,  who,  when  bounced  as  Governor,  suc- 
ceeded his  son  as  prison  doctor,  frequently  censured  and  fcnbid 
me  giving  any  of  my  medicine  to  others  similarly  afflicted,  as  "  it 
was  too  strong  for  their  condition."  Sometimes  it  seemed  that 
they  were  determined  that  I  should  die  here,  and  were  I  not 
endowed  with  exceedingly  strong  vitality  they  would  have  suc- 
ceeded, so  that  I  would  never  have  a  hearing !  And  how 
"good  [?|  mj'  spirits"  were  in  such  a  dying  condition,  can 
never  be  told. 

Not  satisfied  to  defame  me  as  to  my  case,  my  family,  my 
conduct  and  my  standing  with  the  people !  they  must  lie  about 
my  condition,  when  vainly  struggling  for  even  a  hearing  in  my 
own  behalf,  and  suffering  in  their  hell  of  a  living  and  dying 
tomb  all  the  tortures  that  devils  could  inflict  and  their  victims 
endure  I 

But  I  always  hoped  and  prayed  for  something  of  a  here- 
after, wherein  I  would  be  accorded  as  much  as  a  respectful  aud 
Louest  hearing  that  would  be  beneficial  to  others  if  not  to  my- 
self ;  and  I  managed  to  get  the  following  certificate  from  the 
ex-Governor : 

'•Seatco,  W.  T.,  August  30th,  1886. 
George  W.  France  has  been  coniiued  for  many  years,  his  heart  action 


m  ■  H 

tits   '    jBg 

rS  '   B 
III 

I  1  '   I 

;■  'I  If 

1,1 


1 

i; 
i' 


878 


Extracts  fiiom  Diahy  Keit  in  Prison. 


U    ¥ 


lb   f 


is  very  weak  ami  impairoH  IiIh  huultli  guutirally.    Ho  Iuih  b<>en  under  luiili- 
cttl  treatiiieut  for  four  vinirH.  [llUiL  Links]  ^SI. ]*. 

I'liyHiciau  to  tho  Territoriiil  I'euiteutiu.' 

As  to  tho  "people  [?]  of  the  frontier,"  oven  tho  tend tr- 
feot  of  Boston  and  New  York  knew  nnil  have  always  known  thut 
tho  ** iteoph:  oi  the  frontier"  are  never  "hostile"  to  a  hoiuc- 
buililer  for  killinjj;  a  robber  ami  assassin  in  tho  act,  even  if  he 
did  belong  to  tho  same  secret  sworn  brotherhood  as  the  gov- 
ernor, who  is  his  accessory  1  "  The  inople  of  tho  frontier  "  are 
never  h(»stile  to  a  man  for  killing  even  a  mere  burglar,  or  iut'en- 
diary,  or  horse  tiuef,  or  "  member  of  the  bar,"  or  any  otlier 
blackleg  thief,  no  matter  what  his  title  may  be,  or  whether  he 
parades  tho  liible  through  the  streets  and  wears  for  a  bUud 
emblems  of  honest  toil. 

And  the  more  such  "  violent  crimes  "  aro  meted  out  to 
such  vampires,  the  better  do  tlio  innitle  like  it;  because  the 
courts  being  so  prostituted,  this  is  often  tlioir  only  recourse  to 
hold  what  they  have  honestly  earned,  and  they  would  ratlur 
kill  vampires  than  for  them  to  picnic  in  their  ruins.  It  is  only 
members  of  the  gang  that  are  hostile  to  their  eufire  extinction. 

And  by  the  laws  of  Moses,  a  man  is  justified  in  killing  them 
even  when  they  are  only  "  breaking  in  at  the  gate"  unarmed,  aud 
only  to  steal ! 

By  considering  the  courts  as  gateways  to  the  homes  iuul 
property,  and  even  the  liberty  and  justice  of  tho  people  :  how 
many  midnight  blacklegs  are  there  on  the  frontiers,  who  "are 
breaking  in  through  these  gates"  (whoso  guards  are  prostituted 
aud  drunk  with  plunder)  to  rob  and  pillage,  to  ravage,  mur- 
der, torture,  deceive  and  d-^  amo !  that  they  may  picnic  in  the 
ruins  and  gloat  over  the  misery  t)f  their  victims  ? 

Not  by  tlie  laws  of  Moses  only,  but  by  the  spirit  of  ull 
criminal  laws  from  Mount  Sinai  to  the  Seatcb  hell,  honestly 
meted  out,  and  by  the  rights  of  man  to  hold  and  enjoy  his  own, 
such  vampires  should  die. 

By  the  Egyptian  law  :  "  To  see  a  man  struggling  for  his 
life  with  an  assassin  and  to  fail  to  assist  him,  was  a  capital  crime." 

There  are  thousands  of  men  in  secret  prisons  strugglinij 
loith  assassins  and  their  aav-ssories  as  you  are  reading  this ;  and 
tvill  you,  my  felloio-man,  do  nothing  to  assist  them  ? 


4--  f  ttr— 


My  Re(jcahe. 


379 


It  is  wluui  tht'Hi)  vami)irt'rt  iiiul  gallinippers— reekiii",'  with 
criino  and  ileHolatiou — are  set  free,  protected,  or  sauctioued  by 
tlirir  secret  brethren,  in  office  and  out,  that  the  juajih-  do  and 
nht'iild  "  visit  their  extremest  indij^uation." 

For  exani))le  :— Whou  the  ex-Croveruor  applied  for  office  by 
the  votes  of  the  peopU»,  he  f^ot  only  (»u-  vote  in  the  four  coun- 
ties wherein  my  case  was  best  known.  And  hiter,  when  he 
was  nominated  by  another  rii)<^  ^'overnoras  one  of  the  trustees 
of  the  insane  asyhim,  he  was  rejected  hy  (dl  (ml  tint  votes,  while 
the  i>ther  nominees  were  confirmed  by  the  Lej^islature. 

'\fiiiii(iiiy  'Jilt/,  ISS/. — J.  H..  inu'doutul ;  liinl  sorvcil  twt'utv  inouths 
oil  liiiir  Yt'iirs  fur  griiiul  liiiveuy  iiiul  forgoiv,  liml  i  >  i  ftitiim  Avhuti'vt  r,  iis 
fur  us  111! y  of  UH  rim loaru — secret  ii^fiueuce.  V.  H. — He  steals  $20  from  a 
trunk,  tiuil  is  uext  beard  of  iu  a  ho8i)ital  at  Portland,  d owu  with  Huakfs  iu 
his  liootH. 

"February  13th. — Ooveruor  [Links]  here  ;  r.omplaiued  ^o  iiim  of  the 
refuHiil  of  the  warden  to  mail  my  epitome  to  bo  i)ul)lish  'd,  as  I  had  eom- 
|)1  '  liet'ore,  "and  that  I  was  prevented  from  vtti  i.Uag  to  my  most 
vital  business;"  h.>  rejjhed,  that  "he  (hiniseh'l  l':ul  ii"'  killed  a  man,"  and 
that  "I  did  not  manifest  any  sympathy  for  the  iiiau  1  killed."  I  rejilied, 
that  "  were  I  killed  in  the  act  of  murderimj  <t  mun  to  rdt  him,  I  would  not 
bo  entitled  to  any  sympathy  and  would  not  get  any."  But  ho  mauifestU 
holds,  that  it  is  no  crime  for  one  of  his  gang  to  murder,  rob  and  ravish, 
for  he  has  never  had  a  word  to  say  against  his  conduct,  not  a  word.  Nor 
litis  the  wai'vlon  (another  secret  brother)  who  has  likewise  insinuated  that  I 
i-luiuld  join  in  hiding  the  crime,  and  revere  the  uamo  of  his  brother 
villiiiu.  No  wonder  that  the  worst  characters  that  come  hei-e  meau  to  join 
the  gang  on  their  release. " 

'•  Fehrmtn)  11th.— Yl . .  gets  a  windfall  of  820.()O().  There  was  no  fool- 
i.  .'OSS  about  his  getting ///,s  short  time,  which  was  almo.st  due.  He  had 
killed  a  man  in  a  saloou  and  got  one  year." 

I  thought  I  would  discover  whether  the  Government  at 
Washington,  which  the  people  so  blindly  elect,  cared  as  much 
for  a  distressed  and  ravaged  home-builder  in  his  own  country,  as  it 
does  for  some  blackleg  free-mason  or  odd-fellow  iu  trouble  iu 
a  foreign  land. 

"Seatco  Puison,  Wash.  Territoky,  February  25th,  ISS-t. 
His  Excellency,  President  Arthur,  and  the  Congress  of  the  United  States: — 
Is  there  any  recourse  for  a  victim  falsely  and  cruelly  imprisoned  here, 
and  when  it  has  and  can  bo  shown  beyi.ad  dispute  or  refutation  that  there 
never  was  the  shadow  of  any  true  case  of  crime  against  me  ?  It  being  in 
truth  as  strong  a  case  of  self-defense  as  ever  went  to  trial — that  of  defeud- 


Jn 
I 

a    ■ 

I    > 
■ 
I    I 

V 

1' 


;   ^l'  \\  I' 


iiiii  ■ 

1  i  ; 


i.  I  i .  il  5'^. 


a     i~ 


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f    .5; 


i 


h^'^M 


380 


Extracts  from  Diary  Kept  in  Prison. 


ing  my  life  ou  my  own  liard-earneil  home  against  a  most  damnable  and 
furious  assault  to  ..'.urder  for  plunder  and  ravage  ;  hunting  me  while 
lieacefully  at  work,  with  a  cocked  carbine  in  both  hands,  and  firing  the 
first  shot,  with  an  abundance  of  indisputable  prnnf — both  personal  aud  cir- 
cumstantial to  verify  the  same,  with  verified  statements,  i)etitions,  vouch- 
ers, etc.,  etc.,  constituting  the  strongest  claim  for  justice  and  clemency 
ever  filed  in  the  Territory — including  that  of  my  neighbors  almost  unani- 
mously, four  judges  on  the  bench,  and  a  goodly  portion  of  the  jury  that 
aided  in  shanghaiing  me,  and  all  in  vain. 

That  to  despoil  me  of  my  fortune  and  work  my  destruction,  I  have 
b€>en  thus  imprisoned  five  and  a  half  years,  wrecking  my  health,  ravaging 
my  home,  sucking  my  heart's  blood. 

That  by  honorable  toil  and  conduct  I  helped  to  build  this  country, 
and  therefore  have  a  right  to  protection  against  the  sharks  and  cut- throats 
— who  are  so  powerful  here — and  my  cliildren  to  their  rightful  heritage  ou 
which  they  were  born. 

That  the  Legislature  here  appointed  a  committee  to  investigate  my 
case,  but  it  failed  to  rejiort  the  crime  done  against  me,  or  to  accord  nie  a 
hearing.  Therefore,  I  hereby  api)eal  to  your  Excellency  and  to  Congress 
for  such  relief  as  is  found  to  be  just. 

I  can  be  found  as  an  old  settler  on  the  records  of  the  land  department 
for  the  Walla  Walla  district ;  and  our  delegate  knows  enough  of  my  case 
to  vouch  for  mo  if  he  is  so  minded,  as  Avell  as  others  there." 

[I  concluded  with  Judge  Wingard's  recommendation.  ] 

I  had  to  send  this  out  "  underground,"  and  I  never  learned 
whether  it  was  lost  before  it  was  mailed,  or  was  squelched  at 
Washington.  However,  little  or  nothing  was  to  be  expected  to 
be  done  against  the  gang  by  an  administration  that  appoints 
only  members  of  the  same  to  oflSce,  as  will,  further  on,  more 
plainly  appear.  A  foreign  subject  in  distress  might  get  some 
attention ;  but  a  full-fledged,  native-born,  homebuilding  citizen 
is — like  the  Savior— without  friends  or  protection  in  his  own 
country. 

Know  ye,  therefore,  that  if  ever  you  have  occasion  to 
become  acquainted  with  our  Government,  you  will  find  to  your 
sorrow  and  dismay,  that  it  is  rotten  with  practical  masonry, 
reeking  with  corruption,  and  is  against  the  people,  and  will  '.-on- 
clude,  that  unless  members  of  secret-sworn  brotherhoods  are 
excluded  from  office,  this  boasted  government  "of  the  people" 
will  sink  in  its  own  iniquity  aud  perish  from  the  earth. 

"Mtirch  12th,1884. — Governor  [Links]  here;  I  pressed  him  for  a  reason 
for  holding  me  in  spite  of  the  Judge's  recommendation,  etc. ;  he  rei>lied, 


My  Eelease. 


881 


tlirtt  that  document  "amounted  to  nothing  mth  him,  but  that  five  woi-ds 
1 1'(  nil  the  Judge — that  he  had  omitted — would  have  released  me  long  ago, 
tiiiil  would  now."  I  asked  him  "to  name  the  necessary  five  words, "  and 
ho  replied,  the  form  should  be,  "  I  hereby  recommend  France's  pardon." 

I  thought  it  very  singular  that  the  Judge  had  not  sense 
enough  to  properly  commend  one  man  to  another's  favor,  and 
when  so  many  experienced  and  competent  men  had  declared  it 
to  be  a  "very  strong  recommendation,"  and  that  it  should  take 
the  governor  only  nine  (9)  months  to  hatch  out  the  only 
"proper"  form  for  a  Judge  to  express  his  opinion,  and  discover 
another  false  pretext  for  his  own  conduct. 

Nevertheless  I  sent  the  following  telegram  to  the  Judge : 

"Seatco,  Thuhston  Co.,  Wash.  Tebkitoby,  March  13th,  1884. 
Hon.  S.  C.  Winoard,  Walla  Walla,  W.  T. : 

The  Governor  takes  exception  to  the  form  of  your  recommendation, 
nud  says  the  following  live  words  would  be  effective  :  "I  hereby  recom- 
mend France's  pardon."    Will  your  Honor  kindly  comply  ? 

Geo!  W.  France." 

"  M(trch  20th. — Doctor  here  ;  says  "  the  Governor  had  received  a  letter 
from  the  Judge  in  my  behalf,  but  knew  nothing  more  as  to  the  matter." 

' '  April  '"jtli,  1884.  — The  Governor  with  the  other  i)i'ison  commiHsiouers 
here  ;  the  Governor  said  he  "  had  received  a  letter  from  Judge  Wmgard 
in  my  behalf,  about  the  same  as  the  other,"  and  that  he  "  would  see  me 
lirinitffli/.'  before  he  left."     But  he  did  not  do  so  (it  (ill. 

I  waited  nearly  two  months,  and  not  getting  even  a  pretext, 

I  sent  the   following  note  by  the  Doctor  to  his  father — the 

Governor. 

"Seatco,  May  9th,  1884. 
His  Excellency,  Wm.  A.  [Links]  : 

Dear  Sir  : — My  most  ^ital  affairs  are  in  a  very  sad  and  critical  con- 
ilitiou,  and  if  you  hold  me  longer  in  prison,  ruin  and  destruction  will  be, 
lis  it  has  been,  the  result,  and  which  will  be  on  your  head  ;  as  you  well 
know  this  to  be  aU  unjust,  cruel  and  \vicked  against  me.  I  would  never  be 
us  ciuel  and  iuhumau  to  even  a  brute.  You  should  also  consider  that  had 
von  made  known  to  me  at  the  outset  your  determination  to  hold  me,  right 
or  wrong,  and  wjainst  all  the  itidisputdhle  truth  that  has  been  shown  and  dona 
ill  in;/  behalf,  that  I  could  and  would  have  been  free  to  do  right,  and  hap^iy 
with  my  family  at  home,  years  (kjo,  by  other  courts.  But  you  promised 
otherwise,  and  I  trusted  to  your  honor. 

As  I  have  never  lied  to  you  or  any  one  else  concerning  my  case,  which 
ilnriug  all  these  years  of  trial  and  torture  you  must  know  to  be  the  truth, 
tlierefore,  will  you  please  concede  to  believe  me  now  and  act,  when  I 
lironiise  and  swear  it  to  be  better  to  iiermit  me  to  save  and  care  for  the  re- 


i 


Mi 


i 


I' 


'  I ' 


H' 


\lit 


I^^U 


^1:1: 


i-  >   I 


ft  • 


^1 


-:\    i 


\i\ 


m 


382 


Extracts  fuom  Diahy  Kept  in  Prison. 


mainiug  ■\\Teck  of  my  home  ami  family,  which  dcmancls  my  immotliate 
presence,  than  to  cause  such  miu  and  destruction  as  your  Excellency  even 
would  regi-et  and  recall.     I  earnestly  request  an  early  and  definite  r(>])ly. 

Very  respectfully,  Geo.  W.  Franck." 

"  Mdi/  zOth. — Governor  Links  here,  biit  he  avoided  seeing  me."  " 

"JuiieOtli,  ISSt. — K..  pardoned;  ser\'cd  one  year  on  his  two  year's 

sentence,  and  .jy  his  word  was  an  old  and  most  constant  ciimiual  ami 

would  be  again,  h;ul  been  arrested  many  times,   and  the  people  were 

"  clamorous  "  against  him — more  masonry." 

June  12f/i. — Doctor  and  Governor  Links  here — and  I  inter- 
viewed the  gentleman.  I  asked  him  if  he  had  heard  from  the 
Judge  in  reply  to  my  telegram,  and  he  said  he  had ;  but  that 
he  had  written  to  him  "hlunf,  crahhkl  and  insulting!"— so  he 
did!  "Had  not  recommended  me,"  and  that  he  [the  Judge]  "did 
not  loant  to  he  bothered  anymore  about  it." 

The  Governor  did  not  question  the  truth  of  my  telegram  at 
all ;  but  asked  if  I  "  would  do  the  same  deed  again  ?  "  I  replied 
that  "I  did  not  see  how  I  could  avoid  it  under  the  same 
circumstances,  and  save  my  own  life,  as  my  pistol  did  this  .sure- 
ly "    Yet,  he  said  that  I  "  did  wrong  to  ever  carry  arms  at  all." 

[3Ia)'k,  that  he  had  never  a  word,  and  7iever  had,  afjjainst 
Jumper's  hunting  to  kill  me  with  a  carbine,  which  he  held  was 

WRONG  TO  RETEL 1 

How  is  that  for  equal  rights  and  even  the  right  to  live,  when 
in  the  way  of  the  gang! 

They  want  to  drive  the  people  into  as  defenceless  a  con- 
dition as  the  following  victim ;  so  they  can  pluck  and  murder 
them  ivifhout  any  danger  to  themselves. 

"  Dr.  Bones,  of  Missoula,  was  decoyed  by  a  fellow  into  the  confession 
that  ho  didn't  carry  a  shooting  iron,  and  then  the  [odd]  fellow  poked  a 
revolver  \inder  his  nose  and  made  him  hold  up  his  hands  while  ho  wcut 
through  him  to  the  tune  of  360.] 

Then  I  asked  his  Excellency,  "what  more  he  now 
required?"  When  he  (passed  the  Judge,  so  I  would  not 
"bother"  him  anymore,  and  thus  get  his  Excellency  "insulted" 
again,  as  the  Judge  was  getting  more  "offensive"  to  him  than  I 
was!)  and  said,  that  I  "  should  have  some  of  the  Jury."  Why! 
I  said:  "you  have  already  got  that."  And  as  he  could  not 
think  of  any  other  excuse,  he  ended  the  interview.  Then  the 
Doctor  came  to  me  and  declared  that  '•  he  was  doing  all  he  could 


m-: 


My  Release. 


383 


former     "JViUhe  let  me  go?"     I  asked:    "Yes!"  he  said, 
auci  theu  ho  "didn't  know." 

On  the  same  day  R.  .  was  pardoned ;  had  served  eighteen 
months  and  ten  days  on  a  sentence  of  two  and  a  half  years  jor 
robbery.  He  had  been  on  bread  and  water  several  times  for 
bad  conduct,  had  several  fights  and  was  shot  and  wounded  in 
an  attempt  to  run  away  ;  whereupon  a  prisoner  who  could  not 
get  even  his  short  time  due  him  hi/  Icao,  became  "hostile" 
indeed,  and  threatened,  «v7/t  qidverimj  lips,  to  vivisect  his  Excel- 
Jenci/.  Another  who  had  been  led  to  expect  a  pardon,  was 
given  a  siege  of  bread  and  water  for  telling  him  he  was  a 
"damned  liar,"  [and  so  he  was]. 

It  is  reported  that  governor  Links  is  to  be  removed  soon, 
and  the  prisoners  are  earnestly  praying  that  the  report  is  true; 
it  is  conceded,  that  he  is  even  worse  than  the  other,  and  that  a 
change  must  he  for  the  better." 

While  the  governor  did  not  want  me  to  bother  the  Judge 
anymore  about  such  a  trifling  matter  to  him  as  my  liberty  and 
life,  and  desired  me  to  "keep  very  still  and  serene"  while  he 
tormented  and  prodded  me  to  death,  /  was  inclined  to  bother 
i\\Qi\ii\i^ejust  aslong  as  I  could  get  him  to  hother  the  Governor, 
or  his  successor,  if  he  did  "  offend  and  insult  them." 

Begging  and  praying  to  God  and  man  (or  devil)  as  ardently 
as  a  just  cause  could  inspire,  had  been  a  sorry,  agonizing 
failure,  so  I  was  not  serene,  and  as  I  was  to  suffer  on,  I  would 
also  struggle  on,  with  at  least  protests  on  my  lips  and  curses  in 
my  heart. 

"  Seatco,  Jnue  2t)th,  1H84. 
Hon  S.  C.  Winoard  : 

Dkar  Sir  :— The  Governor  asserts  tliat  you  have  not  and  will  not 
ivcomuiemt  luy  pardon,  and  tluit  "jou  do  not  want  to  be  buthered  about 
it." 

But  this  is  a  serious  and  ^ntal  matter  and  not  a  mere  question  of 
"hotht'r"  or  of  etiijuette,  but  of  riijlil  <iii<l  Jnsticv.  And  I  am  still  so 
cnu'ily  and  fraudulently  held,  and  even  the  "Jiri^  i/eurs''  (issurancH  vio- 
late,!. 

I  was  hunted  and  found,  when  attacked,  possessed  of  a  S25,(K)()  plant 
and  fortune  honestly  earned,  with  my  family  I  idolized,  and  a  character 
imhlomished  ;  mus  peacefully  at  work  on  my  own  hard-earned  home,  and 
so  cautious  of  doing  wrong  that  I  was  acting  under  the  iufitnictions  of  a 
l>oace  olHcer. 


Ill 


fm 


Hi 


■  fe 


'•t    Ss' 


n-^,y.  -1 


384 


Extracts  from  Diary  Kept  in  Prison. 


No  one  has  ever  iiretencled  in  my  hearing,  that  I  was  hunted  and  at- 
tacked for  any  other  jjurijose  than  to  murder  me  for  the  fruits  of  my  toil. 
Nor  can  any  one  truthfully  deny  that  I  was  prosecuted,  sold,  shanghaied, 
and  am  yet  held  for  this  same  criminal  purpose,  and  to  sanction  the 
crimes  done  against  luo.  For  this  is  a  fact  well  nigh  accomplished,  ami 
declaring  itself.  With  my  course  of  life  and  associations,  how  could  I 
know  the  character  and  jjurpose  of  the  hlnckU'tj  mojtulers  whom  ynu  hml 
licensc.il  to  prddive  in.  I/our  oirti,  voiai,  and  in  whom  you  require  tJieir  vie- 
tints  to  trust  for  justice  without  any  recourse.  And  with  your  knowledge 
and  experience,  how  could  you  fail  to  see  that  my  case  was  not  presftiti'd, 
jilc'id  or  (irf/twd,  nor  half  of  my  proof  used  ;  but  managed  away  or  against 
me,  or  squelched  ?  Yet  I  was  entitled  to  both  a  speedy  and  a  fair  trial, 
even  if  it  would  be  some  "bother,"  better  that,  than  murder  and  ravage. 

I  did  nothing  but  defend  my  life  and  home,  and  with  big  odds  against 
me,  as  you  must  know  ;  and  unless  it  can  be  shown  that  I  deserved  to  die 
there,  it  cannot  be  justly  held  that  I  should  die  a  more  horrible  death  here. 
And  I  respectfully  submit  whether  it  would  not  be  in  a  right  seuso  of 
justice  and  humanitif  for  you  to  *'  bother"  yours*  If  enough  to  staj'  this  foul 
and  murderous  oi)pression  ?  and  more  certainly  so  as  it  is  done  in  yanr 
name ;  and  I  will  ever  be  grateful,  and  also  to  hear  from  you  direct.  Is 
there  any  way  for  mo  to  have  a  trial  or  a  respectful  hearing,  or  anything 
but  hell  ?  Why  am  I  discriminated  against  ?  Was  the  life  and  motive  of 
the  assassin  w  ith  his  carbine  so  much  better  than  mine  ?  Did  you  receive 
a  telegiam  from  me  ?  Very  respectfully,  Geo.  W.  France." 

A  few  days   after  this  W.    C.    [Mason]    was    appoiuted 
Governor. 

From  the  Press  .• 

"W.  C.   [Mason]  succeeds  the  GAiiUNipPER. " 

' '  The  wires  bring  us  the  welcome  intelligence  that  the  President  has 
at  last  ajjpointed  a  successor  to  the  man  from  New  Jersey,  who  has  dis- 
graced the  executive  chair  of  Washington  Territory 

We  freely  and  thankfully  bid  adieu  to  the  New  Jersey  Gallinipper.  Bill, 
Ta-ta." 

"General  T. . .  returned  home  on  Friday  from  a  visit  to  the  East 

He  did  not  come  back  with  a  commission  in  his  pocket,  but  we  would  iu- 
tinitely  prefer  seeing  him  appointed  to  a  good  office,  than  some  of  the 
scalawags  who  have  lately  and  in  the  past  been  foisted  upon  our  unfortun- 
ate Territory,  for  no  other  purpose  than  to  get  rid  of  them  at  home." 

"Governor  (Links],  the  carpet-bag  executive  that  pi'esides  over  the 
destinies  of  Washington  Tenitory,  is  the  most  unpopular  officer  that  lias 
ever  been  appcfinted  to  govern  that  most  afflicted  part  of  the  North-west. 
Every  useless  and  designing  politician,  vho  can  no  longer  benefit  his  i)art.v 
in  Ids  own  State,  is  exiled  by  the  administration  to  poor,  oppressed 
Washington. 

Of  all  the  irresponsibles  [Links]  is  the  weakest  and  worst 


I 


nintecl  and  at- 
lits  of  my  toil. 
(1,  shangbait'il, 
)  sanction  the 
)mplislie(l,  aud 
1,  liow  could  I 

whom  yoH  hml 
JUIBE  their  rk- 
oiir  knowledge 
1  not  presi'i(l>'il, 
iway  or  against 
id  a  fair  trial, 
r  and  ravage. 
)ig  odds  against 

deserved  to  <lie 
ible  deatli  here. 
i  right  sense  of 
o  stay  this  foul 
,s  done  in  .(/'""' 

yon  direct.  Is 
ag,  or  anything 
te  and  motive  of 
Did  you  receive 
IW.  France." 

IS    appoiuted 


R." 

;  President  has 
'y,  who  has  dis- 


inipper. 


My  Kelease. 


385 


Wliere  he  is  best  known  [Links]  is  regarded  as  a  fraud,  and  is  charged 
with  iuourring  debts  which  he  cannot  liquidate.  From  u  gentleman  at 
Tacoma  he  borrowed  $'A)0,  but  failed  to  settle  at  the  api)ointed  time  and 
for  a  long  time  thereafter,  and  it  was  only  by  a  threat  of  arrest  that  the 
delitor  compromised  by  a  jiayment  of  $300.  The  peojile  of  Washington 
do  not  want  [Links]  for  any  position,  and  tlie  sooner  lie  is  removed  and 
Lis  successor  appointed  the  greater  will  be  their  rejoicement." 

"Ah  (lUeijed  forgei-y. — A  bill  of  eqxiity  lias  been  filed  in  the  clerk's 
ofKte  of  the  Second  Judicial  District  at  Olym^jia  by  the  prosecuting  at- 
torney, against  the  territorial  auditor  and  treasurer.  The  bill  sets  forth 
that  the  last  Legislature  passed  an  act,  aiiprojiriating  $30,000  a  year,  for 
two  years,  to  defray  expenses  of  the  Territorial  Insane  Asylum,  and  that 
the  said  act  was  in  some  measure  and  by  some  jjci'son  unltnown  altered 
and  forged,  before  reaching  the  Governor,  so  as  to  apjiropriate  the  sum  of 

$3:5,500, and  that  the  Governor  signed  the  forged  bill,  being 

wholly  unaware  of  the  change  and  increase  of  the  amount, approjiriated. . 

Of  course,  our  dear,  innocent,  old  Governor  would  not  be 

gnilty  of  forgery — any  quicker  than  he  would  drink  a  glass  of  whiskey, 
Avhile  jn-eaching  on  temperance." 

"For  twenty-five  years  the  parties  have  made  political 
hospitals  of  the  territories  for  broken  down  hacks,  schemers 
and  bummers.  It  is  doubtful  which  have  given  us  more  trouble 
—these  or  hostile  Indians.  We  desire  that  further  marauding 
of  our  interests  should  cease." 

"Walla  Walla,  W.  T.,  July  7th,  1884. 
Mr.  Geo.  W.  France. 

Sir: — I  have  just  received  your  letter  of  the  29th  of  Jime,  postmarked 
July  4lh.  [It  is  a  wonder  they  sent  it  at  all,  in  spite  of  its  being  stamped 
aud  marked  to  register.]  I  did  get  your  disiiatch  and  enclosed  it  to  the 
Governor  with  a  letter.  He  rephed,  in  substance,  that  you  do  not  state 
the  whole  truth — that  '  he  has  had  more  trouble  with  you,  than  all  the 
men  iu  the  penitentiary, '  and  much  more,  which  I  shall  not  write. 

I  shall  ijrobably  see  the  new  Governor  next  week,  and,  if  I  do,  I  shall 
represei"',  voui  case  to  him,  as  I  nave  already  done  to  Governor  [Links]. 

1\\  .  ,  like  \o\\  to  understand,  that  Ihtve  done  more  for  you,  than  I 
lutre  ever  done,  or  am  likely  to  do  again  for  any  one  in  i)rison. 

Yet,  you  are  continually  complaining,  as  if  /  had  caused  your  mis- 
fortune, or  had  been  your  attorney,  or  the  Grand  and  Petit  Juries  that 
indicted  and  convicted  you. 

Because  of  the  facts  in  your  case  I  think  five  years  imprisonment 
mSivient  and  have  r('j)e<itedly  said  so.  But  I  can't  pardon  you,  and  you 
know  it,  and  it  is  not  my  business  to  soUcit  pardons. 

!Respectfully  yours,  etc.,  S.  C.  Winoard." 

86 


'  i 


!     ^-i  >  ■■>• 


'il. 


m 


311 


■•^  W- 


m 


386 


Extracts  from  Diary  Kept  in  Prison. 


[I  answered  this  luider  date  of  Nov  ember  23rd,  1<SSI.] 

Any.  llth,  1884. — "Governor  [Mason]  arrived  in  Olympia." 

The  inmates  of  the  insane  asylum  and  of  tliis  prison  were 
vitally  interested  as  to  the  kind  of  a  man  the  new  Governor 
would  be,  as  the  management  and  control  of  both  prisons 
neetied  to  be  exposed  to  the  light  of  day  and  of  heaven,  by  a 
rigid  and  public  investigation,  and  justice  meted  out  to  the 
midnight  gentlemen  in  control. 

In  discussing  the  new  Governor's  character,  some  held 
that  as  he  had  an  ample  fortune  (which  he  had  never  earned) 
he  would  be  reaJJij  the  Governor,  above  bribery  and  just  to  all. 
And  that  as  he  had  lived  in  the  country  a  few  months— off  ami 
on — and  owned  some  land,  he  might  have  some  little  practical 
knowledge  of  common  affairs  and  some  sense  and  feeling  of 
justice  as  to  the  common  people ;  and  delared  that  "  anyway  we 
had  all  to  gain  and  nothing  desirable  to  lose  by  the  change." 

While  others  maintained  that  he  was  a  Free-Mason  -  and  a 
haughty  one — and  cared  nothing  for  outsiders,  or  the  common 
people,  except  as  beasts  of  burden  to  ride  on  and  give  him 
power  and  glory,  and  that  he  would  be  as  much  in  the  gang 
and  a  tool  of  it,  as  though  he  was  as  poor  as  his  predecessor. 

The  brethren  of  the  masonic  press  got  right  down  aud 
worshipped  him  as  a  true  and  living  God;  as  they  had  generally 
done  to  his  pi  edecessor  while  he  was  the  rising  sun  of  the  mid- 
night riugs. 

'^  August  24fh,  1884.— 1  vfTote  to  Governor  [Mason]  giviug 
him  a  synopsis  of  the  papers  he  should  find  on  file  in  my  be- 
half, and  requested  that  he  would  carefully  examine  them,  and 
if  anything  was  lacking  to  justify  my  release,  to  inform  me 
accordingly. 

"  S('pleml>cr  28th.  —  Received    the    following    letter    from 

Judge  Wingard : 

"Olympia,  W.  T.,  September  26th,  18H4. 
Geo.  W.  Fkance. 

Deak  Siu: — I  have  been  here  attending  a  session  of  the  Snitrome 
Court. 

I  have  laid  your  case  before  Governor  [Mason],  aud  while  I  do  not 
know  what  action  he  may  be  disposed  to  take  in  the  matter,  I  think  be 
may  look  favorably  upon  the  question  of  your  release. 

Respectfully  yours,  S.  C.  Wingakd." 


My  Release. 


387 


OvtaJmr  Srd  ]SH4 CI  

s.i,I  that  "tl,o  p'apers  of  1,°,™^  1'^"""°', '"'"«'  "«'  fl«t  time- 

«.-.%«  ,,ef„,.'  an,I  J      hart  It  t  r'?"""«' '»■- '<"''» 

:r"''r"™'"--'"™auTm::  J::'       f  '^^^  yet;  but 

"'""'■f  ."-■     "'at  he  "had  a  «;5!     "f.r'  O"  "7  --^e 

H.ugarf,„mybehalf-thathe„  .*.      7  'f"*''  ^'°'^  J'ul„e 
K«.  (m,;,  '-here  „„„„,  prf  J,,;"'''    t'  «*<"'«  /'<»<.  y.V™  ,„.„ 

l.a.1  three  petitio„,,"  etc.,  o  wh  eh  T  "^  ""^■"S-  "'^t  "I,e 
aat  "what  the  Judge  ha^  lie  fot  m"  f",""  *"""""»■  -P"H 
""""'""'  Po'i'ioas,  and  1  will  attendTn  1  "  '  '""'"•  "">"  a 

But  he  said  "we  have  ,         ,  '  '■■''■''"  "«'>■'■■"  "''<■•" 

i.™  to  promise  that  "iH  /or'itr^-'  "  .  ^"™  ^  -■=«• 
...form  me  who  the.  were  audZZ     T/'''''''''  '"'  >™uld 
any  objection."  to  which  he  agreed   21""',';'"""'''  '°  »«""> 
:r'  "'''' -o  one  was  opposing  UburV''  '''"  ■""  "^  " 
/"'"'r/™«'''/»«rfo»W/ J.1,,,",'  „^,77<"-.  Wnksi:  that 
Does  he  say  that  I  ever  threat  5  T    "!''-^>'-'' "«*»«' »■" 
askei     A-o,  »„/he  says  you  1^^    ,   .""  '"  ""^  "V?"    I 
-«■«%  »o*   be    reveng™„ l'":/!  ''»'  "»■"=«  ^at  y„„ 

.^ould  you  be  influenced  against™  f""*''""'  «  released." 
.uterested  enemies  as  ,„„  .Sl Xn^  ;»«''  characters  and 
J»  "  No,  „„  !  certainly  not  I "  said  he  "  T  "'""'■'""ors  to 
Ju  «e  for  further  information  and  wHl  "f  ^  *'""««  to  the 
(M  me."  -I  believe  your  cond  T  ""'  ™  ^o"  "a^e  the 
l""?"    "Xessir,"  said  I  "h°^  ;,     ''"^  '''^^^  teen  good 

f  Lmks  will  stab  mniu'thebck  r'  '''"'^  °^  """''^^tors 
".«»  .ere.  so  just  kave  «e„,  L  ^L  iH  "^  "'"^  ""»  '»  ^eep 
,f"V''.'""'!""««Vif  theydenvH  ?!t  "f^"'  "'•  ''«  wiU 
'."pule  m  spite  of  them !  "    "2v  „,'        1  f'""'^''  "  ''eyond 
V°',""V«;that  your  conduct  ^   T^  """'"  »'''<1  ''«,  "f„r 
«.".«»k  hands  in  a  Banner  to    '„?        "'■'  ''""'  ««''•      He 
».»oe.-e  feelings  and  departed, !2r''     "  """estness  and 
very  »,on."  ?  """'>  ^''y-g-  Le  would  "  be  back  again 

■»^«"  ivaj  ^frd-::' n: '-»-«^^  »^ -aged 

V  i.an<h  ;  and  it  was  tt.^  c!'l ,  ,'  fey  deserved  to  die^t 
^2.  ''"f'"  that  I  never  har^  d  ,  J  f  "'"''  """  «"  ""«  ». 
''"!..««  but  a  midnight  devH  of  1         r"""  '"«'  ^""M  m 

«>y  .u  self-defencf     Burlfth  the       '■"''''''^''"'   »"''  ™e^ 

with  the  misery  and  ravage  and 


I;  -    1 .1 


r   ■i 


fF  f. 


f  ; 


!».| 


n  • 


1. 


1 1^     '  w 


388 


EXTHACTS   FROM   DlAllY  KeIT   IN   PrISON. 


destruction  they  had  wrought,  staring  them  iu  the  face,  uud 
haunting  them  in  their  dreams,  no  wonder  they  cowered  to  meet 
their  victims  on  a  common  level. 

"  For  whence,  dull  reas'ner,  can  a  fear  arise. 
Lest  peace  and  plenty  gild  the  path  of  vice  ; 
Think'st  thou  that  he  whom  conscience  racks  within 
Can  escape  the  vengeance  that  awaits  on  sin? 
Whilst  shuddering  memory,  by  guilt  oppress'd. 
Plants  her  blood-thirsty  daggers  in  his  breast ; 
Shakes  her  dread  arrows  with  vindictive  ire 
And  damns  the  trembler  to  eternal  fire. 
Fire,  where  infernal  furies  fan  the  flame. 
Which  hopes  ne'er  soften,  and  which  years  ne'er  tame; 
Not  all  the  tortures  of  afflictive  steel. 
Which  law  can  sanction,  or  which  sense  can  feel. 
Thrill  thro'  the  tortured  frame  with  half  the  smart, 
As  crimes  unpardoned  through  the  guilty  heart. 
His  sickening  conscience  loaths  the  odiom  light, 
Each  fear  returning  with  returning  night ; 
Whilst  terror  wears  his  tedious  hours  away, 
Himself  the  accuser,  and  himself  the  prey. 
This  is  the  guilty  tvretch,  whose  couscioas  soul 
Shrinks  back  with  terror,  e'er  the  thunders  roll. 
And  turns  pale  and  trembles  at  the  electric  light. 

Say,  if  such  woes  on  luckless  guilt  attend. 

What  grief  shall  rack  that  wretch  the  fates  befriend ; 

Eternal  terrors — while  the  loathsome  food 

Cloys  his  pall'd  taste,  and  taints  his  meagre  blood ; 

No  more  rich  wines  allay  his  tort' ring  pain. 

Cool  his  parched  lip  or  calm  his  whirling  brain. 

Not  all  the  sweets  prolific  gaul  can  yield, 

Nor  all  the  products  of  the  Iberian  field 

Can  bribe  his  soul  to  quaff  the  luscious  draught, 

Or  drown  in  wine  the  racking  pang  of  thought. 

Eternal  clouds  hang  low'ring  on  his  brow. 

And  mighty  horrors  aim  the  vengeful  blow ; 

Should  balmy  sleep  allay  his  tortured  breast, 

For  one  short  moment  in  oblivious  rest. 


Ilk 


le  face,  iiud 
■'ered  to  meet 


within 


t; 


e'er  tame; 

feel, 
I  smart, 
sart. 
Id, 


Lll 

roll, 
lligbt. 


llDefriend ; 
blood ; 


tt, 


My  Release. 


389 


Swift  to  his  thought,  the  fane  where  late  he  trod, 

The  insulted  altar  of  his  iujured  God, 

And  tl.'V  dread  form  gigantic  meet  liis  vieAv, 

Guilt  swells  the  form  his  frenzied  memory  drew ; 

Till  tortur'd  nature  triumphs  over  pride. 

His  fears  con/esmn<j  what  Iii/i  tungiw  dmied. 

T.iv  q.uick  and  restless  is  each  sinful  breast, 

By  hopes  transported,  or  by  fears  opprest ; 

Tho'  bold  in  acting,  yet  they  find  in  time. 

That  guilt  strikes  home,  and  punishes  the  crime. 

Again  to  sin  and  sorrow  they  recur, 

The  path  of  vice  still  widening  as  they  err  ; 

For  who  that  once  has  lost  his  heavenly  giiide. 

Ere  stopped  the  torrent  of  overwhelming  pride  ! 

Or  sense  of  shame  once  banished  b}'  disgrace, 

Relum'd  the  blush  of  virtue  in  his  face  ? 

Guilt  leads  to  guilt,  possession  wakes  desire. 

And  treach'rous  fortune  fans  the  rising  fire  ; 

Each  crime  unpunished  prompts  a  thousand  more, 

Till  habit  leads,  where  passion  swayed  before. 

The  wretch  who  late  his  sacred  trust  betraj-ed, 

With  blood  e'er  long  shall  stain  his  murderous  blade, 

Overturn  his  country,  or'with  trait'rous  art 

Aim  the  dark  dagger  at  the  patriot's  heart ; 

Till  injured  justice  lift  her  iron  rod 

And  vengeance  thund'riug  from  the  throne  of  God, 

Give  to  Hell's  op'ning  jaws  their  destined  prej'. 

And  siceep  the  inoH.stv)'/rom  the/ace  of  day; 

Unpitied  shall  he  fall,  without  a  friend, 

His  life  detested,  and  accurs'd  his  end, 

And  thou,  proud  mortal,  whose  imperious  soul 

Would  teach  eternal  thunders  where  to  roll, 

Shalt  see  that  God,  who  marks  each  latent  ill. 

Can  spare  alike,  or  punish  where  he  will ; 

And  trembling  own,  whilst  humbled  in  the  dust, 

That  man  is  impious,  but  that  God  is  just. ' 

W—  S— " 

And  their  knowing  that  to  increase  the  oppession,  likewisv 


i?' 


»ii 


Hi:      ! 


J' 


i\l 


390 


EXTHACTS  FllOM   DiAHY  KeIT  IN   PrISON. 


increased  their  guilt,  and  woulil  conse(iueutly,  iu  the  end,  hiU 
increase  their  danger ;  thej'  therefore  evidently  intended  J'nr  nw 
to  (liein  pri.sim,  so  that  I  could  neither  ex})ose  or  kill  them  for 
their  torturing  crimes.  And  I  considered  it  to  be  necessary  to 
guard  against  being  poisoned  by  suirh  guilty-minded  cowards. 
No  linked  memh'V  of  secret  infrigue  shonUl  ever  lie  nuffered  to  deal 
out  doses  to  vietbus  of  their  (J<ni(j. 

Mark  and  reflect,  how  this  linked  prince  would  still  l)e 
Governor— rt/a/  he  tros — how  the  secret  chens  ajilmte  in  prostllntlnn 
the  Government  against  the  people. 

"Srvtoo,  Thuuston  Co.,  W.  T.,  November  28rd,  1884. 
Hon.  S.  C.  Wingakd: 

Deau  Sir:-  I  gratefully  received  your  letter  from  Olyuijjia, 
as  well  as  the  one  previously;  as  to  which  I  will  say,  that  I  told 
you  the  truth  as  I  have  always  done. 

1  did  neither  misconstrue  Governor  Link's  words  nor  his 
meaning  — that  is  supposing  him  to  mean  what  he  said-tliat 
"the  five  words"  as  given  you  "from  you  would  release  mo." 

As  to  your  letter  to  him  in  reply,  he  gave  me  as  his  reason 
for  not  honoring  it — not  such  as  he  did  you — but  that  it  was 
"short,  cndihld  and  Insult  my"  and  "  no  recommendation."  Nor 
did  he  question  its  truth  as  to  my  part— not  at  edl. 

It,  however,  gave  me  some  consolation  to  know  that  it  was 
not  only  his  defenseless,  suffering  victims — honestly  struggliug 
as  does  the  lamb  with  the  wolf,  the  fly  with  the  spider  and  tlie 
bird  with  the  snake! — who  "insults,"  "offends"  or  troubles 
his  Excellency  as  he  gloats  over  the  mangled  remains  of  his 
victims. 

And  he  gave  as  his  reason  for  holding  me,  to  my  people  iu 
the  States,  that  "  my  case  was  an  aggravated  one  and  you  was 
satisfied  with  my  sentence." 

I  give  you  this  as  a  mere  sample,  or  glimpse  of  the  stabbing 
in  the  back  and  in  the  dark  I  have  to  endxire,  and  the  character 
of  the  influence  practised  against  me.  The  same  that  tried  to 
murder  me  at  home,  and  succeeded  in  shanghaiing  and  selling 
me  to  accomplish  their  hellish  ravages.  Of  coiirse,  so  long  as 
8U(di  blacklegs  have  influence  at  court,  and  honorable  men  ami 
modes  are  spumed,  there  is  no  assurance  for  me.     Audit  was  a 


My  Release. 


391 


MHYV  tlay  for  me  wlien  I  trusted  in  the  merits  iuid  justice  of  my 
ciiiisp  — though  it  WHS  never  excelled —for  justice  uud  viudicu- 
tioii  at  such  coitrts. 

Governor  [Mason]  was  here  ahout  seven  weeks  ago ;  said 
he  liad  u  letter  from  you  in  my  behalf,  and  would  write  to  you 
for  further  information.  1  had  hoped  that  you  would  conclude 
the  matter  while  at  Olympia,  but  I  suppose  I  must  sufler  and 
uot  complain. 

Very  Respectfully, 

Geo.  W.  Fuance." 

"Walla  Walla,  W.  T.,  Decoinbcr  7th,  IHfS-t. 
Gi'.oudK  W.  Fhance  : 

J)i:ai{  Silt : — Your  rogistiuvd  letter  of  23r(l  ult.  received  on  my  return 
liouit'.  In  rejily  I  will  say,  that  after  I  wrote  to  you  from  Olympia  last 
.Si'iitoiulier,  I  received  a  letter  from  (lovernor  [Mason]  Hayiuf^,  in  substance, 
tliiit  '.(-(Jovernor  [Links]  opposed  your  jiurdon  on  the  (;r()un<l  that  you 
liiiil  ort'ended  him  in  .some  way,  and  had  not  behaved  well,  etc.  (fovernor 
Mason  said  ho  would  look  into  the  matter  further,  and  hoped  lu^  could 
(•((luply  with  my  ojunion  tliat  yoti  had  been  in  jnisou  long  »'nough.  I  have 
heurd  nothing  from  him  since.      If  1  coidil  let  yan  out  I  irould. 

Yours,  etc.,  S.  C.  Winoakd." 

"  DccemfH'r  10th,  1884. — It  is  reported  that  during  a  recent 
visit  to  Olym  ia  Judge  Wingard  had  a  quarrel  with  Links 
about  his  conduct  towards  me,  and  that  during  which  the  Judge 
declared  he  "would  itcirr  ,'ieud  another  mon  to  this  prison  that  he 
could  possibly  avoid"  etc.  Some  are  discussing  the  matter  and 
will  watch  the  court  proceedings  closely,  and  see  whether  he 
does  or  not. 

''December  nth,  1884. — Governor  [Mason]  started  to  the 
States,  and  without  coming  here.  This  is  how  '  he  looked  into 
my  case  further.'  " 

"January  12th,  1885. — Dr.  Links,  jr.,  here  ;  he  denies |)0«- 
fiirly  that  his  father  has  opposed  or  is  opposed  to  my  release, 
declaring  that  "  he  knows  "  and  will  swear  to  it,  and  that  "  Gov- 
ernor Mason  only  says  so  for  im  excuse."  Also,  that  "my  con- 
duct has  not  been  bad  and  that  I  have  not  offended  his  father." 

If  the  common  people  knew  the  real  characters  of  those 
they  are  led  to  support  for  office,  and  knew  the  main  spring  of 
their  official  actions,  when  they  get  there,  instead  of  thus  being 
enslaved  by  the  prostitution  of  their  own  government,  they 


£;.  ' 


i 


!.| 


i  ;  1^ 


JU.i: 


302 


EXTIUCTH  FROM   DlAHY   Kk^V  IN   PuiSON. 


would  I'oze  fo  the  (jronml  every  dm  of  the  hjoiij  rohh't'  rhnis  in  tlio 
conutry. 

"JtmiKiri/  KSf/i,  ]ss'}. — (>. .  and  \V.  .  came  honi  from  Duy- 
ton  ;  aud  way  tliat  "  tho  people  think  it  in  an  ontraj^o  that  I  was 
sent  or  held  here  at  all,  when  it  was  so  plain  that  I  only  de- 
fended my  life,"  and  that  Judf^o  Winpird  had  said  on  the 
stre(»ts  that  "  had  he  known  I  woidd  he  held  more  than  a  year 
or  two  he  would  not  have  sent  me  at  all.  " 

"  I  see  in  tho  papers  that  Governor  Mason  will  visit  Wasli- 
ingtou  and  also  New  Orleans  before  his  return— ho  thus  picnics 
while  his  victims  languish." 

*'  March  14th. See  that  the  Secretary,  as  acting  Governnr, 
has  pardoned  a  man  o\it  of  jail.  And  also  that  the  Governor 
will  soon  return." 

"  Januarij  2(ilh,  1^8/). — Been  very  sick  for  the  last  two  weeks 
and  over." 

"  But  hv  who  fails  and  yet  still  Jujhts  on, 
Lo,  he  is  the  tie  in  horn  brother  of  mine.  " 

So  I  wrote  the  following  letter  : 

"SE.-.TCO,  Wash.  Tekritorv,  March  28th,  1885. 
His  Excellency,  Governor  [Mason] : 

Siu  : — I  anx  inipelhul  by  my  distress  to  remind  your  Excellency  of  the 
cruel  -wrong  you  are  doing  me  and  mine  by  jirolongiug  my  imprisoiiinciit. 
Although  you  are  in  the  enjoyment  of  good  fortune,  luxury  luul 
power,  I  imidore  you  not  to  thus  despise  all  that  is  honorable,  just 
and  humane,  because  it  l)e  unfortunate  and  hunted  down.  Yon 
have  showings,  references  aud  proofs  conclusive  to  unprejxidiced  iiicu, 
of  my  innocence  of  any  crime,  and  of  my  character  where  I  worked 
so  hard  and  prosiiered  so  well,  till  attacked  by  tho  blood-tliirsty 
assassin  and  robbers — to  Avhicli  you  have  failed  to  even  question,  us  in- 
vited to  do.  Therefore,  you  are  i)reaumed  to  kiinn-  the  cruel  injustice  von 
are  inflictin,  and  that  I  am  not  a  Uar.  I  hope  you  are  not  so  heartless  as 
to  enjoy  tht  my  and  the  misery  there  is  in  it  ;  but  vln/  do  you  allow  it  to 
continue  i\.  11  my  well-earned  fortune  and  good  health  aud  most  sacred, 
devoted  ties  ^11  that  is  worth  living  fov^is  ravaged  and  consumed  in  tin; 
flames  of  vi  .nice,  avarice,  and  a  damnable  revenge,  and  all  for  irJial? 
Because  I  wc  Id  face  and  defend  my  life  against  the  flaming  fire  aud  lead 
of  the  robbcT   issassin  on  my  own  devoted  altar. 

'  Woe  b'  unto  him  who  calls  good  evil  aud  evil  good,'  and  who,  while 
extoliiHi  (iDS(issiti((ti(m  <niil  rapim;  spurns  and  stamps  homely,  friendless  vir- 
tue in  the  dust. 

Judge  Wingard  says,  that '  had  he  known  I  would  not  be  presently  re- 


My  REUiAHE. 


am 


it  two  WtM>ks 


stoiv.l.  ho  would  not  liavo  soiit  iu«  lu'if,  uiul  tluit  if  lio  fouM  let  ino  ^'o  ho 
woultl  <lo  HO.'  Art'  yoii  not,  thcrcfon',  tiiUinK  unduo  ntlviintiigtt  of  tlio 
couitM  iin'ri'/irfiiiiiiil  smtfiirr,  ir/iiili  i/sil/"  njn/s,  mid  its  ignomn<'(^  ivh  to  tlio 
(Xiiiitivo  charactiT,  to  foniiiK-to  my  ruin  V 

It  your  Excclh'ucy  will  not  lot  nui  k">  will  you  i>loaH(i  grant  mo  tlio 
fiivni' to  so  answor  and  inform  mo,  to  uiiswor  tiio  (|nostioiis  and  i)oiiit><  in 
iiiv  iiij^umont  and  j)l<'a  (ojiitomo)  hori'toforo  Hul>mitt«^d,  ami  to  dilivor  to 
1110  <i!l  tin-  jm/tfrs  itmN'tti-rs  n-rrirfilhif  tJn'  (lupunior  in  mi/  Mmlff 

KoHpootfully  vonrM,  (Jko.  W.  I'uanci:. " 

"  Jnuv  ;  ■  -7,  /,s.s.>.  —  Roi'eivod  letter  from  I.  J.  T.;  ho,  in  cou- 
jnnction  with  H.  A.  mn'  others,  ])r()|)oso  to  j^et  up  monster 
petitions  for  my  reh'uso  ;  siiys  'about  ov(>ryl)0(ly  in  my  three 
counties  wi)uhl  {jthuily  si;j;n  them;'  lie  will  write  to  tlu^  (lovernor 
to  t'lml  out  wlmt  more  is  necessary  to  be  sliowu  or  th)n«i  to 
secure  my  release." 

"  Juhj  4lli. — Received  the  t'ollowin<j;  letter  from  I.  J.  T.: 

"  Po.Mi:m)Y,  W.  T.,  July  1st,  1885. 
Mr.  CtKondE  W.  Fkanck  : 

1)i;au  Hik  : — I  saw  Mr.  H.  A.  .  and  had  a  talk  with  him  on  iiotitiouH, 
etc. ;  ho  will  attond  to  tlu;  liusiuoss  in  that  county;  ho  is  a  stron^^  fri<'nd  of 
yours  and  a  lino  man  too,  and  will  woik  witii  us  to  K»'t  you  out  to  aj^ain 

livi'iitlio  the  froo  air  of  Hoavon You  will  i)l(!aso  \x.vi  a 

cHTtiticato  of  tho  jnison  wardou  sliowiut^  your  good  behavior  sino<i  you 
wcro  there.  It  will  have  weight  with  tln>  (fovenior.  I  wroto  to  tho  (iov- 
enior  but  have  not  hoard  from  him  yot.  Wo  will  giv(^  tho  nuittor  at/mroni/fi 
effort,  and  uso  all  tho  nioan.s  in  our  power  for  your  release  for  tho  reason 
tliiit  you  oiii//it  h)  hi-  Dill.  I  always  maintained  that  you  wore  unjustly  in- 
oiircoratod,  ami  that  it  Avas  done  by  c/iicmirri/,  and  hoiu^  wo  will  soon  see 
you  hero  again.  I  hoard  a  disinterested  i)arty  say  that  he  was  jmnifiri-  that 
McK. .  swore  to  a  lie  which  went  far  towards  putting  you  in  jjiison. 

We  will  work  this  matter  with  a  deterniiuation  not  to  fail,  tliough 
perhaps  if  /  were  in  prison  no  one  would  try  to  get  w?  out,  but  they 
mii;;ht.    But  I  want  justice  done,  and  justice  demands  your  release  loudly. 

The  M. .  gang  will,  of  course,  woi-k  against  the  matter,  but 

•Tudt^'o  Wingard  knows  and  has  called  thein  pc?;/«r('(^  publicly,  and  they 
will  },'ot  n  1  (pnirtor  at  his  hands I.  J.  T . . ." 

I  pointed  out  to  the  warden  the  parap;rapliof  the  letter  re- 
questing^ a  certificate  of  my  good  behavior  and  requested  liim 
to  till  the  bill,  to  which  he  replied,  that  "it  would  do  no  good 
for  hhii  to  do  so,  as  that  was  S .  .  's  place  (S .  .  wa.s  superintend- 
ent then)  and  that  he  should  do  so."  To  which  I  replied,  "  you 
hmv  that  S . .  will  not  help  ani/Ditc  out  by  certifying  to  his  good 


IIm  fill 


V  '  ■  I'l 


\% 


; 


V, 

1 

1 

iiiw-" 

IS^^^Bd^  1 

Jn 

.11 

i 

394 


Extracts  from  Diary  Keit  in  Prison. 


eoucluct,"  "  But,"  the  warden  replied,  "  it  is  his  place  to  do 
it,  and  he  ought  to  do  so  /<»•  you,  I  can't."  Therefore  I  deter- 
mined to  establish  the  fact  in  spite  of  them,  and  a  fellow- 
prisoner  ■wrote  out  the  following  certificate,  and  was  more  or 
less  joined  by  all  the  rest,  as  follows : 

"Seatoo  Piuson,  Wash.  Tekkitoky,  July  6tb,  A.D.,  1885. 
We,  the  umlersiguetl,  do  hereby  eertify,  that  to  r  iii- 2)ersoual  kuowlodge 
duriug  onr  aoquaiiitauce  as  fello\v-i)riHoners,  ami  on  iuformation  and  lie- 
lief  as  to  the  remaiiuler  of  the  time  of  George  W.  France's  iucarceratiou, 
that  said  France's  conduct  as  a  prisoner  has  been  nnexceptioually  good, 
or  equal  to  the  best  of  tlie  prisoners,  and  will  bear  a  most  rigid  exanimu- 
tiou,  which  he  solicits.  F.  E.  Stijoso, 

ex-Sheriff  and  Assessor  of  Wah  Kiacuni  Co. ,  W.  T. 


"  TJie,  Signatures  attached  to  the  foregoittg  certificate  constitute  all  of  the 
prisoners,  except  one  Chinaman,  two  Indians,  one  woman,  and  (8)  vlhcrx,  irha 
acquiesce  in  its  truthfulness,  and  if  summoned,  irill  testifi/  to  the  sunu'." 

Oath. 

"  IVe  do  solemnly  swear  that  the  foregoing  certificate  and  statement  is  true, 
as  we  verily  heliere.     So  help  us  God. 

Fred.  E.  Stbono, 
A.  J.  Vincent, 
Geo.  W.  France.  " 

Territory  of  Washington,  CorNTY  of  Thurston. 
Personally  ajipeared  before  me  this  14th  day  of  July,   A.  D.  1.SS5, 
Fred.  E.  Strong,  A.  J.  Vincent  and  Geo.  W  France,  who  are  iiersouiilly 
knt)\vn  to  me,  and  subscribed  and  swore  to  the  fon-going  oath. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  seal  this  1-lth  day  of  July,  A.  D.  1885. 

(Seal.)  G,  S.  Prince,  Notary  Public." 

The  eight  (8)  prisoners  who  did  not  sign  felt  it  to  be  im- 
prudent— as  their  cases  stood — for  them  to  thus  enrage  llie 
gang  against  them;  although  they  woidd  he  yJad  to  lie  put  uitu  ■>• 
aatk  (Did  thus  conqtdlcd  (?)  to  testify  in  the  matter.  Of  course,  ///// 
])osltion  as  warden  of  the  big  hall,  etc.,  would  of  itself  been  proof 
enough y'or  any  honest  Governor. 

The  only  way  I  could  get  a  notary  to  attend  to  this  matter  vc&t, 
by  a  strategy,  or  we,  nearly  all,  would  have  sworn  to  it.  It  ha])- 


Kiaciim  Co.,  "NV.  T. 


and  statement  is  trw, 


My  Release. 


395 


pened  tliiit  I  had  at  this  time  a  power  of  attorney  to  be  ac- 
tuowledged  ;  so  under  the  shadow  of  doing  this,  and  using  my 
friends  Strong  and  Vincent  as  my  witnesses  to  the  same,  we 
pushed  the  other  matter  through  right  in  the  shadow  of  the 
elevated  ears,  and  iu  the  snapping  teeth  of  the  superintendent, 
who,  Avith  others,  was  playing  cards  at  a  table  close  by.  And 
when  I  blandly  invited  the  gentleman  to  join  my  friends  in  the 
certificate,  he  brayed  out  in  reply,  "  No,  I  trout !  "  To  which  I 
replied,  "  that  is  what  I  had  understood,  and  had,  therefore, 
api)ealed  to  my  /ricmls  to  establish  the  fact  beyond  dispute  or 
questiou." 

Now  this  notary  manifested  an  earnest  and  kindly  feeling, 
such  as  is  very  i-archj  enjoyed  in  such  a  circumstance,  saying 
that  I  "  had  established  the  fact  in  spite  of  them,"  and  was  so 
pleased  with  my  sand,  that  he  refused  to  accept  any  pay  for  his 
services,  another  having  charged  me  $6  for  but  a  ringle  i^c- 
kuowledgement. 

The  next  thing  was  to  prevent  the  matter  from  being 
squelched,  and  the  warden  was  so  anxious  to  get  it  in  his  fingers 
that  he  said  I  might  send  the  papers  without  their  counting  as 
letters,  which  were  only  allowed  to  be  sent  once  a  month. 

So  I  wrote  a  brief  of  the  certificate  on  the  power  of  attorney 
aud  registered  it,  also  stating  on  it  that  I  would  forward  the 
other  to  I.  J.  T . .  with  whom  he  was  in  correspondence,  and  so 
lie  got  it. 

"PoMEROY,  W.  T.,  July  2()th,  1885. 
Mr.  Geo.  W.  Fkance: 

Dear  Sir: — I  liave  uot  heard  from  you  for  a  long  time  [as  tlioxt/h  it 

trus  mtifdull] I  am  iu  receipt  of  a  letter  from  the  (iov- 

eriior.  He  wauts  to  have  a  talk  with  \o\\  before  we  get  uj)  more  petitions 
aud  Avill  theu  let  us  kuow  whether  this  is  ueoessary. 

I  thiuk  the  cliauces  are  favorable  for  your  release,  as  it  is  left  entirely 
to  yourself,  as  your  talk  with  the  Governor  Avill  decide  whether  you  get 
out  or  not.  [  Whttt  Jcxeitful,  li/iti;/  rot  an  oiie  side,  (iinl  stiqiid  it/iiurd/ici'  on  (he 
otlwr.] 

I  have  Avritteu  to  him  very  fully  aud  referred  him  to  sevend  respimsible 
men  knowing  you  aud  your  case,  aud  I  will  write  to  him  again. 

Hoping  to  hear  from  yoii  i(t  once,  I  am,  Yours  truly,  I.  J.  T. " 

It  was  difficult  to  convince  any  one  of  the  people  that  a 
victim  was   denied  the  right  to  attend  to  such  vital  lni,si7iess 


\: 


if 


:| 


.  ^^^^Hi 

I^^^^^B^B 

i  ^^^^^B 

-    :^^^| 

IK ' 

i>i 

ikih 

■(■ 


m: 


396 


Extracts  from  Diary  Kepp  in  Prison. 


whenever  necessary,  and  one  would  frequently  have  several 
different  business  matters  with  as  many  different  persons  living 
and  being  in  different  sections  of  the  country,  each  requiring 
him  to  write  "  at  once"  when  he  could  only  write  one  letter  a 
month,  and  there  was  no  security  or  assurance  that  it  would  fjo, 
except  to  send  them  out  "  tmdergroiind,"  and  then  it  was  diffi- 
cult to  make  one's  friends  understand  that  they  must  acknowl- 
edge its  receipt  by  a  simple  mark  or  expression,  and  refer  to  it 
in  no  other  way.  For  when  detected  it  was  used  as  a  club  or 
knife  against  the  victim. 

This,  that  follows,  is  his  Excellency's  rot : 

"Executive  Office— Olympia,  W.  T.,  July  22a,  1885. 
I.  J.  ToMLiNsoN,  Esq.,  Poiueroy,  W.  T. 

Dear  Sib  : — Replying  to  your  letter  of  June  15th,  1885, 1  desire  to  say 
that  I  have  tried  to  see  Judge  Wingard,  when  I  visited  the  city  of  Wulla 
Walla,  so  as  to  converse  with  him  concerning  the  case  of  Geo.  W.  France, 
but  he  was  then  absent  from  that  city. 

However,  I  have  conversed  with  him  here  within  the  last  few  days, 
and,  upon  his  advice,  have  concluded  to  have  a  talk  with  Mr.  France  as 
soon  as  I  can  visit  the  penitentiary. 

I  do  not  think  it  would  be  my  duty  to  pardon  him,  if  he  is  likely  to 
become  a  troublesome  and  dangerous  man. 

[About  all  of  the  "troublesome  and  dangeroiis"  men  on  the  roads  of 
the  border  were  2ieaceable  citizens,  till  (lius  pefsislenthi  looted,  goaded  and 
driven  to  avenge  themselves,  by  ring  blacklegs  in  office  who  are  a  thousand 
times  more  "  tronhlesome  ami  dangerous"  to  good  society; — they  not  only 
rob  and  murder  men,  but  they  rob  and  murder  their  government  also.  Htul 
he  (the  Governor)  been  honest,  he  Avould  have  joined,  or  rather  taken  tlie 
lead  in  heing  "  troublesome  and  dungerous"  to  the  traitorous  gitng.]  After 
seeing  him  I  may  write  to  you  again,  in  case  a  petition  be  contemplated  by 
you.  I  do  not  wish  you  to  go  to  the  ti'ouble  of  circulating  a  petition,  uu- 
til  I  can  see  Mr.  France  and  ascertain  whether  he  is  contrite  or  rcven>j;of  itl. 

RospectfnUy,  W.  C.  [Mason.]" 

"Contrite  or  revengeful,"  he  says ;  "  Contrite  "  for  what  ? 
For  defoudiug  mi/  own  lifs  against  one  of  the  gang  ?  Wliioli 
showed  that  he  belonged  to  the  gang,  and  would  justify  ami 
sanction  their  crimes  at  the  expense  of  innocent  blf)od,  and 
ravage  and  dance  on  the  graves  of  his  victims.     Look  here  ! 

From  the  Press. — "  The  Signal  declared  that  Governor  [Mason]  at  tlio 
Or.  A.  R.  Encampment  proved  himself  a  nimble  figure  in  the  dance.  lie 
out-lasted  the  most  eudniing  of  our  Yakima  damsels  and  came  up  for  \W 
last  Waltz,  at  three  o'clock  in  the  morning,  fresh  as  a  daisy,  although  lus 


he  is  likely  to 


My  Release. 


397 


luid  not  missed  a  single  opportunity  to  agitate  his  foot  (Turing  the  night. . . 

He  was  a  great  soeker  after  partners,  anil  for  conrtly  grace  and 

continuity  it  would  be  difficult  to  find  his  equal." 

[Do  such,  as  he,  have  any  con.soieuee  ?      To  dance  while  his  victims 

languish!] 

"  But  noiv  my  sword's  my  own,  smile  on  my  lords  : 

"  I  scorn  to  count  what  feelings,  withered  hopes,  strong 
provocations,  bitter  burning  wrongs,  I  have  within  my  heart's 
hot  cells  shut  up.     To  leave  you  in  your  lazy  dignities. 

"  But  here  I  stand  and  scoff  j-ou  ;  here  I  fling  hatred  and 
full  defiance  in  your  face."     Curse  you  ! 

"  July  21st,  188'5. — Doctor  and  ex-Governor  [Links]  here; 
the  Doctor  declares  that  he  and  his  father  "  have  prained  me  to 
Governor  [Mason]  and  favored  my  release,  and  that  the  Gov- 
ernor is  favorable  to  it." 

"  Seatco,  Thurston  Co.,  Wash.  Ter.,  August  16th,  1885. 
Mr.  I.  J.  T   .  : 

Dear  Sir  : — Yours  of  July  26th  and  30th  received,  and  I 
embraced  the  opportunity  to  reply.  Governor  [MasonJ  has  not 
come  around.  But  he  could  know  my  sentiments  by  examining 
them  as  set  forth  in  my  argument  and  plea  (epitome)  -  on  file 
at  the  executive  office  and  addressed  to  the  "  Governor  and  the 
people  at  large." 

And  if  such  sentiments,  or  the  exercise  thereof,  is  in  viola- 
tion of  any  standard  of  law,  or  of  good  morals,  or  good  citizen- 
sliip,  no  one  has  claimed  or  pointed  it  out  to  me,  in  any  partic- 
iilar.  Although  I  have  begged  thf^m  to  do  so,  or  to  controvert 
its  truth  as  to  any  point  if  they  could,  (and  let  me  prove  it  again) 
and  to  "  presciibe  a  bitter  course  and  rule  of  life  and  conduct 
tliau  I  have  exercised,  when  I  would  embrace  it  accordingly." 
Biit  no  ])oint  has  been  qiwstioned  or  denied,  or  any  other  standard 
of  conduct  offered. 

So  3Mni  see,  dont  yon  I  that  the  matter  does  not  "  rest  with 
xae"  at  all  ?  I  have  my  part  as  well  done  as  opportunity  ac- 
corded me,  and  my  distress  would  permit.  Hence  it  rests  on 
you,  if  you  please,  to  proceed  to  the  consummation  of  your 
work  there,  and  the  pushing  of  the  same  to  the  end. 

And  you  and  other  friends  can,  with  safety  and  propriety, 
guarantee  my  future  conduct  to  be  in  accordance  with   the 


ii 


If 


I 


I 


if , 


t  :  ' 


11 

i  Mi 


V  t 


15 


ri 


398 


Extracts  from  Diary  Kept  in  Prison. 


golden  rule.  And  thus  shatter  the  false  reports  and  idle  fan- 
cies hatched  in  the  dark,  to  add  to  uiy  misery,  and  which,  if 
persisted  in  without  rebuke,  would  drive  even  an  augel  to  des- 
peration or  the  grave.  "When  they  cannot  point  to  any  word, 
act,  or  circumstance  of  my  own,  wherein  they  can  justify  any  of 

their  accusations,  and  do  not  pretend  to  to  me 

Yours  very  truly,        Geo.  W.  France." 

As  to  a  man's  righls,  erctt  in  <i  Kiiiijihiin.  '^ British  Court.'"  British 
Law  ami  Subjects.  English  Gold  Coimnissiouer,  at  Koot«nia,  (Fisherville 
Cainp). 

"  If  you  had  shot  him  down  {an  unaumed  trespassei')  you  could  not  have 
been  hurt  for  it;  for  any  English  subject  has  a  right  to  protect  his  own  ca.-i!e, 
and  a  inim'r's  claim  is  his  castle." 

He  fined  the  tresi)asser  (who  had  had  the  other  arrested  for  assault) 
£25  for  trespassing  upon  and  molesting  a  subject  on  his  own  premises." 
— Col.  Hiintt^r's  Jieminiscences  (f  an  Old  Timer. 

And  yet  this  latter  day  Mason  and  Governor  holds,  that  a 
full-fledged  American  citizen  should  be  "  contrite  "  for  even  de- 
fending ///y  life  on  his  hard-earned  home  against  one  of  the 
secret  gang  shooting  at  him  with  a  carbine !  That  he  was  a 
tyrant,  etc.,  will  hereafter  appear  by  the  testimony  of  others 
also. 

"August  18th,  1885.— Gowxi  in  my  county  (Judge  Wingard) 
had  seventeen  (17)  criminal  cases  ;  there  being  many  men  here 
for  long  terms  with  weaker  cases  against  them  than  the  least  of 
these  seventeen  ;  yet,  "  the  Judge  strikes  the  criminal  docket 
with  a  oj'clone  the  first  day,"  as  a  local  paper  expresses  it,  ami 
they  are  (dl  chared."  But  /will  do  for  an  example  (?)  for  thorn 
all. 

"  Septiodter  11th,  188,). — Governor  [Mason]  is  at  "Walk 
Walla  picuicing  at  the  fair. 

"  September  l!)th. — Governor  [Mason]  and  the  other  prison 
directors  are  here  ;  the  Governor  introduced  one  of  them  (an 
vdd-felloir)  to  me,  ashing  me  to  show  to  him  the  papers  1  had 
from  Judge  Wingard,  which  I  did ;  lie  (the  odd-fellow) 
"  thought  they  were  very  strong,"  and  said  he  would  also  exam- 
ine my  papers  at  the  Governor's  office,  but  he  wanted  no  fur- 
ther information  from  me.  The  Governor  then  gave  me  to 
understand  that  ho  would  let  me  go  "  when  the  Legislature 


r  of  others 


My  Ret.ease. 


399 


met  in  December,"  and  that  he  would  have  done  so  before  but 
for  objection  being  made  that  I  "might  be  dangerous  or  trouble- 
some." But  he  refused  to  say  to  whom,  or  give  me  the  ground 
of  such  objection,  or  by  whom  made,  or  what  would  refute  or 
placate  it.  He  did  not  want  any  information  either,  or  to 
"hare  a  talk '^  as  he  had  written  tca.s  so  important.  On  leaving, 
he  shook  hands  with  me  cordially  (yet  so  falsely)  saying  and 
repeating  it,  that  "  he  would  be  here  again  Ix'/ore  the  Legislature 
mt't,"  and  intimated  that  he  would  let  me  go  then. 

"Seatco,  Wash.  Ter.,  September  20th,  1885. 

Mr.  I.  J.  T Governor  [Mason  ]  made  a  brief  call 

Lere  yesterday  ;  but  as  I  intimated  to  you  would  be  the  case,  it 
had  little  significance.  He  is  not  a  frank  man  by  any  means, 
but  reflects  dark  and  hidden  influences,  which  fears  the  scru- 
tiny of  light. 

He  would  give  me  to  undei'stand  that  he  will  let  me  go 
when  the  Legislature  meets  in  December 


Very  Truly, 


Geo.  W.  France." 


I.  J.  T . .  wrote  as  here  to  follow : 

"October  2 7tli,  1885. 

We  have  waitecl  loatiently  to  hear  from  the  Governor, 

but  have  not.  And  he  advised  me  not  to  get  iii^  more  petitions  till  I  heard 
horn  him;  and  in  him  alone  lays  our  hopeofyourrelea.se,  so  I  deem  it 
prosumptuous  to  go  contrary  to  his  advice  in  the  matter,  hut  I  Avill  write 
to  liiiu  again  and  lay  the  case  in  all  its  bearings  before  him.        I.  J.  T." 

Aud  afterwards  wrote:  "I  had  several  letters  from  the  Governor,  but 
be  }\iHt  2jul  me  off,  aud  I  do  uot  think  that  our  efforts  were  of  any  u,se. 

I.  J.  T." 

"  Xoveviber  20th. — No  Governor  here  yet. 

"A cunning  man  is  never  a  firm  man;  but  an  honest  man 
is ;  a  double-minded  man  is  ahva^'s  unstable  ;  a  man  of  truth  is 
tinii  as  a  rock.  Be  true.  Don't  be  a  sneak.  Never  undertake 
anything  you  are  ashamed  of,  or  ought  to  be  ashamed  of. 
Wlieu  your  cause  is  good,  advocate  it  openly  and  manfully. 
Never  burrow  in  the  dark.  If  you  do,  rest  assured  your  deeds 
will  come  to  light  and  to  your  own  confusion.  Don't  talk  one 
way  aud  act  another.     That  is  deception  ;  and  a  deceiver  when 


i 


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rj 

B  ^ 

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1  i 

lii':  j 

i ', 

1 

1 

i  i 

M 


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'A !  i' 


'■mi 


400 


Extracts  from  Diary  Kept  in  Prison. 


he  is  fouud  out  is  always  despised,  as  he  should  be.  There  is 
nothing  more  wortliy  of  appi'oval  and  esteem  than  a  sincere, 
frank,  honest  and  true  ma  i,  whose  words  are  the  real  repre- 
sentatives of  his  feelings,  and  who  despises  in  his  heart  low, 
selfish  cunning.  Be  a  true  man.  Be  frank,  honest  and  sincere. 
Don't  become  a  low,  cunning  trickster.  Don't.  It  never  pays 
in  the  outcome. 

Edward  Irving." 

"  Novemlter  20th.  —  See  the  following  item  in  several 
papers : 

"PetitioH  for  apardon. — A  petition  is  being  circulated  in  Columbia 
County,  W.  T.,  asking  Gov.  [Mason]  to  pardon  George  W.  France,  who, 
it  will  be  remembered,  killed  [Links  Jumper]  a  number  of  years  ago  near 
Peola  over  some  land  dispute.  France  has  already  sensed  six  years  and  is 
in  very  i)oor  health." 

One  of  the  lawyer  traitors,  who  done  me  up,  had  a  close 
friend  in  the  gang  who  published  a  pap'^.  that  continually 
puffed  the  little  shyster  "nto  notice,  so  that  immigrants  miglit 
fall  within  his  grasp.  Indeed,  sometimes  he  edited  the  sheet 
himself  ;  and  this  to  follow,  is  what  it  said : 

"Another  effort  is  being  made  in  Columbia  County  to  secure  a  pardon 
for  George  W.  France,  the  slayer  of  [Links  Jumijei"].  He  has  been  in  thu 
l)enitentiary  six  years  and  ought  to  remain  there  six  years  longer," 

[He  evidently  expected  that  I  "w  aid  be  troublesome"  to 
him  when  I  got  out,  as  he  had  been  to  me  in  getting  me  in. 
And  he  left  that  section,  going  to  one  that  was  just  filling  with 
immigrants,  to  waylay  them.] 

Such  gentry  are  the  poiccr  Miind  the  throne ;  against  the 
people,  against  truth  and  good  faith,  against  all  that  is  equal, 
just  and  fair  and  humane.  Could  anarchy  be  a  worse  con- 
dition ? 

"  The  Walla  Walla  Journal  in  full  recognition  of  all  legal 
consequences,  says  that  [the  editor  of  the  aforesaid  sheet]  is  u 
perjured  scoundrel,"  etc.,  etc. 

December  7th,  1885, — "  Legislature  convened,  and  no  Governor  here 
since  September  19th,  or  any  information  from  him." 

In  his  message  to  the  Legislature,  the  Governor  says  he 
"  has  granted  no  pardons,  except  as  rebflrte  for  good  conduct." 


H^  'i 


My  Release, 


401 


Governor  here 


Has  not  a  word  to  say  about  the  injustice,  corruptions  and 
brutality  of  the  contract  bastile;  or  of  the  asylum;  or  the  steal- 
m\f  by  the  ganji;  of  the  University  lauds.  Is  pleased  that  "the 
Territory  is  an  attracfive  fidd  for  the  "  legal  profession "  and 
favors  their  being  encouraged  and  even  turned  out  at  the 
expi-nse  of  the  joeople,  instead  of  showing  how  easy  this  swarm 
of  vermin  could  be  done  away  with  by  reforming  the  Judiciary, 
iuul  how  much  better  this  would  be.  Gives  the  excuse  of  the 
territorial  treasurer  for  paying  out  money  without  any  warrant, 
ou  the  ground  that  he  "  had  conformed  to  the  practice  of 
former  years,"  Favors  a  strong  and  "  loyal "  militia  who  will 
blindly  obey  their  [masonic]  commanders  to  protect  the  Chin- 
ese; while  American  citizens  are  afforded  no  protection  against 
the  robber  clans,  and  when  stripped  of  their  property  are  in 
large  numbers  stigmatized  as  tramps  and  vagrants  and  driven 
out,  with  no  "strong  and  loyal"  militia  to  protect  them,  or 
Governor  to  plead  their  cause. 

A  General  of  this  militia  was  afterwards  indicted  eight  (8) 
times  for  forgery  and  robbing  a  county  treasury  of  over 
§60,000;  then  the  "charitable  brethren"  interfered  with  the 
"  good  Judiciary  "  which  ptit  o^his  case,  while  they  railroaded 
through  to  prison  a  lot  of  outsiders,  to  be  held  there  for  5,  7,  8, 
9, 10  and  14  years,  for  stealing  a  little  grub,  a  few  dollars,  or  a 
horse !  And  the  General  of  the  loyal  (?)  militia  has  never  been 
puuished  at  all,  but  is  picnicing  with  the  plunder,  and  was 
billed  to  marshal  a  Fourth  of  July  parade ! 

From  the  ring  Press. — "Doesn't  offed  the  parade," — "There  has  been 
not  a  little  gossip  in  this  city,  since  the  indictments  have  been  found 
against  General  [Mason],  as  to  the  propriety  of  that  gentleman  leading  the 
column  in  the  great  parade  here  ou  the  Fourth  of  July,  So  frequent  had 
the  question  been  asked  on  the  street,  that  the  P.  I.  correspondent  called 
upon  the  chairman  of  the  [ring]  committee  on  jirogramme  and  asked  him, 
if  there  had  been  any  change  in  the  arrangements  with  regard  to  General 
[Masou],  " Certainly  not, "  said  he,  "while  there  have  been  some  ugly 
charges  entered  against  General  [^lasou] ,  he  has  not  been  tried  upon  them 
or  adjudged  guilty,  and  it  is  not  for  us  to  do  one  or  the  other  in  advance 
of  the  court."  [Oh,  how  considerate  with  one  of  the  gang.]  "  He  is  the 
Adjutant  General  of  the  militia  of  the  Territory,  and  as  such  was  iuWted 
to  marshal  the  parade.  He  has  accepted,  and  no  other  arrangement  will 
lie  made,  of  course,  so  long  as  he  signifies  his  willingness  to  serve  by  not 
resigning." 
26 


Pr.cifi'^  N.  W.  Hi??tory  Dapt. 

PROVINCIAL.   LIBRARY 
VICTORIA,  B.  C. 


I 


(< 


i 


}iU 


402 


Extracts  fuom  Diahy  Kkpt  in  Phison. 


[So  the  subjects  of  the  secret  governments  desecrate  niid 
trail  our  fliig  in  the  dirt.  Indeed,  the  time  will  come  when 
such  gentlemen  will  need  a  "strong  and  loyal"  militia  to  guard 
their  lives  and  plunder  from  the  Avrath  and  justice  of  tlio 
people  whom  they  spurn,  loot  and  shoot  down.  Think  of  a 
gang  of  such  "  loyal "  (?)  men  shooting  down  unarmed  citizeusi 
in  the  streets,  as  they  did  at  Seattle,  and  talking  about  tlio 
"  eqiial  rights  of  men."  He  was  made  General  and  "  billed  tr 
marshal  the  Fourth  of  July  parade!  "  Why  then  should  otlicr 
criminals  reform !  when  the  courts  and  government  are  thus 
prostituted  and  virtue  made  a  cringing  slave  to  depravity  or 
shot  down  in  the  streets  and  field  ?  And  when  this  Governor, 
in  violation  of  law,  to  protect  masonic  Chinamen,  and  his 
"loyal "  militia  who  were  being  arrested /o7'  murder,  and  when 
good  citizens  coiild  gvt  no  protection ;  he  formed  a  military 
commission  "  the  most  powerful  court  under  militai-y  govern- 
ment "  and  detained  this  very  General  as  Judge  Advocate  and 
Recorder  of  this  extra  "  good  Judiciary,"  to  try  and  punish 
offenders  against  white  and  yellow  Chinamen  ! 

Jan,  5th,  18SG. — "Kev.  Parker  liei'e.  Brought  message  to  Mr.  S. . . 
from  members  of  the  Legislature,  that  they  '  wouhl  shake  the  SAviudle  up 
and  end  the  prison  contract. ' " 

Jan.  7th. — "  No  Legislature  or  Governor  here  yet. " 
I  sent  the  following  petition  to  the  Legislature  : 

"  Seatco  Pbison,  "W.  T  ,  January  8th,  1886. 

I  hereby  respectfully  and  earnestly  petition  the  Legislature 
to  rigidly  investigate  my  case  and  duress — according  me  a  full 
and  respectful  hearing  as  to  the  same. 

I  earnestly  certify,  that  I  have  been  unjustly,  cruelly  and 
corruptly  held  in  prison  for  over  seven  (7)  years,  when  it  lias 
and  can  be  shown  beyond  dispute  or  refutation,  that  there 
never  was  even  the  shadow  of  any  true  case  of  crime  against 
me,  and  having  all  the  time  an  abundance  of  proof  to  so 
establish  my  case ;  that  I  was  shanghaied  and  not  convicted, 
and  every  effort  to  make  the  fact  known  to  the  people  has  been 
squelched.  That  I  have  as  worthy  petitions  and  other  sIioav- 
ings  as  was  ever  filed  at  Olympia.  That  Judge  Wingard, 
learning  the  injustice  of  mj'  "  conviction  "  (?)  joined  in  urgiii}:f 
my  case  repeatedly  to  the  Governoi  —so  that  he  declares  ho 


My  Reij:ase, 


403 


Bsecrate  uiid 
come  when 
itiato  guard 
istice  of  tlio 
Think  of  a 
med  citizens 
ig  about  tlio 
A  "billed  t(^ 
,  should  other 
nent  are  thus 
depravity  or 
lis  Governor, 
men,  and  his 
ler,  and  when 
id  a  military 
iitary  govern- 
Ailvocate  and 
r  and  punish 


age  to  Mr.  S. . . 
3  the  8^\'iu(llo  up 


re : 

m,  1886. 

le  Legislature 

ing  me  a  full 


"  has  done  more  for  my  release  than  lie  ever  before  did  for 
any  man  in  prison,"  and  that  I  "  should  have  had  a  new  trial." 
Please  investigate,  give  me  a  hearing  as  to  any  point  held 
against  me,  and  take  such  action  as  is  found  to  be  just. 

Geo.  W.  France." 

/(//(.  l!)/h. — 3[. . .  and  K. . .  hcvo  from  Dayton.  Bring  word  that  the 
county  oflifiala  and  "  everybody  "  will  sign  my  i)etition. 

Jiiii.  2-'jt/t. — "PrieHt  lier(\  Took  i)etition  of  the  prisoners  to  the 
Legislature  to  ai)point  the  (']iai)lains,  or  other  outsiders,  as  a  eommissiou 
to  investigate  and  report  to  the  Governor  as  to  any  priscmer's  ecmduet;  also 
to  i)as3  a  one- third  rebate  law,  like  that  of  other  States,  for  good  conduct. 
The  jniest  and  the  other  \'isiting  minister  will  favor  the  same."  [N.  B. — 
But  they  were  ignored,  because  it  would  interfere  with  the  gang.] 

FchriKirii  1st. — "Rev.  Parker  here  from  Olymiiia.  Thinks  the iirison- 
ers  will  be  removed  to  Walla  Walla  in  July,  to  utilize  their  labor  in  the 
building  of  a  Territorial  Prison  that  is  providinl  for  to  bo  built  there.  And 
also  thinks  and  praya  that  Governor  [Mason]  will  soon  be  removed." 

During  the  session  of  the  Legislature,  in  discussing  the 
Local  Option  Bill,  the  Governor  is  reported  as  saying  as  to  his 
approving  or  vetoing  it : 

"I  must  say  that  I  feel  a  great  deal  of  embarrassment  from  the  situa- 
tion in  which  I  am  jilaced  v«ith  such  2>ileH  of  remonstrance's  and  jietitions, 
on  the  one  hand  and  on  the  other,  con.stantly  coming  in.  There  was  a 
telegram  from  Tacoma  with  thirteen  jjagea  of  signatures,  and  otliera  from 

other  places Telegrams  have  come  from  Seattle,  signed  by  promi- 

ueut  business  men,  and  last  night  a  message  came  from  eleven  business 
men,  four  of  them  liquor  dealers,  asking  for  the  approval  of  the  Local 
Option  Bill. 

TJ/iK  matter  <f  j^''^'^'""^  '•'>'  f"*^  i^i^^  '•'*  <>f  rrry  imcertain  qunntUy.  I  have 
had  j)etitions  come  in  here,  for  the  pardon  of  prisoners,  signed  by  almost 
everybody  in  the  county,  and,  yet,  neither  the  Judge  nor  the  Prosecuting 
Attorney  had  signed  them.     It   may   seem   iiresumptuous  to   ojjcn   this 

imittt>r,  but  I  de(!m  it  due  to  myself  to  resptu't  a  ri'quest  to  be  heard  on  a 
qnestiou  of  thia  kind." 

Whenever  the  people  suffer  one  or  two  members  of  a  secret 
sworn  brotherhood,  lolio  heUmg  first  to  their  gamj,  to  exercise 
more  influence  and  power  than  all  the  people  comhined,  then 
whiskey  and  vice  are  sure  to  get  a  hearing,  while  liberty,  virtue, 
right  and  justice  are  spurned  to  languish. 

When  the  "  judge  and  prosecuting  attorney"  are  mere  tools 
of  the  gang,  as  is  so  often  the  case,  where  then !  is  there  any 
recourse  for  their  victims  ? 


•f 


I 
I 


':  . 


\'n 


■ 


In 


^^■'    IE  if 

m  " 

404 


Extracts  from  Diauy  Kept  in  Pi:isox. 


If  the  earnest  will  and  voice  of  the  people  is  thus  to  be 
spurned  at  the  crook  of  the  finger  of  perhaps  the  vilest  villain 
in  the  ganf^!  (as  has  been  seen)  what  is  there  then  in  the 
most  .sacred  ri(jht  qfpetlflon  ? 

Is  a  masonic  railroad  company  a  friend  to  jiistice  or  the 
people  ?  Can  one  of  the  people  get  any  justice  against  such  a 
gang  in  the  "  good  judiciary  ?  " 

And,  moreover,  will  not  the  "  good  judiciary  "  bankrupt 
him  if  he  appeals  to  it  for  a  final  decision '? 

Is  the  masonic  gang,  called  the  "  members  of  the  bar,"  a 
friend  to  justice  or  the  people  ? 

Do  they  not  cause  all  the  laws  to  be  flawed,  so  that  it  is 
simply  a  matter  of  fancy  or  of  interest  or  corruption  as  to  what 
they  are  to  be  held  to  be  one  thing  to-day  and  another  thing 
next  month  for  a  price  ? 

Do  they  not,  as  secret  middlemen,  make  the  courts  sink 
of  prostitution  and  cold-blooded  robbery  ? 

Are  they  not  as  a  cancer  to  the  people  ?  Are  not  judges 
and  prosecuting  attorneys  of  this  gang  and  secret  sworn  brethren  ? 

Do  not  the  masonic  railroad  companies  really  make  the 
selections  for  office,  and  are  supported  by  a  petition  of  the 
brother  members  of  the  "bar  "—the  cancer  of  the  people  ? 

Could  a  prince  of  virtue  and  ability  get  a  judgeship  against 
both  or  either  of  these  masonic  "charitable  societies,"  the 
cancer  of  the  j^cople  ? 

"Where  then  is  a  victimVi  recourse  when  the  people  even  en 
masse  are  considered  as  a  "  very  uncertain  quantity"  as  against 
one  of  these  tools  of  the  gang,  whose  stay  in  office  depends  ou 
the  amount  of  innocent  blood  and  plunder  he  sucks  from  the 
victims !  when  the  most  sacred  right  of  'petition  is  nullified, 
spurned  and  spit  upon  ? 

That  the  cancer  may  suck  the  homes  and  heart's  blood  of 
its  victims.  No  law  should  be  made  or  unmade  against  the  ex- 
pressed will  of  two-thirds  of  the  people.  Nor  should  any  hiH 
hecome  a  la  iv  until  sanctioned  hy  the  p)^ople,  aixxdi  when  thus  en- 
dorsed no  court  shoxild  he  alloived  to  abrogate  or  nnlJify  it.  If  the 
people  do  not  know  their  constitution,  and  whether  a  law  would 
violate  it,  then  it  is  time  for  them  to  build  one  that  they  can 
understand. 


ii^< 


courts  sink 


My  Release. 


405 


If  the  courts  were  honest  they  would  not  wait  till  laws 
have  been  in  force  for  eleven  or  seventeen  years,  anil  then 
imnul  them  to  enrich  the  gauj^.  But  they  would  confirm  or 
abrogate  them/orfhicith  on  their  enncUmuf,  if  at  all. 

But  a  mere  sprig  of  a  cancer  need  not  bo  expected  to  favor 
such  reforms.  He  would  sooner  build  with  the  people's  money 
a  haicherij  to  breed  little  cancers,  for  such  an  "  attractive  field." 

"  Fehriirtri/  tth,  lHHf>. — Legislature  adjourned  without  visiting  this 
place.  It  is  loft  discretionary  with  the  Governor  whether  the  prisonerrt 
are  taken  away  the  first  of  July  or  held  here  to  enrich  the  gang,  till  the 
lu'ison  is  built." 

"Seatco  Pkison,  Wash.  Tek.,  February  IGth,  1881). 
Hon.  R.  O.  D.  . . . 

Dear  Siu  : — Will  you  please  inform  me  as  to  the  action  taken  on  my 
petition  to  the  late  Legislature  for  an  investigation  of  my  case  and  duress, 
and  whether  it  was  squelched  and  the  reason  therefore,  and  greatly  oblige, 

Geo.  W.  Fiunce." 
More  rot. 

"Goldendai-e,  Wash.  Tek.,  March  iih,  188G. 
Geo.  W.  France  : 

Dear  Sir: — The  Legislature  concluded  that  it  was  not  pro])er  for  it 
to  take  criminal  matters  out  of  the  hands  of  the  courts.  The  only  jjarty 
to  appeal  to  after  conviction  is  the  Governor.  If  the  Legislature  should 
go  into  the  subject  of  investigation  there  would  be  httle  use  for  courts.  If 
yours  is  a  meritorious  case,  and  the  Governor  is  ai)prised  of  the  facts,  that 
would  go  to  show  the  error  of  your  conviction,  I  have  no  doubt  that  he 
will  extend  the  executive  clemency.     Yours  Respectfully,        R.  O.  D. . ." 

Then,  when  the  Governor  belongs  to  the  gang,  there  is  no 
recourse  for  one  of  their  victims.  And  if  the  Legislature  will 
not  investigate  and  correct  such  corrupt  abuses,  then  tli(>re  is 
"little  use  "  for  legislatures.  One  who  writes  or  talks  likti  R. 
0.  D . .  on  being  informed  of  such  distress,  is  either  a  fool  or  a 
thief. 

The  kind  of  an  outfit  this  Legislature  was  and  how  it 
was  run  by  masonic  gangs. 

From  the  Press  : — -"  It  is  impossible  to  conceive  of  a  more 
corrnpt,  worthless  and  faithless  body  than  the  wretched  Legis- 
lature of  1885.  Upon  the  members  of  that  body  the  railroad 
strikers  of  Oregon  and  Washington  set  to  work  as  they  had 
never  set  to  work  before.  A  lobby  [mason]  was  establislied  at 
Olympia,  which  practiced  methods  of  such  shameless  corrup- 


l 


U 


:^ 


■  '3 


.i 


i  i 


i)  '■ 


I ',  ;  ■ 


'  I  !'*'   ^f 


ii'  I  •  ! 


:W 


40G 


EXTllACTS  FROM  DiAUY  KeIT  IN  PllIHON. 


tiou  as  1ms  seldom  been  seen  iu  the  Uuiteil  States.  The  reul 
story  of  the  last  Legislature,  of  the  lobby  established  by  two 
great  corporations  who  combined  in  the  nefarious  work  of  de- 
feating the  will  of  the  people,  of  the  open  and  notorious  cor- 
ruption which  was  employed  to  bind  a  majority  as  with  hooks 
of  steel  to  their  [masonic]  masters,  of  the  means  by  which  a  hi/ 
l(>gislation  in  the  interest  of  the  people  was  prevented  :  that 
story  has  never  been  told,  and  if  it  ever  is  told  and  told  truly, 
the  people  will  listen  with  amazement  to  a  story  of  corruption 

such  as  has  seldom  blotted  the  annals  of  free  government 

....  All  good  citizens  should  hope  that  the  next  Legip-lature 
will  be  a  vast  improvement  on  the  last.  It  it  is  not,  the  people 
oi  Washington  Territory  had  better  give  iip  the  idea  of  at- 
tempting to  govern  themselves,  and  throw  themselves  upon  the 
protection  of  some  kind-hearted  Czar." 

[But  the  gangs  prevent  by  laio  and  a  corrupt  judiciary  the 
telling  of  the  "  true  stories  "  of  corruption  and  crime  of  their 
members.  Here  following  is  what  one  of  the  gang  says  as  to 
such  law.] 

"Below  is  given  the  text  of  the  libel  law.  It  makes  the  publisher  of 
a  libel  resi)on.sible  iu  civil  tlaniagos  or  eriuiiually,  aud  we  believe  it  to  bo 
a  good  law  that  no  fair,  honest  luau  need  fear,  but  "which  will  have  a 
salutary  effect  upon  all  evil-minded  i^ersous." 

[And  here  folloics  the  truth  ;] 

"  An  attorney  in  this  city  assures  us  that  the  lately  enacted 
libel  law  is  operative  only  against  decent  people,  and  is  null 
and  void  against  persons  destitute  of  good  character,"  [None 
of  the  laws  are  operative  against  members  of  the  gang,  and  a 
.Judge  has  lately  openly  declared  suhstantlalhj,  that  "  the  laws 
against  stealing  do  not  apply  to  members  of  the  gang."  One 
who  had  robb-'i.l  a  county  treasury  was  discharged  by  the 
■court  "  becaui^e  ihe  law  did  not  apply  to  him  "  (or  his  case), 
"  that  it  is  so,  he  is  jiosUive.    It  is  a  delightful  law,  indeed,  that 

will  tolerate  and  foster  a  social  condition  of  this  nature It 

was  perhaps  an  understanding  of  this  character  that  induced 
notoriously  bad  men,  scandal-mongers,  and  professional  libelers, 
to  urge  the  passage  of  this  libel  law,  that  they  might  go  on  iu 
.  their  wickedness,  and  flourish  at  the  expense  of  the  better 
portion  of  the  community." 


My  Release. 


407 


Again. — "One  of  the  last  ivctsnf  tlm  Ijoj,'i.sliitnn' was  to  puss  a  law, 
oxomptiiif?  from 'taxation  t'liarital>lo  institntioiiH  ami  i-hnirli  oditlccH  iinl 
groiuulrt  to  tlio  I'xtont  of  8i'><H)0  iu  value. 

The  i)i>oi)lo  of  Washiugtoii  Territory  at  the  last  f^enenil  ch'ction  (k"  id- 
t'd  by  au  on-nrlielmiinj  majority  iu  favor  of  taxing  cluirch  property.  The 
L('j,'islatnr(!  <li(l  vt>ry  •\vroug  iu  passiug  siieh  a  law."  [IJui  they  cousiilor 
the  people  a  "  ivry  niicrrtuhi  ijKtinlihf."] 

This  hill  was  enacted  ho  as  to  exempt  from  taxation  /lie 
ihtis  nnd  ollio'  propcrti/  of  t/ic  nilihtit/Jif  (juikJ'S,  which  are  con- 
sidered hy  the  brethren  in  office  as  "  charitahk'  institutions." 

Aijidii  from  the  Preits. — "It  will  take  two  years  and  au  outhiy  of 
thousauds  of  dollars  iu  legal  exi)cuscs,  to  decide  what  i.s  law.  About  the 
first  thing  that  a  lawyer  uow  undertakes  in  the  iut(!rest  of  his  client  [if  he 
lielongH  to  the  gang]  is  to  get  the  law.s  "buBted,"  if  thereby  ho  can  gain 
uu  advantage." 

And  ajjjain. — "It  is  asserted  that  every  corrupt  practice  is 
brought  into  play,  that  money  is  freely  used,  that  men  recom- 
mended by  their  duplicity  and  their  ability  as  fixers  have  been 
imported  from  beyond  the  borders  of  the  Territory  to  perform 
the  filthy  work  of  the  lobby,  and  that  the  wishes  of  the  people 
have  been  deliberately  overridden  by  lobbyist  and  legislator 
alike 

They  can  and  do  exert  a  supervision  over  all  legislation, 
and  defeat  any  tliat  is  conceived  in  fhe  intered  of  the  people.  The 
managers  of  the  lobby  at  Olympia,  among  whom  are  a  well 
known  Oregon  politician,  and  an  equally  well  known  Territor- 
ial Official  [both  masons,  of  course],  it  is  asserted,  receive  daily 
instructions  fi-om  headquarters — instructions  it  is  safe  to  say 
they  carry  out  to  the  letter.  Never  has  our  Territory  been  so 
shamefully,  outrageously  disgraced ....  never  have  a  people 
been  bound  hand  and  foot  and  handed  over  to  their  enemies  by 
their  faithless  servants  in  a  more  shameful  manner.  If  there 
is  a  citizen  of  the  Territory  who  doeti  not  blush  at  the  thought 
of  this  corruption,  he  is  unworthy  of  his  citizenship.  These 
tacts  are  coming  to  the  ears  of  the  people  slowly.  This  is  to 
be  accounted  for  in  several  ways.  The  devotion  of  both  of  the 
Olympia  newspapers  to  the  cause  of  monopoly  [masonry],  their 
connection  with  all  that  is  evil  in  our  politics,  and  their  hostil- 
'  ity  to  every  popular  movement  is  well  known.  They,  of  cour^r>, 
could  be  relied  upon  not  to  tell  anything  of  the  operations  of 


■  ?  1 


<i 


iJ  i! 


4 


(iilii 


?,'( 


"■  hi 

I  I  1  . 1    7* 


408 


ExTlU(^Ta   FROM  DlAllY   KePT  IN   PlJISON. 


If.  i 


\'r  ill: 


tlie  lobby.  The  correspondents  at  Olympia  have,  with  one  ex- 
ception, been  purchased  or  cajoled,  and  have  become  pliaut 
tools  of  the  corruptionists.  With  such  a  condition  of  affairs  it 
lijis  been  an  easy  matter  to  carry  on  the  nefarious  work  as  if  in 
the  dark — to  persuade  legislators  that  their  actions  would 
never  be  known  by  their  constituents." 

"  March  IDfJi,  188G. — I  wrote  to  the  prison  director  who 
was  to  assist  the  Governor  in  the  investigation  of  my  case  : 

"  When  you  were  here  with  the  Governor  yon  appeared  to 
be  interested  in  my  case,  and  said  you  would,  at  the  Governor's 
request,  investigate  the  matter,  including  all  the  papers  on  file, 
and  would  also  write  to  the  references  as  to  the  same.  But  I 
have  failed  to  hear  anything  further  from  you  or  the  Governor. 
And  I  am  still  here,  suffering  the  cruel  ravages  of  the  black 

conspiracy Now  I  earnestly  request  you  to  frankly  and  d(^- 

finitely  answer  me  the  following  questions.  Will  you,  please, 
do  so? 

Firat. — What  papers,  letters,  etc.,  did  you  find  on  file  as  to 
my  case  at  Olympia  ? 

Seco7ul. — Will  you,  please,  answer  the  qiiestions  and  points 
as  given  and  numbered  in  my  .argument  and  plea  ? 

Third.— Is  not  my  case  and  innocence  fully  shown  and  de- 
monstrated ?     If  not,  on  wh((t  point  ? 

Fourth.  —Are  not  my  references  for  proof  very  complete 
and  knowing,  and  as  worthy  of  belief  and  influence  as  auy 
against  me  ? 

Fifth. — Is  there  any  stronger  case,  in  justice  and  right,  or 
any  uvfroil  hy  better  or  more  competent  witnesses  and  proof  tlmii 
given  in  my  favor  ?    If  so,  please  name  any  such  case  ! 

Sixtli.— Is  it  fair  play  to  be  influenced  and  contrclled  in 
such  matters  by  secret  influences  that  fear  the  scrutiny  of  liglit? 

Seventh. —  Why  is  a  respectful  hearing  and  an  o/xn  dai/Jiijht 
investic/ntion  of  mi/  case  always  sgnclched  ? 

Eif/hth. — Does  not  Judge  Wingard  declare  virtually,  that  I 
am  unjustly  held  in  prison  ? 

Now,  Mr ,  please  be  so  good  as  to  answer  my  questions 

honestly,  frankly  and  specifically — manly.     And  greatly  ob]i^a> 

Yours  very  respectfully, 

Geo.  W.  Fuance." 


My  Eklease. 


409 


tl  on  file  as  to 


liown  and 


"P.  S.— If  you  will  not  answer  these  questions,  which  are 
of  such  vital  concern  to  me,  please  transmit  the  same  to  the 
Governor,  with  my  request  that  he  will  do  so.  G,  W.  F." 

To  which  he  replied  (?),  ignoring  my  questions  -fearing  to 
face  the  truth,  as  they  always  did — and  gave  this  rot  as  a 

"reply"  : 

'  lu  reply  I  will  say: — I  hail  not  forgotten  yonr  case,  bnt  it  stands  in 
the  vay.  The  case  is  Iwt'iu-e  the  Governor  for  /n's  action  and  invcstii^ation, 
ami  is  entirely  out  of  my  reach.  I  have  had  a  number  of  talks  with  the 
Governor  and  have  tendered  him  my  sei'vices  whenever  he  requires  them. 
That  is  all  I  could  do.  T))e  (rovernor  has  his  own  ideas  of  these  matters, 
iiud  your  only  way  is  to  address  him  direct.  His  couvei'satiou  with  me 
was  coutidential.     I  will,  therefore,  not  re2)eat  it." 

So  the  matter  was  conceded  to  be  a  ring  secret,  that  they 
were  liound  to  keep  in  the  dark. 

As  to  me  "  addressing  the  Governor  direct,"  I  had  al- 
ready done  so,  but  with  no  more  eflect,  than  if  he  ica.f  phd'icdto 
tk  (jiUKj  to  keep  the  matter  in  the  dark,  so  it  woukl  not  be 
"troublesome"  to  them. 

A  man  had  been  elected  ."S  Delegate  to  Congress,  as  a 
champion  of  the  people  against  the  gang  known  as  the  N.  P.  R. 
R.  But  whether  he  was  a  mason  himself  and  thus  betrayed 
the  people  I  did  not  know,  but  thought  I  would  find  out  whether 
he  Mould  really  defend  one  of  the  people  against  the  gang.  So 
I  addressed  him  as  here  to  follow; 

•  Seatco  PmsoN,  Thurston  Co.,  W.  T.,  April  7th,  1881). 

Hon.  C.  S.  VooKHEEs,  AVashiugtou,  1).  C. 

Deau  Sin: — Over  seven  years  ago,  by  the  aid  of  C  ..'s  treachery,  I 
\viis  Kliuughaied  from  my  home  in  '  i)lunibia  County  and  incd,rcerat«Hl  in 
this  pnson. 

It  was  a  craspiracy  to  nmrdor  and  rob  me,  I  being  possessed  of  a 
S'2d,00()  i)lant  and  foitune  I  lir-.d  Ijonestly  earned,  .is  the  land  records  will, 
iua  degree,  shoAV.  In  reiielling  a  umrderons  attack  with  a  carbine,  while 
poiiccably  at  work  on  my  own  home,  I  returned  the  Are  with  a  poi-ket 
liistiil,  killing  one  of  the  gang  who  was  tlnis  nhootiugat  me,  killing  a  horso 
I'v  my  .side.  And  he  having  sAvorn  to  kill  mo  at  such  time,  i)lace  and  cir- 
lUiiistiiuc-  Then  by  the  treachery  of  C. . .  and  another  blackleg  shyster 
(li--  )  a  iiiige  amount  of  money  was,  under  huxe,  fidse  pretensiaiis,  e.rtorled 
fuuu  nie,  without  atlbi'ding  me  any  real  trial- -which  I  have  alw.'.ys  failed 
to  got — and  the  facts  of  the  damnable  outrage  are  sought  to  bo  biined  with 
uu'  iu  this  prison,  while  mv  familv  would  be  dest.'ovod.     Ev(>rv  eiTort  to 


\.\..rii 


.lis, 


i  i' 


k'  -'; 


■  i'fc.      '.  £ 


ffff 


Ui 


jit^-.ar.'iH^iwii^ 


i 
J:     ^il 


I!  h 


iri: 


410 


Extracts  from  Diary  Kept  in  Prison. 


procure  an  oiion,  honest  investigation  has  been  squelched;  the  GoveiuoiN 
putting  me  off  with  false  iiromisea  and  turning  a  deaf  ear  to  all  of  niv 
apjieals  us  well  as  from  Judge  Wingaiit  (to  whom  I  refer),  my  neighbors 
aid  that  of  others  usiially  successful  in  releasing  prisoners  from  other 
prisons.  There  was  never  the  shadow  of  any  true  case  against  me;  so  evi- 
dent is  this,  that  no  ojyen  opi^osition  has  apjieared  against  my  release,  and 
the  Governors  hioin  that  I  am  innocent  of  any  crime. 

I  have  been  informed  that  I  could  get  out  for  more  mone  hut  I 
earnestly  appeal  to  you  to  present  my  case  to  the  President,  to  the  Secre- 
tary of  the  Interior  and  to  Congress,  and  establish  whether  there  is  anv 
recourse  in  such  a  case  of  cruel,  brutal,  inhuman  oiitrage  and  ravage, 
or  not. 

I  have  appealed  in  vain  to  the  Governors  to  put  a  finger  on  any  poiut 

or  i)liase  charged  against  me,  that  has  not  been  completely  refuted,  and 

that  it  vDuld  be,  beyond  question.     But  they  could  not  do  it  and  will  ur ' 

attempt  it.  Yours  very  truly, 

Geo.  W.  Fea.n  :..  ' 

(Written  after  my  release.) 

"Peola,  Garfield  Co.,  W.  T.,  July  28th,  188>i. 
Hon.  C.  S.  Voorhees,  'Washington,  D.  C: 

Dear  Sir  :  —I  wrote  to  you  by  registered  letter,  April  7tl;, 
1886,  informing  you  that  I  had  been  shanghaied,  and  was  tlieu 
incarcerated  in  the  Seatco  contract-bastile.  That  I  was  inno- 
cent of  any  crime,  and  had  never  had  and  could  never  get  any 
real  trial,  or  find  any  recourse  in  the  territory,  etc.,  etc.  And 
appealed  to  you  to  present  my  case  to  the  President,  Secretary 
of  the  Interior,  and  to  Congress. 

But  I  never  received  even  a  reply.  I  desire,  if  you  please, 
to  know  your  reason  for  thus  ignoring  such  an  appeal  for 
justice  and  humanity  in  behalf  of  a  pioneer  homebuilder,  crnelly 
languishing  in  prison  to  be  plundered  and  ravaged  by  the  gaug. 

Very  truly,  Geo.  W.  France." 

(  "House  of  EEPUESENTATrvES,  U.  S., 
\         Washington,  D.  C,  August  Otli,  1888. 
Geo.  W.  Fkance,  Esq.,  Peola,  Wash.: 

Sik: — I  have  no  recollection  Avhatever  as  to  the  circumstauce  to 
which  you  refer  in  your  letter  of  the  2Hth  ult.  I  wiU  be  glad  to  servo  you 
in  any  way  I  can,  if  you  will  make  the  case  known  to  me. 

Yours  truly,  C.  S.  A'ooehees.  " 

"  Peol.^,  Garfield  Co.,  W.  T.,  August  23rd,  1888. 
Hon.  C.  S.  Voorhees  : 

Dear  Sir  : — Your  favor  of  the  9th  inst.  at  hand.     I  (Miolose 


at  do  it  and  will  uc' 
>EO.  W.  Fkan:).' 


it  hiUuL     I  enclose 


My  Release. 


•Ill 


Post  Office  receipt  of  the  letter  I  wrote  to  you  while  falsely 
coufiued  in  the  Seatco  bastile. 

You  can  serve  me  and  a  just  cause  by  having  the  depart- 
ment investigate  the  matter  and  find  out  to  a  certainty  tcho 
stole  that  letter  ?  Other  functions  of  the  Government  were  pros- 
tituted against  me,  and  the  post-master,  being  one  of  the  prison 
contractors,  may  be  the  thief. 

The  letter  was  of  the  greatest  vital  importance — beyond 
that  of  dollars  and  cents — aiid  now  let  it  he  knotvii  whether  such 
hnddl  crimes  can  be  done  ivith  irnpunity  or  not.  Many  of  my  let- 
ters were  never  received,  and  I  wish  you  to  inform  me  whether 
you  will  push  and  stay  with  this  matter  to  a  definite  conclusion. 

Yours  truly,  Geo.  W.  France." 

"Colfax,  W.  T.,  September  7th,  1888. 
Geo.  W.  Fbance,  Peola,  W.  T. :  ' 

Dear  Sir  : — If  yoii  ^^411,  upon  my  return  to  Washington  next  fall,  again 
direct  my  attention  to  the  subject  matter  of  your  letter  of  the  2;}d  ult., 
which  was  forwarded  me  here,  I  will  very  gladly  institute  such  investi- 
gations as  you  suggest.  I  return  the  registry  receipt  with  the  suggestion 
that  yoa  will  send  it  to  me  when  you  write  in  the  latter  part  of  Novem- 
ber. Very  truly  yours,  C.  S.  Voorhees." 

"  December  10th,  1888. 

....  In  accordance  with  your  promise  to  investigate, 
etc.,  the  matter  of  the  loss  or  theft  of  the  letter  I  registered  to 
you  for  investigation  of  my  case  while  falsely  imprisoned,  on 
your  rot  am  to  Washington  from  Colfax,  I  herewith  return  the 
receip'  aiu'  urgently  "  direct  your  attention  to  the  subject "  as 
yon  i'ugfjffiied  in  your  letter  of  September  7th,  1888. 

r  '-3  let  me  know  if  you  receive  this,  also  the  result  of 
i'.NO/'tigii.ion,  ar,  I  de;  ire  to  push  the  matter  to  some  definite 
conclusio"  i'lease  have  the  .receipt  preserved,  and  in  case  of 
failure  return  it  to  me  and  greatly  oblige, 

Yours  truly,        Geo.  W.  France." 

Tliis  investigation  was  squelched  also,  and  the  receipt 
stolen  too,  as  I  never  heard  anything  more  about  it.  It  should 
interest  and  spur  the  American  people  to  action  to  know  that 
('  '  branch  of  the  governinod  is  rotten  with  linked  masonri/,  so 
''  d-  o'.ly  outside  criminals  can  be  punished  for  crime. 

••    le  Jith,  188G. — Contract  let  at  Walla  Walla  to  build  a  peniteu- 

tiarv." 


PI 


412 


EXTIUGTS  FllOM   DlAJlY   KErT  IX  PllISON. 


"  Jidi/  Int. — Prison  contract  is  expired;  so  the  Governor  can  keep 
the  prisoners  wherever  ho  pleases,  antl  can  utilize  their  labor  in  the  build- 
ing of  the  pen  at  Walla  Walla,  there  being  suitable  temporary  quarters 
that  conld  be  had,  or  a  cheap  building  could  be  built  on  the  giounil 
and  afterwards  used  for  shops." 

But  the  Governor  chose  to  leave  the  prisoners  to  enrich  the  gan^ 
at  the  expense  of  the  people,  and  continue  the  contract-bastile-brntalitv 
as  long  as  i>ossible. 

"  Juli/  9th,  iS^6.— Ex-Governor  [Links]  tells  me  voluntarily, 
that  "  if  he  was  Governor  he  would  let  me  go,"  tJiat  "  vii/  am- 
duct  hasalicai/s  been  good,"  and  he  "will  recommend  my  pardou 
to  Go^'»3''nor  [Mason]."  I  reply  that  "I  thought  you  was  op- 
posing 1         ^ease?" 

"  No;  y  said  ;  "  I  7,.,,vu-\.  not  done  that.  All  I  have  got 
against  you  is,  you  made  Judge  Wingard  and  me  enemies. " 
"  Will  you  give  me  a  copy  of  your  recommendation  to  the  Gov- 
ernor?" said  I. 

"Yes,"  said  he,  "I  will  bring  it  the  next  time  I  come." 
[He  is  now  the  prison  doctor.  It  will  be  remembered  how  / 
made  Links  and  Wingard  enemies.] 

"  Jidi/  21th. — Ex-Governor  (Doctor)  [Links]  here;  said  "  he  would 
write  the  recommendation  to  the  Governor  to-night,  as  soon  as  he  got 
home,  and  also  a  coiiy  of  it  for  me. " 

"  Aii;/ii.tt  29th,  ISSG. — Doctor  (ex-Governor)  here;  says  he  '  has  written 
and  sent  to  the  Governor  his  recommendation  for  my  release,'  that  ';w"r 
conduct  han  <dirii>/s  been  good,  and  you  have  been  here  long  enough.'  Will 
bring  copy  of  it  next  time  he  comes."     So  he  says,  vdWi  his  moutli— more 

EOT. 

"  Aiif/iint  30th. — J.   P..   pardoned  from  Oregon  penitentiary— had  a 
life  sentence  and  served  about  five  (5)  years  ;  was  first  sentenced  to  bang, " 
^'September  ISth. — Governor  [Mason]  goes  to  the  States  without  com- 
ing here  at  all." 

"  Must  rampant  vice  still  triumph  ovei'  laws, 
And  will  not  pitj/ing  hearen  avenge  our  cause?  " 
"Only  the  actions  of  the  just  smell  sweet  and  blossom  in  the  dust." 

"  Seatco  Prison,  W.  T.,  October  20th,  1886. 
Hon.  N.  H.  [Mason]: 

Sir: — As  you  are  acting  Governor,  I  most  respectfully  aud 
earnestly  appeal  to  you  for  my  restoration. 

I  have  been  cruelly  and  malignantly  imprisoned  for  ovpr 
eight  years.     Yet,  if  you  will  examine  all  the  papers  (ni  tilo  in 


My  Release. 


413 


my  behalf,  or  heretofore  addressed  to  i  he  Governors,  and  never 
answered,  you  will  be  compelled  to  see  uiaL  I  was  never  guilty 
of  any  crime.  And  which  fact,  if  not  apparent  as  to  any  point, 
I  have  always  begged  to  establish  beyond  dispute,  if  such  point  or 
phase  be  pointed  out  that  is  held  against  me. 

If,  after  all  this  suffering,  and  abuse,  and  ill-health,  and 
ravage,  you  have  the  hardihood  to  reject  my  petition,  at  leas'. 
please  answer  this  letter,  and  the  points  made  in  my  argument 
aud  plea  on  file— each  to  each,  as  pointed  out  and  numbered 
from  "  one  to  four,"  which  will  be  doing  that  much  more  than 
vour  vindictive,  unrelenting  predecessors  have  done,  and  hioic- 
inij  all  the  time  that  I  was  shanghaied  and  betrayed  for  plunder 
aud  ravage,  and  that  I  only  defended  my  life. 

Yours  very  truly        Geo.  W.  France." 

This  official  was  also  a  secret-sworn-brotherhood-man,  as 
Ids  evasive  and  contemptible  rot  shows  for  itseli,  for  neither 
would  he  face  my  case  at  all,  and  he  holds  that  the  "  people  and 
justice  be  damned,"  and  that  the  masonic  prostituted  courts 

are  infallible. 

"Tekkitoby  of  Washington. — Secbetaby's  Office. 

Olympia,  October  28tli,  1886. 
Geo,  W.  Fkance,  Seatco,  W.  T. : 

Deab  Sib  : — In  reply  to  yours  of  the  20th  inst.  I  will  say  that  I 
finJ  nothing  on  file  in  this  office  that  would  justify  the  executive  in 
tukiug  action  in  your  case  that  would  set  at  naught  the  action  of  the 
iiulifiary. 

My  own  idea  in   regard  to   pardons  is  that  in   no  case   should  the 
executive  interfere   with  the  courts,  unless   evidence  is   produced  that 
viis  Dot  before  the  court  and  jury,  that  would  have  cleared  him  on  h' 
trial.    Very  respectfully  yours, 

N.  H.  [Mason],  Acting  Governor." 

Tlie  executive  is  sworn  to  virtually  "  interfere  with  the  courts  " 
whenever  they  are  prostituted,  or  through  error  do  an  injustice 
iu  such  cases.  If  the  courts  were  infallible,  there  would  be  no 
need  of  a  higher  power,  and  a  fool  ought  to  know  that  a  secret 
ring  court  and  a  fixed  jury  care  nothing  whatever  for  the  kind  or 
wnount  of  evidence  in  the  case  of  the  gang  against  a  good  citizen,  or 
'^  good  citizen  against  one  of  the  gang,  e\ce\)t  its  bearing  on  the 
public  mind  iu  making  them  odious.     Yet  this  ring  official 


IJ  i' 


w 


5     K'. 


V\l 


414 


Extracts  fuom  Diary  Kept  in  Prison. 


holds  and  acts,  that  in  such  cases  of  court  prostitution  there 
should  be  no  recourse  for  justice  and  truth. 

History  gives  no  aqcount  of  any  more  hellish  tyranny  tlian 
this. 

The  pardoning  power  should  be  in  the  hands  of  the  people  of 
each  county  or  judicial  district.  Only  members  of  the  f^'iiuir 
woiild  oppose  this,  because  they  could  not  prostitute  the  people 
as  easy  as  they  do  an  office. 

Nearly  all  good  citizens  do  declare  that  the  courts  are  pros- 
titided  against  them,  and  that  they  "cannot  get  justice  againd  a 
Tnemher  of  any  midnight  brotherhood." 

"February  14th,  1887. — The  new  penitentiary  at  Walla 
"Walla  was  turned  over  to  the  Governor  as  '  ready  for  occu- 
pancy.' The  plain  law  requires  the  Governor  to  cause  the 
prisoners  to  be  removed  there  forthioith,  and  appropriated  the 
necessary  means  to  do  so." 

"  March  h5fh,  1887. — Ninety-eight  prisoners  here  now ;  the 
"Walla  "Walla  Board  of  Trade  declares  that, 

"  miei-eiif!,  if  there  is  a  legal  doubt  as  to  the  maintaining  of  the  iiiison- 
ers  at  the  Territorial  penitentiary  (at  Walla  Walla),  there  is  manifestly  a 
graver  doubt  of  power  lor  their  maintenance  elsewhere," 

"  But  the  Governor  contends,  that  it  is  more  *  lawful '  to 
continue  the  coutract-bastile  till  the  Legislature  meets  again, 
paying  tlii.  gang  hotel  rates  besides  the  labor  of  the  prison- 
ers, than  to  comply  with  the  plain  letter  and  spirit  of  the  law, 
which  was  considered  as  ample  and  all  right  when  it  was  made 
and  signed,  until  now,  when  it  is  to  the  interest  of  the  gang  to 
'  discover '  the  flaw  with  Avhich  they  had  fixed  it.  The  most  of 
tlie  ring  press  are  howling  for  the  gang,  and  to  rob  the 
people.  They,  too,  have  \}ust  discovered^  the  hole  or  flaw  in  the 
law.     Of  course,  the  Governor  didn't  see  it  wJien  he  signed  it." 

"March  24th,  1887. — Governor  [Mason]  here;  he  had  no- 
thing to  say  to  me  nor  I  to  him.  S..  asked  him  about  his 
case ;  said  he  *  had  never  seen  his  petitions,  though  he  was 
satisfied  they  were  there,  as  S .  .  's  friends  had  told  him  of 
them,  and  he  would  see  the  Judge  about  his  case.'  S.  is 
given  to  understand  that  if  he  'would  leave  the  country  he 
can  get  out.'  Yet  he  knows  of  no  opposition  to  his  release 
except   these   prison    contractors    and   the    ex-Governor;  he 


'M-.^,: 


ON. 


My  Reij3ase. 


415 


)stitution  tliere 

li  tyranny  tlian 

?  of  the  2Xoph'  of 
rs  of  the  gang 
tute  the  people 

courts  are  pron- 
ustice  mjaiml  a 

tiary  at  Walla 
•eacly  for  occu- 
ir  to  cause  the 
ppropriated  the 

3  here  now ;  the 

ining  of  the  prison- 
lere  is  manifestly  a 

lore  '  lawful '  to 
re  meets  agaiu, 
r  of  the  prisou- 
,pirit  of  the  law, 
lien  it  was  made 
of  the  pang  to 
The  most  of 
,ncl   to  rob  the 
e  or  flaw  in  the 
e  sigiwd  il" 
■e;  he  had  no- 
tl  him  about  his 
;hough   he  was 
,d  told  him  of 
case.'     S-  •  IS 
|the  country  he 
to  his  release 
Governor;  he 


liaviug  exposed  their  conduct  to  the  Legislature,  and  Las  been 
persecuted  accordingly.  Soon  after  Governor  Links  had  been 
removed,  S .  .  as  well  as  myself  asked  him,  if  he  had  left  our 
petitions,  etc.,  on  file  in  the  executive  office,  and  he  replied 
that  he  had  ;  and  subsequently  I  asked  him  again  as  to  mine, 
aud  lie  said  that  he  had  left  all  of  my  papers,  letters,  '  evcrij- 
tJihuj'  on  file  with  the  new  Governor.  Yet,  noAv  Governor 
Mason  says  that  he  has  never  even  seen  S . .  's  petitions,  not- 
withstanding S . .  told  him  of  them,  and  asked  him  to  examine 
them  at  his  first  visit  here,  when  he  said  that  he  would  *  act  on 
France's  case  the  first  one,'  etc." 

This  is  how  such  officials  attend  to  the  most  vital  business 
((III  (xtih-hound'  trust)  of  their  office,  and  ignore  and  spit  upon 
the  people,  as  an  "  uncertain  qiiantity." 

"  March  2(ith. — It  is  reported  that  the  daylight  thrown  on 
the  Governors  conduct  in  keeping  the  prisoners  here  (even 
after  the  completion  of  the  Territorial  penitentiary)  by  the 
people  of  Walla  Walla,  will  cause  the  prisoners  to  be  removed 
after  some  more  parleying. 

It  is  also  reported  that  Governor  Mason  will  soon  be  re- 
moved, and  the  prisoners  rejoice,  declaring  him  to  be  "  even 
worse  than  Links,  and  that  if  this  lane  through  hell  is  to  ever 
have  any  turn,  it  must  be  at  the  next  change  of  the  devils  in 
charge." 

The  democrats  here  have  been  contending  all  the  time  that 
"if  a  democrat  was  appointed  Governor,  he  would  make  a  break 
in  the  ring,  expose  its  corruptions  to  the  people,  and  having 
some  regard  for  the  people's  welfare,  would  be  influenced  by 
them,  instead  of  being  a  tool  of  the  gang,  aud  would  reform  the 
ofSce." 

The  republicans  here  have  replied  that  "  Avhile  the  repub- 
lican officials  were  dog-fish  aristocrats,  caring  nothing  for  the 
good  of  the  people,  the  democratic  officials  were  slave  drivers 
by  instinct,"  and  pointed  to  the  prison  contract  system  in  the 
democratic  States.  That  "while  in  such  cases  the  contractors 
always  7>cn"(?  the  State  so  much  per  day,  instead  of  hing  paid 
seventy  cents  for  each  prisoner  per  day,  besides  their  labor,  as 
this  gang  was  doing,  yet,  it  was  a  brutality  and  outrage  on 


SIS 


416 


EXTIUCTS  FllOM  DfAIiY  KepT  IN  PuiSON. 


U    t- 


men  mostly  heifer  than  themselves,  if  not  such  a  bare-faced  swindle 
in  money  on  the  people  as  in  this  Territory." 

Those  who  had  critically  studied  the  conduct  of  the  offi- 
cials of  both  parties,  maintained  that  there  was  no  more  diilfer- 
ence  between  the  democratic  and  republican  parties  than  there 
is  between  one  masonic  railroad  company  that  has  got  a  rail- 
road from  the  people,  and  another  masonic  railroad  company 
that  is  trying  to  get  the  people  to  give  them  a  railroad,  or  the 
means  to  get  one  without  earning  or  buying  it.  And  that 
there  is  no  more  diflference  in  the  principles  and  feelings  of  the 
officials,  or  more  influential  members  of  these  parties,  than  there 
is  between  one  free-mason  or  odd-fellow  chief  and  another 
free-mason  and  odd-fellow  chief,  they  being  linked  together  iu 
a  secret  sworn  robber  clan,  as  the  Chinese  highbinders  (free- 
masons) ignoring  and  spurning  our  Government  and  courts,  ex- 
cept to  prostitute  them,  so  as  to  enrich  themselves  and  picnic 
at  the  expense  and  distress  of  the  people.  That  their  prosti- 
tuting secrets  are  so  diabolical  that  it  is  death  to  reveal  them  to 
the  people. 

"  April  9th. — Governor  [Mason]  orders  the  prisoners  to  be  removed  to 
WaUa  Walla,  May  1st." 

"  April  10th,  18H7. — Governor  [MasonJ  bounced  and  a  ^ Democrat^  is 
appointed  Governor. " 

"  April  23d. — Governor  ['Democrat']  assumed  liis  office." 

" April  29th. — Governor  ['Democrat']  has  suspended  the 
order  to  remove  the  prisoners,  and  the  contractors  smile,  the 
prisoners  shudder  and  remark,  '  how  other  men  violate  the  law 
with  impunity.'  " 

" May  5th. — Governor  'Democrat'  here;  he  doesn't  want 
to  talk  to  any  prisoners,  which  is  just  as  well,  unless  he  is  more 
truthful  than  his  predecessors.  It  is  reported  that  he  has 
weakened  and  that  the  prisoners  Avill  leave  here  the  10th  inst." 

If  these  Governors  were  in  irons  as  prisoners,  hoio  their 
physiognomies  tvoidd  he  remarked! 

"  May  10th,  1887. — We  boarded  the  train  for  the  new  prison 
at  Walla  Walla;  occupy  two  passenger  and  one  baggage  car, 
Nothing  very  strange  on  the  road;  about  half  of  the  prisoners 
were  heavily  ironed  in  pairs,  two  of  whom  cut  loose  and  jumped 
out  of  a  window — one  escaping,  the  other  was  stopped  with 


My  Release. 


417 


faced  swiudle 


pistol  shots.  The  most  of  the  other  men  were  ironed  single ; 
the  balance  of  us  not  at  all.  A  lame  one  '  with  pride  in  his 
port,'  against  whom  the  ex-Governor  and  Co.  had  a  grudge  on 
account  of  his  frank  morals,  though  scarcely  guarding  him  be- 
fore—sometimes not  at  all — and  had  never  attempted  to  escape, 
was  now  heavily  riveted  to  an  ugly  Indian — (even  the  day  be- 
fore starting) — to  reduce  his  moral  standard. 

Herod  to  his  sons  : — "  But  do  you,  oh,  my  good  children, 
reflect  upon  the  holiness  of  nature  itself,  by  whose  means 
natural  affection  is  preserved  even  among  Avild  beasts  ;  let  this 
oppression  raise  the  fire  of  vengeance  in  your  hearts— deter- 
mined to  be  avenged." 

^'F'li'  off  tlirough  the  lone  Hiyht  watch  I  htd  yeariiedfor  my  home, 
When  dreams  and  thoughts  of  hippiness  across  m,y  soitl  had  come) 
Vet,  now  my  heart  was/aiiithif/  and  I  gazed  with  anxions/ear 
Upon  the  well-lcnoim  mou.nlauis,  though  so  beaiUifid  iind  near." 

"Walla  Walla,  W.  T.,  May  17th,  1887. 
Hon.  S.  C.  Wingard: 

Dear  Sir  : — I  am  still  in  prison,  (or  what  is  left  of  me)  and 
no  man  has  yet  dared  to  charge  that  it  is  so  by  any  fault  of 
mine,  and  accord  me  a  l^ir  chance  to  refute  it.  Neither 
Governor  could,  or  would  thus  mark  a  single  point  against  me; 
they  kneio  there  was  never  any  true  case  against  me ;  they  knew 
that  I  was  attacked  on  my  own  home,  and  failing  by  a  scratch 
to  murder  me  there,  that  they  shanghaied  me  to  carry  out  their 
hellish  designs  of  murder,  robbery  and  ravage  by  degrees,  by 
prostituting  the  courts  and  executive  office. 

And  yet  they  held  me  down  for  my  heart's  blood  to  be 
wrung  out,  as  though  I  had  not  the  right  to  defend  my  life 
against  a  robber  assassin  firing  at  me  with  a  carbine,  and  the 
magazine  filled  for  the  very  purpose. 

Recall  what  I  told  you  at  the  out-set ;  and  now  that  so 
many  of  my  assertions  are  proven  true  by  a  succession  of  terrible 
events,  that  I  begged  of  you  to  help  prevent  and  thus  save  me 
from  ruin,  you  must  know  that  I  always  spoke  the  truth. 

Although   there   is   comparatively  little   left  for    me    to 

struggle  or  live  for  now,  and  so  many  honest,  earnest  efforts  for 

my  restoration  have  been  spurned  and  spit  upon,  or  squelched, 

yot,  I  wish  to  revive  those  true  and  tvorthij  efforts  and  showings 

27 


m 


ES^Hl:ifl| 

■■; 

■«,1 

f. 

f; 

Si 

ili^«B^ 

.  Mil  §! 

418 


Extracts  from  Diary  Kept  in  Prison. 


to  the  attention  of  Governor  ['Democrat']  and  see  whetlior 
lie,  too,  will  spurn  and  spit  upon  them,  or  will  do  me  what 
justice  he  can.  Will  you,  therefore,  kindly  renew  your  efforts  iu 
my  behalf  to  the  new  Governor? 

Yours  Truly, 

Geo.  W.  France." 

"May  20//(.— Judge  Wingard  sent  recommendation  (to 
Governor)  to  me,  to  see  it  before  mailing ;  also  sent  excuse  for 
not  coming  to  see  me  personally — that  he  "  did'nt  like  to  show- 
discrimination."  [A  Judge  could  learn  more  knowledge  that 
would  fit  him  for  a  Judge  by  visiting  all  of  his  su'jjects,  thau 
he  ever  can  from  law  books.] 

He  says  to  the  Governor:  "I  especially  recommend  for 
pardon  George  W.  France,  as  he  has  fully  expiated  the  crime 
for  which  he  Avas  convicted  and  sentenced." 

To  which  he  received  the  following  reply : 

' '  Washington  Terkitory,  Executivk  Department, 
governor's  office. 

Olympia,  W.  T.,  May  23rd,  1887. 
Hon.  S.  0.  WiNGAKD,  Walla  WaUa,  W.  T. 

Dear  Sir: — Yonr  note  of  May  2{)tb,  recommending  pardon  of  George 
W.  France,  is  received  and  jjlaced  on  file.  There  is  no  uppUcatioa  for  the 
release  of  this  prisoner  in  this  office. 

Very  respectfully,  ;'  our  obedient  servant, 

E. . .  [Democrat],  Governor." 

Judge  W .  .  sent  me  the  Governor's  letter  to  answer;  which 
I  did  by  giving  the  Governor  a  list  and  synopsis  of  what  should 
be  on  file  in  my  behalf  and  closed  as  here  to  follow : 

"I  submit  that  the  fact  alone  that  a  prisoner's  honest,  earnest 
efforts,  and  that  of  his  friends,  are  stoleu  or  squelched,  ought 
to  be  proof  to  an  honest  man,  that  official  functions  have  beeu 

prostituted  against  him. 

Yours  very  truly, 

Geo.  W.  France." 

"  June  10th,  1887.— One  of  the  guards— an  old  time  ac- 
quaintance—  tells  me  that  "  it  is  the  talk "  and  "  seems  to  he 
understood  that  you  Avill  be  released  in  a  few  days."  I  ask 
him  to  be  my  substitute  for  those  "few  days,"  and  he  swears 
that  he  "  really  would  if  he  could,  though  it  were  many  months," 
9U* 


My  Release. 


419 


see  wlictlior 

do  me  what 

rour  efforts  iu 


^.  France." 

lenclatiou  ( to 
ant  excuse  for 
blike  to  show 
[lowleclf^e  that 
su-jjects,  thau 

•ecommeml  for 
atecl  the  crime 


TMENT, 

ay  23rd,  1887. 

parilon  of  George 
itppUcutUm  for  the 

|t],  Governor." 

answer;  which 

of  what  slioM 

[low : 
1  honest,  earuest 

tuelchetl,  ou^lit 

[ions  have  been 

|W.  France." 
old  time  ae- 
"  seems  to  he 
days."  I  '^'''^ 
and  he  swears 
many  months, 


"Walla  Walla,  W.  T.,  June  15th,  1887. 
Hon.  S.  C.  Wingard: 

Dear  Sir  : — I  forthwith  wrote  Governor  [Democrat]  iu  re- 
gard to  the  absence  of  petitions,  etc.,  etc.,  for  my  release;  citing 
the  greater  part  of  what  should  be  on  file  and  that  Governor 
[Links]  had  repeatedly  declared  that  he  had  left  aU — 'cveri/- 
ihi)i(j'  in  my  behalf  on  file;  and  later  that  he  had  written  to 
Governor  [Mason]  his  recommendation  for  my  pardon;  and  that 
Governor  [Mason]  never  diapuled  the  same  to  me  ; — but  I  get  no 
reply. 

I  am,  therefore,  constrained  to  request  you  to  answer  him 
(Governor  Democrat)  also,  and  in  as  urgent  a  manner  as  the 
case  demands. 

I  have  but  four  months  from  the  21st  inst.  to  my  short 
time,  which  would  not  justify  the  duplicating  of  all  the  work 
doue  for  my  justice,  by  friends  worn  out  in  the  cause,  only  to 
be  lied  to  and  spit  at  by  blackleg  Governors,  at  the  secret  beck 
of  their  kind. 

I  told  Governor  [Democrat]  that  it  was  "but  a  technical 
sentence,"  done  with  the  understanding  that  I  would  be 
presently  restored." 

Yours  very  truly, 

Geo.  W.  France." 

To  which  Judge  W —  replied  as  follows  : 

"Walla  Walla,  Wash.  Tekbitoky,  June  20th,  1887. 
Mr.  Geo.  W.  France. 

Dear  Sib: — I  have  written  to  Governor  [Democrat]  as  you  requested. 

Yoxirs,  etc.,  S.  C.  Wingard." 

[He  got  some  kmd  of  a  reply;  to  which  he  replied  June  25th.] 

"  June  25th. — The  warden  tells  me  '  the  Governor  has  sent 
for  my  commitment'  which  is  supposed  to  mean  f\u'  my  case 
is  settled,  that  I  go  forthwith — the  commitment  i.*^..ug  used  to 
make  out  a  pardon." 

"  June  27th. — Judge  Wingard  and  others  called  ;  he  said, 
'  the  Governor  has  sent  for  your  commitment  and  we  expect  to 
see  you  out  very  soon,'  etc.  He  told  another  prisoner  that  he 
'had  recommended  my  pardon  to  three  Governors,  and  he  is  still 

ui: " 

July  4tli. — E.  V...  and  family  called.    Say,  that  "the  most  of  those 


m 


!  :f 


'i :  i'S '    ! 


.''1 ':   •  i 


420 


Extracts  from  Diary  Keit  in  Prihon. 


who  wi'ic  ai'tiv<i  agiiiiiHt  mo,  Iiiivk  tlu'iiiHolvcs  boeu  wreck  iind  their  tnic 
chiuactcrs  cxitoscd  in  tniiif^  to  wreck  others,  etc. ;  and  that  thoy  (my 
iicij^hborK)  wiiut  nio  hack." 

The  gauf;  evidently  seiuls  iu  another  secret  veto,  aud  the 
Governor  writes  the  following  contemptible,  rotten  quil)l)l(\  // 
is  eltlicr  one  false  ixcit.se  or  anofhtr  (and,  of  course,  such  cau 
alu'dijK  he  had)  and  means  that  there  is  no  recourse  for  a  victim 
of  the  (jang,  and  that  IT  STILL  RULES. 

"Olympia,  W.  T.,  July  'Jth,  18H7. 
Hon.  S.  C.  WiNOAitu,  Walla  Walla,  W.  T. 

Dear  Siu  : — Your  letter  of  Juue  25th  was  duly  received  and  contents 
noted.  Answer  has  been  delayed,  pending  examination  into  the  cuse  of 
Geo.  W.  France,  and,  as  before  statod,  I  do  not  think  it  proper  to  grunt  ii 
pardon  ui)on  the  mere  rociuest  of  any  number  of  persons,  or  Tipou  argu- 
ments or  theories  other  than  those  based  upon  well-established  facts.  A 
showing  in  the  nature  of  the  showing  required  upon  a  motion  for  a  now 
trial  should  be  made.  Aud  upon  notice  to  the  District  Attorut!y.  In  tiie 
case  under  consideration  I  do  not  thiuk  there  is  sufficient  cause  shown  for 
executive  interference,  aud,  therefore,  the  prayer  of  the  jietitiou  must  be 
denied.  Very  respectfully, 

E. . .  [Demc  Governor. " 

So  Judge  W . .  was  still  incompetent  to  properly  present 
my  case.  One  would  think  that  after  all  of  his  experience  in 
the  matter  with  the  other  Governors,  they  would  have  tau<Tht 
him  the  way  to  do  such  business.  But  he  knew  that  the  rotten, 
quibbling  excuse  was  a  mere  handfull  of  soft  dirt  thrown  in  the 
face  for  a  blind,  and  that,  do  what  ive  mig't,  he  would  always  be 
found  full  of  dirt  to  spit  out,  and  so  he  gives  up  the  job  as 
follows: 

"Walla  Walla,  W.  T.,  July  11th,  1887. 
Mr.  Geo.  W.  Franc'E. 

Dear  Sir: — I  send  you  the  reply  of  the  Governor,  which,  I  regret,  is 
not  favorable  to  your  release. 

I  do  not  know  the  reason,  but  all  of  the  Governors  seem  to  take  iiu  ad- 
verse view  of  your  application.  Now  I  have  done  all  I  can  for  you,  imd 
•without  fee  or  reward  or  the  expectation  of  any.  Nor  would  I  accept  any- 
thing for  what  I  have  done,  if  oftered.  If  I  could  pardon  you,  I  would  do 
so,  because  I  think  you  have  been  punished  enough  for  your  oflfense. 

But  I  am  powerless  to  aid  you  further,  except  to  pympathize  with  you 
which  I  know  is  poor  comfort.     Respectfully  yom-s, 

S.   C.  WlNOARD." 


My  Relkahe. 


421 


The  Goveruor  wanted  to  f^o  through  the  motions  of  doing 
something  unci  do  nothing. 

Tlio  "argunitMits  and  theories  "of  my  case  wvwe  "based 
upon  well  established  facts,"  and  the  Governor  hvw  if,  if  he 
c'iiit'd  to  knew  it,  and  he  could  not  put  his  finger  on  a  single 
weak  point. 

And  the  showing  was  ten  times  stronger  and  move  complete 
than  is  generally  required  n])on  "a  motion  for  a  new  trial,"  and 
this  he  hu'io  also,  if  lie  cared  to  know  ;  and  the  district  attorney 
iriis  notified  in  various  wa3's. 

But  it  must  be  an  effort  of  one  of  the  gang,  for  a  price,  to 
be  attractive  to  such  ring  lackeys.  This  is  the  fellow  that 
nominated  ex-Governor  Links  for  a  trustee  of  the  insane 
asylum!  which  shows  how  lie  would  murder  sutl't'iing  huiuauity 
to  affiliate  with  his  , 

"  Slioiild  pale  disease  their  trembling  limhs  iuvade, 
They  would  call  not,  they  woi.ld  expect  not  Imiuan  aid." 

"  JuJi/  28fh. — B .  .  called ;  says,  '  the  people  felt  very  sorry 
for  me,  etc.,  but  had  found  that  thei/  had  no  in/hience  to  redress 
the  wrong,  and  could  do  nothing.' " 

"Auymt  4th. — Prison  din^ctors  here;  said,  they  'would 
forthwith  recommend  my  release,'  and  afterwards  one  of  them 
told  me  that  'they  had  done  so.'  I  believe  this  had  never  hfore 
hx)\  done  in  tlic  Territorij. 

^^  August  8th. — I  asked  the  warden  whether  'there  is  going 
to  be  any  foolishness  about  me  getting  all  of  my  short  time,'  he 
replied,  '  I  don't  see  how  there  can  be,  for  there  is  not  a  single 
scratch  against  your  conduct,  neither  here  nor  at  Seatco.'  " 

"  Oh,  what  (I  troir/led  treh  roe  roeave, 
WJiene'er  we  jiract ice  to  deceive." 

"  August  9th. — Received  letter  from  M . .  saying,  '  We  would 
gladly  assist  you  in  any  way  we  could  to  get  you  your  freedom, 
for  you  should  not  have  been  imprisoned  at  ad,  and  we  have 
written  several  times  to  the  Governor  in  regard  to  your  case, 
but  he  would  not  even  reply,'  etc." 

"  August  20th. — I  have  been  shown  a  letter  from  the  Gov- 
ernor, and  in  spitting  on  the  petition  for  the  release  of  one  of 
the  innocent  prisoners,  he  virtually  declares  that  the  people 


mm 


•  "    fU 


422 


Extracts  from  Diary  Kept  in  Prison, 


should  not  be  permitted  to  interfere  with  the  work  of  the  gang, 
or  courts,  when  they  are  prostituted  or  err.  He  regards  peti- 
tions of  the  people  as  *  worthlcsfi,'  and  continues  saying,  *a  peti- 
tion no  matter  from  hoiv  many  people,  is  not  ordinarily  ground 
for  granting  a  pardon.'  " 

Thus  he  admits  that  the  government  is  not  '  hy  the  people 
—for  the  people,'  and  he  continues :  '  The  people  have  estab- 
lished courts  to  deal  with  such  cases.'  [But  ilmj  reserved  to 
themselves  the  RIGHT  OF  rETiTiON  to  correct  their  abuses,  and  auj- 
man  who  would  spit  upon  or  nullify  this  right,  is  a  tool  of  the 
gang  and  a  traitor  to  his  country.] 

"And,"  he  continues,  "Executive  officers  should  not  inter- 
fere to  disturb  the  course  of  justice  except  upon  the  very 
strongest  showings." 

[But  it  is  the  course  of  iNJustice  and  iniquity  and  rohbrrij, 
that  tlio  people  frequently  have  occasion  to  "  disturb  "  and  cor- 
rect. And  what  stronger  sho>ving  could  there  be  than  that  a 
victim  was  positively  and  heyond  disjnite  innocent  of  any  crime, 
as  was  done  in  my  case,  and  yet  even  this  was  spurned. 

It  is  false  to  assert  that  the  joeople  established  these  courts 
as  they  are  in  ipractice— robbing  machines  run  in  the  interest  of 
the  gang.  Tools  of  the  gang  talk  that  way,  but  nine  of  the  people 
out  of  ten  declare  the  courts  to  be  "a  rotten  fraud." 

If  a  person  will  sign  a  petition  ignorantly  or  wrongly,  .so 
loill  he  vote,  and  to  petition  should  be  as  effective  as  to  vote. 

Thieves  and  traitors  can  get  votes,  nominations  and  ap- 
pointments to  office,  by  conspiracy,  corruption  and  deceit,  who 
naturally  deny  the  people  the  right  to  effectually  retort,  cemun. 
and  correct  these  false,  corrupt  agents,  who  are  supposed  to  be  the 
people's  servants,  not  their  tyrants  and  vampires. 

The  foregoing  case  was  this  :  A  very  peaceable  man  had, 
in  the  defense  of  his  life  and  household,  killed  a  man  who  was 
armed  with  a  razor  and  gun,  and  in  the  act  of  "  cleaning  out  the 
ranch,"  as  he  had  said  he  would  come  and  do.  This  was  so 
plain  and  evident  that  there  was  not  an  effort  made  to  arrest 
him,  or  try  the  case  for  several  years  afterwards,  when  the  main 
witnesses  had  died,  then  1  is  enemies  (against  the  will  and  judg- 
ment of  the  people,  wlu  knew  the  case  as  can  be  imagined 
better  than  the  courts  could  know  it  by  their  inode  of  practice) 


My  Release. 


423 


secured  his  convictiou  and  sentence  of  thirteen  years  in  prison. 
Aud  even  now,  when  the  victim  has  suffered  near  half  of  this 
age  of  time,  the  outcry  of  the  people  for  his  justice  is  spurned  as 
"  worthless,"  and  he  is  cruelly  told  that  he  7mist  so  horrihhj  lan- 
guish and  die  ! 

The  heads  of  tyrants  have  been  ];  traded  through  the 
streets,  stuck  on  poles,  for  less  tyranny  than  this. 

Now  FOR  A  LiTTi^E  DIFFERENT  EXAMPLE :  Afterwards  S . . 
pleads  guilty  to  burglary,  and  gets  one  year  in  this  pen,  but  says 
"  he  will  not  stay  long,  for  the  Governor  is  almost  obliyed  to  par- 
don him."  When  pressed  for  a  reason  why  the  Governor  would 
favor  him  more  than  others,  said  :  his  "father  ivas  a  mason." 
Tli('  pardon  came  in  tico  months,  nor  did  they  bother  with  any 
"worthless"  public  petition. 

Oh,  try  to  think  of  the  feelings  of  the  innocent  who  must 
languish !  aud  see  to  it,  my  fellow-men,  that  the  sober  second 
thouglit  of  the  people  shall  he  law. 

The  following  are  some  of  the  reasons  given  for  granting 
pardons  by  the  Governor  of  Oregon  : 

"  Grave  doubts  as  to  guilt. " 

Youth  of  the  prisoner  und  iiroituse  to  leave  the  State. 

Evidence  that  the  oifense  committed  was  entirely  unpremeditated. 

Severity  of  sentence. 

Good  conduct  of  i)risoner. 

Failing  health. 

Petition  of  jjersons  and  judioial  oiHcers. 

Previous  good  conduct  and  good  character. 

Otfense  was  committed  in  the  heat  of  passion,  and  under  very  trying, 
provoking  aud  aggravating  circumstances. 

liccause  conviction  was  made  on  purely  circumstantial  evidence. 

Advanced  age. 

The  Governor  (Hill)  of  New  York  "requested  the  fricnda  of  the 
prinoiiiTs  to  furnish  hi:a  information  on  six  2>oints — svhethor  the  prisoners 
wt'io  uot  properly  defended,  or  their  trials  were  conducted  improperly  or  un- 
fairly ;  whether  it  is  now  claimed  that  the  prisoners  wm-e  innocent  of  the 
otTouHo  for  which  they  were  convicted  ;  whether,  if  they  Avere  guilty,  they 
iU'e  now  penitent  and  ai'o  Avilling  to  c^ase  the  commission  of  such  offenses; 
wliiit  mitigating  circumstances  are  claimed  to  exist  which  ca.l  for  or  war- 
rant executive  clemency  ;  whether  the  .sentences  are  held  to  have  been  too 
severe  for  the  oftenses  charged  ;  and  whether  anything  has  occurred  since 
tlif ir  trials  to  change  the  circumstances  of  their  cases. " 

[They  were  pardoned.  J 


,'    i 


424 


Extracts  from  Diary  Kept  in  Prison. 


: 


rt).i 


None  of  the  four  blackleg  secret  ring  Governors  of  Wash- 
ington would  honestly  and  openly  give  out  a  single  2^oin(,  aud 
they  ignored  and  spurned  every  point  and  all  the  reasons 
deemed  good  enough  for  Oregon  and  New  York. 

And  I  proved  that  the  courts  were  closed  against  the 
prisoners,  to  be  opened  only  on  the  delivery  to  the  court  gaug 
of  various  big  sums  of  gold,  that  they  have  not !  These  facts 
should  awaken  the  most  careless  understanding. 

"  Strike  if  you  will  but  hear .' "  • 

"September  17th. — Several  preachers  visited  the  prison; 
one  of  them  '  hoped  that  I  had  repented  and  reformed.' 

'  No,  Sir !  I  have  done  nothing  for  which  I  should  repeut 
or  reform  according  to  the  golden  rule — which  is  my  creed— 
nor  of  the  laws  of  Moses,  or  that  of  our  own  or  any  other  coun- 
try on  the  face  of  the  earth  ! ' 

"But,"  said  he,  " I  suppor 3  you  were  cox y/cte/,  and  must 
therefore  be  guilty  of  crime  ?  " 

'  Now,  this  shows  your  child-like  ignorance  of  men,  and  the 
criminal  jugglery  of  the  courts,  which  j^ou  should  learn,  aud 
then  work  to  reform  the  real  criminals  instead  of  their  victims. 
I  was  SHANGHAIED,  never  convicted  at  all,  and  I  could  find  no  re- 
course. Because  men  have  been  howled  down  by  the  }j;aii^' 
and  railroaded  through  the  courts  in  charge  and  control  of 
blackleg  shysters  — in  whom  victims  are  required  to  trust— and 
are  thus  thrown  into  prison,  is  really  not  reliable  proof  that 
they  are  criminals ;  twenty  per  cent,  of  these  prisoners  are 
really  no  more  guilty  of  crime  than  you  are — supposing  you  to 
be  innocent ;  and  take  them  all  together,  they  are  no  more 
criminal  at  heart  or  brain  than  the  first  100  men  you  see  on  the 
outside.  The  worst  criminals  of  all  belong  to  the  gaug,  aud 
thus  get  into  nfflce  instead  of  into  prison.' 

"  But,"  said  he,  "  it  is  a  horrible  thing  to  take  human  life ! " 

'  Yes,  indeed,  said  I,  '  but  I  prevented  that,  in  my  case,  hy 
killing  the  robber  assassin — even  one  of  the  gang — thus  saving 
my  life !  only,  however,  to  be  murdered  and  ravaged  by  tlie 
devil's  brethren  in  office  and  out,  who  prosfi'ute  the  courts  and 
government  for  the  purpose;  but  I  expect  no  sympathy  or  liolp 
from  you,  sir,  or  you  would  have  been  preaching  against  sucli 
crimes  and  criminals,  and  if  you  have  no  concern  as  to  my  wel- 


ted,  and  must 


My  Release. 


425 


fare  in  this  world,  certainly  you  have  none  as  to  the  next ;  there  ! 
is  Father  B . . ,  who  was  my  next  neighbor,  he  knows  me  and  my 
trouble  well,  and  the  fight ;  see  what  he  says  about  it '?  Mr. 
B. .,  was  I  to  blame  for  anything  I  did  as  to  my  trouble  or  the 
fight?* 

"Yes !  you  are  to  hlame  for  one  thing, but  for  one  thing  only." 

'Well?    Whatisf//a/?' 

"Because  you  did  not  kill  the  man  before  you  did;  for  you 
to  let  him  follow  you  around  the  field— the  way  he  did — and 
wait  to  look  into  the  muzzle  of  his  gun  before  you  defended 
your  life  teas  foolhardy  ;  that  is  all  you  are  to  blame  for,  for  if 
L. .  had  not  struck  the  gun  down  the  instant  he  did,  you  would 
have  been  killed."     [Two  or  three  preachers  in  unison.] 

"  Of  course,  under  such  circumstances  one  is  very  justifi- 
able to  kill  another." 

But  they  should  have  sought  out  the  truth  before,  and 
seized  upon  every  opportunity  to  proclaim  it  to  the  people,  it 
beiug  a  good  but  persecuted  cause  that  would  bear  the  scrutiny 
of  light;  it  should  not  have  been  allowed  to  be  hidden  while 
even  one  victim  was  languishing  for  the  right. 

"Show  that  thou  hast  uot  Uved  in  vain, 
With  life  and  genius  cursed." 

I  recently  said  to  a  phrenologist  that  "  if  he  would  visit  a 
prison  and  examine  the  heads  of  the  prisoners,  he  would  find 
theiu  to  be  an  avei-age  lot  of  men  mentally  and  morally."  He 
replied  that  "  he  had  done  so,  und/ound  this  to  hi  true." 

"  I  irrile  not  these  things  to  cause  you  to  hate  mankind,  but  as  my  sons 
to  >riini  yon.'" — St.  Paul 

"October  4th. — Recei.^ed  a  note  and  a  bundle  of  papers  from  a  Mrs. 
Eov.  M. . . . ,  saying  that  my  children  had  once  attended  her  school  and  Avere 
ber  friends,  and  she  thus  manifests  tome  a  thoughtful  and  kindly  feeling." 

May  she  and  all  others,  Avho  have  kindly  remembered  and 
befriended  me  while  in  prison,  kmur,  that  they  are  hold  very 
dear  to  me,  and  ever  cherished  in  nn'  mind  and  heart  of  hearts, 
and  that  they  did  not  do  so  in  vain. 

"Oh  !  could  the  muso  some  lasting  wreath  ontAvine, 
In  stronger  colors  bid  their  virtues  shine  !  " 

"  Bleak  are  our  shores  with  the  blasts  of  December, 


I 


^$ 


mi 


(.   f 


;i :! 


426 


Extracts  from  Diary  Kept  in  Prison. 


Fettered  and  chill  is  the  rivulet's  flow; 

Throbbing  and  warm  are  the  hearts  that  remember 

Who  was  our  friend,  ichen  the  icorld  was  our  foe." 

Dr.  HoLiMES. 

"August  10th,  1887. — Released  from  prison;   getting  ten 
days  more  than  my  full  short  time  '  for  uniformly  good  behavior.'" 

"The  hopes  that  round  viy  heart  had  clung,  ere  those  I  loved  were  gone. 
Had  vanished  as  the  sparkling  frost  beneath  the  noon-tide  sun 
Melts  from  some  branching  tree,  with  its  feathery  gems  of  light, 
And  leaves  it  dark  and  di'solate,  to  tell  of  wititei-'s  blight. 

I  feared  the  morn — I  feared  to  seek  my  long,  long-ieished-for  home, 
As  with  a  sad  foreboding  dread  of  misery  to  come." 


A  severed  and  a  sorrowing  thing,  I  had  come  back  alone, 

One  wandering  bird  unto  the  nest,  from  which  a  brood  hadjiown." 

"  Oh,  for  a  tongue  to  curse  the  slaves, 

Whose  treason,  like  a  deadly  blight, 

Comes  o'er  the  counsels  of  the  brave 

And  blasts  them  in  their  hour  of  might ! 

May  life's  unblessed  cup  for  them 

Be  drugg'd  with  treacheries  to  the  brim. 

With  hopes  that  but  allure  to  fly, 

With  joys  that  vanish,  while  they  sip. 

Like  Dead-Sea  fruits,  that  tempt  the  eye. 

But  turn  to  ashes  on  the  lijjs  ! 

Their  country's  curse,  their  children's  shame. 

Outcast  of  virtue,  peace  and  fame. 

May  they,  at  last,  with  lips  of  flame 

On  the  parch'd  desert  thirsting  die.— 

While  lakes  that  shone  in  mockery  nigh 

Are  fading  oft,  untouch'd,  untasted. 

Like  the  once  glorious  hopes  they  blasted! 

And,  when  from  earth  their  sjjirits  fly. 

Just  God,  let  the  damn'd  ones  dwell 

Full  iu  the  sight  of  Paradise, 

Beholding  heaven  and  feeling  hell !" — Moore. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

TiuGEDiES. — Land  jumping,  etc. — Experiences  of  other  men. — More  of 
real  life  and  death  in  the  North-west. — Examples  of  what  was  traus- 
2)iring  Avith  other  i)eople  while  and  since  I  was  languishing  in  prison 
for  defending  my  life  and  home  against  the  gang. — All  of  these 

WEBE    EITHER     ACQUITTED    OF    ANY     CRIME,    OR  NOT   EVEN  INDICTED   OR 

TROUBLED — THE  GLARING  CONTRAST! — " Uneasy  settlci-s." — "A  jn'O- 
tective  association." — "Land  Jumping." — "  Put-up  jobs." — "  Homes 
impeiiled. " — "  Shooting  affair. " — "  Vigilantes. "— "  Murderous  assault 
by  a  band  of  midnight  assassins." — "Highhanded." — "Lynching." 
"Peoi^le  arming." — "Dangerous  man." — "Land  troubles." — "A 
tramp  boom." — Killed  for  robbing  sluice  boxes. — Laying  in  wait  to 
kill. — Filled  with  shot. — Killing  three  men  for  a  few  dollars,  etc. — 
From  the  Press. 

U  NEASY  Settlers. — Pursuant  to  a  call,  the  citizens  of  the  Western 
part  01  Garfield  County,  W.  T. ,  and  some  from  Columbia  County,  met  at 
Dry  Hollow  school  house  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a  jn'otective  asso- 
ciation. There  was  much  interest  taken  in  the  matter.  It  was  agreed 
that  the  long  contim^  ed  manipulation  through  [Masonic]  rings  and  the  in- 
fluence of  money  by  corporated  monoi>olies,  to  secure  legislation  for  their 
own  special  benefit  and  to  the  detriment  of  the  people  at  large,  had  become 
a  power  which  threatened  the  destruction  of  the  best  interests  of  the 
country,  and  that,  unless  substantial  reform  was  instituted,  absolute 
■sevntude  must  be  endured.  The  settlers  show  a  determination  to 
stand  firm  to  their  cause  [agaiust  the  gang  to  rob  them  of  their 
lioiuGs] ,  that  they  settled  in  good  faith  and  had  always  tried  to  be  law- 
abiding  citizens;  that,  so  far  as  they  knew,  they  were  entitled  to  all  the 
rights  of  citizens;  that  the  settlers  i)ropose  to  I'emain  settled.  Temi)orary 
otHcers  were  elected,  the  necessary  committees  were  appointed  to  arrange 
constitution  and  by-laws,  and  report  the  names  of  charter  members. " 

"Land  JuMPiN(i. — A  man  jumped  Mr.  H.  ..'s  claim  near  Mayvicw 
last  week.  He  pitched  his  tent  in  the  center  of  the  waving  grain  and  told 
the  owner,  if  he  did  not  kick  up  a  fuss,  he  might  have  his  grain  and  the 
giouiid  on  which  the  house  stood.  At  last  accounts  the  Jumjjer  was 
(lumped,  tent  and  all,  into  the  road  by  the  indignant  neighbors,  and  a 
siH'oitic  time  given  him,  in  which  to  make  himself  scarce. "  [The  couii. 
giiug  would  have  charged  all  the  place  was  worth  to  settle  it,  and,  if  the 
Jumper  was  a  Mason  or  Odd  Fellow,  given  him  the  place  besides.] 

' '  Considerable  feeling  is  manifested  by  many  of  our  farmers,  who 
have  settled  ui)on  [/or/i^itcd]  railroad  land  in  this  vicinity,  regarding  the 
extremely  high  figure  at  which  such  lands  are  held  and  the  short  time  given 
to  settlers  by  the  company  [that  had  forfeited  it\  in  which  to  make  their 

(427) 


428 


Eeal  Life  in  the  North-West. 


i    i 


-5nl 


J  f 


,r 


:i  f 


Hi': 


''■ 


first  payments.  A  number  of  petitions  have  been  sent  to  WaMhington,  and 
several  meetings  have  been  held  in  Whitman  and  Colnmbia  counties,  to 
de\-ise  means  for  self-protection.  Several  solid  farmers  were  overheard  ou 
the  streets,  expressing  their  views  regarding  "Jumpers"  who  intended  to 
tiike  advantage  of  the  scarcity  of  money,  and  jump  such  laud  as  the  claim- 
ant could  not  pay  Up  on,  reaping  the  l)euefit  of  the  claimant's  yean  of 
hard  lalxjr  in  improving  the  jilaees.  From  the  expressive  way  iu  which 
their  lii^s  came  together,  and  the  gleam  of  fire  which  flashed  from  their 
eyes,  knowing  them  to  be  some  of  our  most  respectable  and  law-abiding 
citizens,  we  came  to  the  conclusion  that  it  would  be  extremely  unhealthy 
for  any  land  shark  to  make  such  an  attempt.  God  help  the  man  or  men 
who  ti'y  to  rob  them  of  their  homes." 

[Hoiv  about  blackleg  Governors  and  the  gang  that  stand  k 
with  and  endorse  the  robbers  ?] 

^'Mr.  Editor. — I  came  into  your  midst  to  make  my  home  for  the  re- 
mainder of  the  few  years  Providence  may  have  alloted  to  me,  and  settled 
on  a  pre-emption  claim.  Shortly  after  one  J.  L.  settled  on  railroad  laiul  ad- 
joining and  put  his  liouse  only  a  few  yards  from  my  line,  and  took  piiiti- 
cular  care  to  find  out  how  I  held  the  land,  how  long  I  had  been  ou  the 
land,  and  if  I  had  auy  family  or  relatives  living  in  this  country.  After- 
wards T.  E.  asked  me,  if  I  had  hauled  a  quantity  of  wheat  out  of  his  barn. 
Denying  the  same,  he  told  me  that  a  man  in  J.  L.'s  employ  had  told  him 
he  had  seen  me  yoiny  in  with  a  two-hoi-se  wagon  and  coming  out  loaded 

with  wheat  sacks If  J.  L.  and  Co.  had  succeeded,   by  such  means, 

to  send  me  to  States  prison,  J.  L.  would  have  moved  his  house  over  the 
line  and  taken  my  pre-emption.  Not  succeeding  in  this,  he  abandoned 
the  land.  Subsequently  he  told  me,  that  he  wanted  my  timber  culture 
claim,  and  that  I  could  go  into  his  pasture  and  select  any  two  horses  out  of 
his  band  for  the  same.  Upon  my  refusing  to  make  any  such  trade,  he  told 
me  that  if  he  could  not  get  the  land  from  me  by  fair  means,  that  he  would 
get  it  anyway,  for  it  was  necessary  for  him  to  have  it.  And,  I  beUeve,  he 
would  have  taken  it,  if  he  had  not  some  respect  for  shooting  irons 

A  few  words  altout  Lynch  law. — Congress  has  enacted  laws  by  wliich 
iudivaduals  may  get  homes,  provided  they  locate  on  aud  cultivate  the  laud. 
Shall  Ave  be  bound  to  conform  to  aud  respect  those  laws,  or  shall  avo  go  at 
the  dark  of  night  and  take  out  a  i>erson  who  has  availed  himself  of  the 
law,  and  hang  him  up  to  a  tree  uutil  life  is  extinct  ? 

[If  you  belong  to  a  "  charitable  "  (?)  brotherhood,  you  may 
with  impunity  hang  him  up.] 

In  charity  to  those  fifteen  men  who,  iu  the  dead  hours  of  night,  called 
that  man  out,  I  will  say,  I  hope  by  this  time  they  have  abandoned  tlieir 
unlawful  intentions.  F.  E.  L." 

"  Great  indignation  and  uneasiness  is  everywhere  manifest. 
Settlers  who  feel  that  their  homes  are  imperiled,  are  flocking  to 


that  stand  in 


Real  Life  in  the  North- West. 


429 


town  and  discussing  various  means  of  protecting  their  rights, 
and  some  swear,  they  will  hang  or  shoot  the  first  man  or  land 
shark  who  tries  to  jump  their  lands." 

[No  home-builder  has  any  confidence  in  the  secret,  ring-ridden 
courts.] 

"  Shootiufj  affair. — S. . .  met  H. . .  and  shot  liim  in  tlie  head,  which  so 
paralyzed  him  that  he  could  scarcely  speak.  The  sktiU  was  broken  in 
fragments  to  the  extent  of  over  one  inch  square.  Several  fragments  of 
l)ouo  and  the  bullet — in  two  pieces — were  extracted ;  jjersons  injured  to 
that  extent  very  rarely  recover.  [But  he  did.]  H. . .  had  been  waited 
upou  and  ordered  to  leave  the  vicinity,  because  he  simply  desired  to  con- 
test the  lights  of  a  piece  of  land." 

[S. . .  was  acquitted  (in  Garfield  County.  ] 

"  Vigikoites. — Friday  night  about  twenty  masked  men  gathered  on  the 
road  leading  towai-ds  H. .  .'a  house  ^ihe  victim  of  the  H. . .  S. . .  tragedy), 
aud,  meeting  with  the  doctors  in  attendance  upon  the  wounded  man,  gave 
them  a  pajier  for  H. . .  's  brother  to  sign.  Said  document  was  in  effect, 
that  H. . .  would  leave  the  coiintry  Avithin  forty -eight  hours,  or  suffer  the 
consequences.  [He  left.  ]  While  the  action  is  not  to  be  excased,  there  is 
a  lessen  which  may  well  be  taken  home.  It  has  become  too  common  for 
trials  to  be  a  travesty  on  justice  and  httle  better  than  a  farce,  and  it  is 
scarcely  to  be  wondered  at,  that  an  indignant  community  should  lose 
patience  and  take  the  law  into  its  own  hands.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  the 
affair  will  serve  as  a  lesson  to  law-makers  [the  gang],  so  that  they  will  so 
frame  statutes  that  there  Avill  be  more  promptness  and  .larety  in  punishing 
laml  grabbers."     [Their  brethren.] 

"  Should  cf.ai^e. — We  mean  the  unlawful  acts  of  threatening  n_en  to 
leave  the  community  before  they  have  been  found  guilty  of  crime,  for 
which  they  cannot  be  made  to  jiay  the  penalty  according  to  law,  on  ac- 
count of  wincing  the  breaking  of  law  by  the  constituted  authorities 

Let  such  matters  go  before  the  proper  tribunal  [the  court  gang]  for  settle- 
ment [at  their  price  of  a  big  mortgage] .  If  the  land  in  disimte  Avas  not 
vacant  according  to  law,  H. . .  could  not  hold  it  as  against  the  claim  of  ii 
bona  fide  settler." 

[That  would  depend  on  his  influence  at  court,  and  it  might 
take  nine  years  and  a  big  mortgage  to  fine?  out.  And  the  mid- 
night "  charitable  "  (?)  gangs  are  running  men  (who  are  object- 
ionable to  them),  out  of  the  country  nearly  every  day,  and  do 
so  with  impunity !] 

"Trouble  is  being  experienced  between  mill  owners  and  settlera  along 
M.  G.  aud  Y.  creeks.     The  millers  placed  two  armed  men  at  the  forks 

with  instinictions  to  allow  no  one  to  interfere  with  the  flow  of  the  Avater. " 

*  * 

* 

"  M. . .  is  figuring  in  the  courts  as  a  much  abused  and  injured  man. 


m 


<'<i 


li\<i 


fi!  ifl 


s  y 


430 


Real  Life  in  the  North- West. 


He  claims  that  last  Sunday  night,  between  the  hours  of  one  and  two, 
twelve  or  fifteen  armed  and  masked  men  appeared  at  his  residence  ami 
l)laced  a  rope  around  his  son's  neck  and  dragged  him  oiit  doors,  chnlduf 
him  considerably.  M. . .  and  his  Avife  were  sleeping  on  their  pre-emptiou 
claim,  about  300  yards  distant,  and  Mrs.  M. . . ,  alarmed  at  the  cries  of  her 
boy,  hastened  to  the  house.  Upon  arriving  there,  she  was  seized  uuil 
thrown  down,  dragged  around,  etc. ,  as  Avas  her  husband  also,  as  soon  us 
he  arrived  uj^on  the  scene. 

M. . .  claims  that  the  outrage  was  perpetrated  by  a  neighbor,  whose 
land  he  jumped,  aided  by  friends. 

There  are  many  who  doubt  the  entii-e  storj' ;  and  the  wounds  are  suili 
as  might  have  been  caused  by  a  little  friendly  discussion  "  wid  fists,"  all 
among  themselves." 

[It  transpired  that  the  chief  of  the  mob  was  a  Mason  and 
that  it  was  intended  to  kill  M. . .  (who  was  unknown  to  the 
chief  as  a  brother  in  his  gang),  but  o)i  the  verge  of  his  death  he 
(M, . . )  made  his  relation  known  with  a  sign  to  the  Grand 
Worthy  Chief,  who  forthwith  gave  orders  to  quit,  and  they  did. 
M. . .  got  the  land  also.     It  being  just  so  in  the  courts,  too. 

The  following  is  how  the  Masonic  press  howled,  when  they 
found  it  was  a  brother.] 

"Murderous  Assault.— Last  Sunday  morning  at  about  one 
o'clock,  a  band  of  midnight  assassins  assaulted  the  J.  M . . 
family  in  this  [Garfield]  county.  We  will  not  give  the  names 
of  the  parties  this  week,  as  they  are  not  all  caught  yet.  They 
knocked  Mrs.  M  .  down  and  bruised  her,  choked  the  old  man  and 
hit  him  a  blow  with  the  butt  of  a  gun.  The  bloody  parties  also 
stole  a  gun  and  pistol  from  the  house.  The  assassins  were 
partly  disguised  when  they  did  their  bloody  deed.  Mr.  M . .  's 
sons  were  also  assaulted  about  the  same  time  and  place  as  that 
made  on  their  father  and  mother.  Whoever  would  be  guilty  of 
such  work  is  meaner  than  a  highwayman.  There  is  law 
in  this  country  for  such  men  as  M .  .  if  any  have  a  grievance 
against  him  and  his  family.  [Yes,  indeed,  there  is  law/o>'  such 
men,  but  none  that  will  work  against  them.]  We  hope  the 
parties  will  get  the  full  extent  of  the  law  in  this  case.  The 
proof  is  too  overwhelming  to  fight  the  case  in  any  court  with 
hope  of  success." 

[When  outsiders  were  the  victims  then  the  ring  press  only 
"  hoped  that  the  affair  [?]  would  serve  as  a  lesson  to  law- 
makers," and  no  attempts  were  made  to  arrest  the  mob. 


':f\ 


leiglibor,  whose 


Real  Life  in  the  North-West. 


431 


Therefore,  this  mob  demanded  the  same  immunity  as  ac- 
corded to  the  other  brethren,  as  follows :] 

"High  Handkd. — Wo  have  liearil  from  good  anthority  that  some  of 
tbo  parties  who  were  eugagcil  in  the  M. .  attack  joineil  with  others,  hekla 
meeting  ami  passed  resolutions  of  condemnation  upon  several  jiersons  who 
were  oiiicially  engaged  in  the  proseciition.  That  there  were  some  forty 
persons  present,  and  that  one  county  officer  was  voted  to  be  2)ut  ont  of  the 
way  by  a  vote  of  34  to  6,  and  that  eacli  one  of  the  band  Avas  sworn  to 
secrecy." 

"The  excitement  consequent  upon  the  commiting  of  theM..  crime 
having  mostly  subsided,  the  peoj)le  of  this  community  were  again  startled 
by  the  report  that  jilans  were  being  made  for  the  assassination  of  Justice 
0. .  and  the  princiiml  witnesses  for  the  2)i'()secution. " 

"Those  [masonic]  fellows  who  hold  secret  meetings  and  take  votes  to 
put  O . . ,  F . . ,  H . .  and  S . .  to  death,  had  better  cease  such  work  ;  they 
are  too  cowardly  to  execute  their  plans  iinless  they  have  greatly  the  advan- 
tage. If  an  attempt  should  be  made  to  injure  either  of  these  2>irties 
threatened,  there  would  be  a  general  uiu\..ing,  and  blot  the  whole  lot  out 
of  existence  at  once.  There  is  a  move  on  foot  to  set  fire  to  the  house  in 
which  they  meet  and  shoot  every  one  dead  that  might  make  an  attemi^t  to 
leap  from  the  flames,  which  would  only  inflict  a  modicum  of  the  pain  that 
awaits  them  in  the  flames  in  the  regions  of  those  whose  deeds  consign  them 
to  the  hissing  flames  of  eternal  i^erdition  in  the  fiery  regions  of  the 
damned." 

[Just  so,  as  far  as  it  goes  ;  but  why  howl  against,  burn  and 
shoot  down  the  little  loose  side  show-sprig  of  the  devil,  while 
the  old-midnight-lurking,  intriguing  devil  himself,  with  his 
army  of  Danites,  arrayed  for  mutual  slaughter  and  havoc  and 
cruelty,  are  secure. 

"  With  pride  in  their  port,  defiance  in  their  oyo, 

We  see  the  secret  lurking  lords  of  human  kind  pass  by." 

Though  the  court  machinery  is  worked  in  "  mystery,"  it 
appeared  that  this  sprig  of  its  father  made  its  relationship  felt 
so  effectively  that  the  trials  (?)  were  a  notorious  farce  at  the  ex- 
panse of  the  people  and  profit  to  the  gang,  enlarged  by  secret  fines 
of  some  of  the  accused.] 

"  Dorit  do  it. — We  heard  strong  hints  of  lynching  Mr.  J.  B . . 
for  the  manner  he  is  conducting  himself  as  an  employee  of  the 
railroad  company  in  the  sale  of  lieu  lands.'' 

"  There  seems  to  be  an  epidemic  wave  of  madness  moving 
over  the  country.  Murder  and  theft,  with  other  crimes  and 
vices,  are  walking  abroad  at  noonday.     All  this  boldness  in 


'I  i 


rr 


432 


Real  Life  in  the  North- Weht. 


crime  grows  out  of  the  loose  mauuer  in  whicli  the  penalties  of 
law  are  ministered  by  our  courts,  [and  the  endorsing  of  the 
blackest  crime  by  blackleg  Governors].  We  beseech  the  courts 
and  officers  of  this  district  to  do  their  duty,  regardless  of  who 
the  violators  of  law  may  be  that  shall  suiFer  the  just  penalty  uf 
their  crimes." 

"  It  has  come  to  a  pretjty  pass  that  the  honest  men  of  tlie 
country  have  to  arm  themselves  against  the  big,  ugly,  meuu, 
sneaking  thieves  [of  the  gang]  that  are  found  here  and  there,'' 
[because  the  courts  and  Governors  are  their  friends,  dead  or 
alive]. 

' '  It  lias  gone  abroad  that  Garfield  county  has  the  most  criminals  of 
any  county  in  the  Territory.  The  crime  calendar  shows  this  to  be  the 
case." 

[But  the  convictions  did  not  show  it,  as  the  gang  toas  in  con- 
trol, and  declared  good  evil,  and  evil  good.] 

"  A  just  rebuke. — I  have  noticed  an  article  in  the  Journal  enMi\ei\.  "A 
dangerous  man  to  have  around,"  directed  at  me.  As  I  am  to  be  tried  ou  u 
serious  charge,  and  as  I  believe  the  article  directed  at  me  was  written  with 
malicious  intent,  I  hope  you  will  allow  me  space  to  contradict  the  state- 
ments made."  [As  a  general  thing,  in  the  northwest  a  victim  of  the  gaug 
cannoi  f/el  a  heariufj  in  the  press,  which  is  generally  collared  and  liuked 
together  to  howl  at  and  strike  those  that  cannot  strike  back,  and  are  suf- 
fering in  the  darkness  of  pain  and  sorrow.] . ..."  I  have  no  objections  to 
being  examined  as  to  my  lunacy,  jjrovided  the  Journal  editor  is  i)ut  through 
the  same  ordeal,  the  insane  man  to  be  committed  to  the  asyhim,  and  the 
other  to  be  given  his  freedom.     County  jail,  F.  L. ." 

"Mr.  L. .  has  certainly  cause  to  complain  at  having  his  case  tried  iu 
a  newsjjaper  [not  so,  if  he  is  given  an  equal  show  to  be  heard,  and  Avhich 
should  be  compelled  by  law.  ]  No  true  and  honorable  journalist  wiU  attempt 
to  create  unfavorable  ojiinion  against  a  priso'^er  previous  even  to  a  pii.- 
liminary  examination."  [But  this  is  the  general  rule  as  against  aw  out- 
skier].  "The  reason  for  such  a  course  is  that  L.  .'s  incarceration  iu  the 
asylum  or  penitentiary,  or  execution,  Avould  end  a  long  protracted  attempt 
at  steahug  an  honest  settler's  home." 

"  It  is  said  that  there  is  a  determination  among  certain  jiersons  to  Jo 
L. .  great  bodily  harm  should  he  be  released  on  bail,  or  acquitted." 

"After  driving  L. .  crazy  by  attempting  to  jump  hifi  "anch,  the  land 
sharks  are  now  trying  to  prejudice  public  opinion  against  him  in  their 
malicious  sheet." 

"It  appears  that  L..  claims  some  land  which  the  gang  wish  to  get 
hold  of,  hence  their  anxiety  to  hang  him  or  send  him  to  the  lunatic 
asylum." 


3  penalties  of 
orsiug  of  the 
sell  the  courts 
rclless  of  -who 
list  penalty  uf 

at  men  of  the 
g,  ugly,  mean, 
re  and  tlieve,'' 
lends,  dead  or 

iiost  criminals  of 
vs  ibis  to  1)0  tlif 


gang 


toas  m  cM- 


)nrn(d  entiiled  "A 
,m  to  be  trioil  on  a 
e  was  written  witli 
atrailict  tlie  state- 
fietim  of  the  gaug 
(Uareil  and  liukeil 
back,  and  are  suf- 

no  objections  to 
iitorisputtbroitgb 

asylnni,  and  tbc 

L  bis  case  tried  iu 
beard,  and  which 
rnalist  will  attempt 
ms  even  to  a  pr^- 
las  against  (vi  wit- 
Icarceration  in  tlie 
Protracted  attempt 

tain  persons  to  tlo 
acquitted." 
Liu  -ancb,  tbe  land 
Unst  bim  in  their 

gang  wisb  to  get 
lim  to  tbe  lunatic 


Real  Life  in  the  North-West. 


433 


"Lund  Trouble. — Mrs.  M. .  swore  to  a  complaint  charging  W.,  H.,  E., 
M.  and  R.  with  an  assault  witb  deadly  weapons.  It  seems  that  tbe  M . .  s 
have  located  on  some  laud  over  wbicb  there  is  a  disiJUte  before  the  land 
otKce.  Tbe  R . .  s  have  been  endeavoring  to  get  control  of  this  laud,  and 
last  evening  rejiaired  to  M . .  's  bouse  accompanied  by  two  or  three  others, 
aud  attemi^ted  to  remove  some  fence  posts,  when  a  son  of  M . .  's,  aged 
about  sixteen,  ordered  them  to  sto}).  Upon  this  one  of  the  R.  s  pulled  a 
pistol,  and  presented  it  to  the  bead  of  the  boy.  His  mother  now  appeared 
and  grabbed  R . .  by  the  whiskers  to  stop  bim  from  shooting,  whei'  the 
other  brother  drew  his  justol  aud  presented  it  to  tbe  woman's  bead." 


"Rev.  W. .  jumped  a  land  claim  some  time  since,  and  started  a  man 
to  work  i)lowiug  it  up,  but  the  neighbors  congregated  one  night  this  week, 
t'eufcd  the  claim  for  the  original  claimant  and  placed  the  jumper's  ]dow 
outside  the  fence." 

"The  jury  found  K. .  guilty  of  murder  in  tbe  first  degree.  Hanging 
is  too  easy  a  death  for  a  fellow  who  would  kill  a  man  for  bis  homestead." 
[Yet  when  he  is  linked  to  the  gang,  tbe  courts  and  Governors  endorse  his 
couduct  aud  stab  the  homesteader.] 

"  The  W.  T.  Press  keeps  the  following  notice  printed  in 
big,  black  letters  at  the  head  of  its  local  column :  '  Owing  to 
the  presence  of  burglars  in  our  midst,  our  citizens  are  warned 
to  have  their  firearms  ready  to  give  these  midnight  marauders 
a  warm  reception  when  they  come  around.'  [But  why  not  in- 
clude other  secret  midnight  thieA'es,  the  more  rejined  and  expert 
nhlicrs.  '  Whether  they  had  emerged  from  the  mire  of  iudi- 
geuce,  or  crept  from  the  bed  of  debauchery.' 

"  You  take  my  bouse  when  you  take  tbe  prop  that  doth  sustain  my 
ho'ase  ;  you  take  my  Ufe  when  you  take  the  lueans  whereby  I  bve."j 

"A  Tram}}  Boom." — [The  refined  and  expert  gentry  had 
beau  "  booming  the  country  "  to  renew  their  flock  of  immigrants 
from  the  States,  to  fleece,  and  this  is  the  kind  of  a  go-by  the 
victims  get  when  shorn.]  " 

"Eastern  Washington  is  having  a  tramp  boom,  and  it  requires,  in 
houses  along  tbe  main  roads,  at  least  one  person  to  attend  to  the  calls  of 
trami)s,  and  an  extra  baldng  of  bread,  etc.,  to  furnish  these  vagabonds 
'  something  to  eat. '  They  should  be  remorselessly  shut  oft",  one  aud  all, 
and  serve  all  alike,  adding  the  presentation  of  a  shot-gun  toemjihasizo  tbe 
order  to  *  git,'  and  give  them  five  minutes  to  travel  beyond  your  farm." 

[Provided  they  cannot  give  a  pagan  mystic  sign,  that  is  known  to  you. 
28 


f 


434 


Real  Life  in  the  Nokth-West. 


The  editor  of  the  foregoing  belongs  to  a  "  mystic  "  charitable  (?)  order,  and 
therein  iu  the  measui'ti  of  his  charity  !] 


"The  hme  quarries  there  have  mostly  been  covered  by  settlers  under 
the  homestead,  pre-emption  and  other  land  laws,  and  have  been  Avorked 
for  years.  Recently  several  of  the  quames  have  been  jumped  by  those 
who  claim  a  right  to  acquire  them  under  the  mineral  laws.  Of  com-.se, 
this  has  caused  bitter  feeling  among  the  original  holders,  who  have  biuulud 
themselves  together  for  forcible  resistance  against  any  attempt  to  oust 
them.  They  openly  threaten  to  shoot  the  first  man  who  attempts  to  take 
possession  of  any  quaiTy,  and  j^thlic  sentiment  will  sustain  them,  should  (hey 
thus  take  the  law  into  their  own  hands." 

[And  so  would  the  courts  and  Governors,  if  the  Jumper 
was  an  outsider.  But  even  if  the  Jumper  had  no  shadow  of 
any  legal  or  just  claim,  and  was  shooting  his  way  through,  to 
rob  and  ravage,  and  was  tints  Icillcd  by  one  outside  of  the  (jamj, 
and  you,  sir,  discovered  in  the  rank,  festered  remains  a  pagan 
"  mystic  "  brother,  oh,  how  you  Avould  intrigue  and  transform 
and  howl  the  killing  through  the  land  and  courts,  with  curses 
loud  and  deep —  "J  holy  horror',  cold-blooded  murder,  ie.  rible  as 
hell!"] 


w 


' 

1  :i 

'  - 

1., 

,- 

'$ 

' 

•s 

'i;\ 

' 

Jji 

? 

n 

' 

■;■■  i 

IfU 

[When  one  of  the  gang  commits  an  unprovoked,  cold-blood- 
ed murder,  it  comes  out  about  like  this,  as  per  example  :] 

"  G.  i. . .,  Esq.,  came  in  on  Tuesday's  train.  The  trial  for  the  shoot- 
ing of  C. . .  oy  Mr.  I. . .  resulted  in  his  being  acquitted  by  the  Jury.  We 
understand  ohat  the  Jiiry  stood  eleven  for  acquittal  and  one  for  con\-ictiou. 

It  ai^pearsd  from  the  eddence  that  C. . .  was  " a  bad  man  from  Bodie' 
and  had  threatened  to  kill  I. . .  We  are  glad  to  see  Mr.  I. . .  in  onr  city,  a 
free  man  in  person,  and  his  reputation  cleai-ed."  [He  belonged  to  the 
court  Masonic  gang.] 


The  Masonic  Press  came  out 
verdict  gives  general  satisfac* 
dignation  of  the  citizens,  anc 
was  held  and  the  following  rest^^i 


'n  fi     extra,  stating  that  "  the 
IOC.     "  This  aroused  the  iu- 
ichout  delay       mass  meeting 
tions     issed : " 


"  Rcaolved,  that  in  the  opinion  of  this  aieeting,  the  shooting  of  our 
late  fellow-citizen  C. . .  was  unjustifiable. 

Resolved,  that  the  statement  made  in  the  [Masonic]  press,  th.it  tlie 
verdict  rendered  in  the  case  versus  I...  andT. ..,  'that  the  same  gave 


Real  Life  in  the  North- West. 


435 


(?)  ortler,  aud 


settlers  under 
)  been  worked 
uped  by  tliDse 
s.  Of  coursi', 
lO  have  baudL'd 
ttempt  to  oust 
tempts  to  tiiko 
167/1,  should  Ihfy 

I  the  Jumper 
Qo  shadow  of 
y  through,  to 
de  of  the  (jmuj, 
lains  a  paf^an 
mcl  tiansiorm 
3,  with  curses 
•der,  tc.  nhk  as 


fd,  cold-blood- 
pimple  :.] 

|al  for  the  slioot- 

tlie  Jury.    We 

le  for  convictiou. 

lan  from  Bodie" 

in  onr  city,  a 

[belonged  to  the 


general  satisfaction'  to  this  community,  is  untrue  in  fact  and  a  libel  upon 
the  law-abiding  citizens. 

Resolved,  that  t}'e  indecent  manifestations  of  those  [midnight  gentry], 
who  ht\d  been  turned  loose  by  a  [packed]  Jury,  biit  not  aafiittetf,  in  hold- 
iug  a  saturnalia  over  their  victim's  dead  body,  and  crowning  their  crime  in 
uulimited  champagne,  corits  the  direst  condemnation  of  all  law-abidiug 
citizens. 

Resolved,  that  we  pledge  our  hves,  our  fortunes  and  our  sacred  honor, 
to  stand  by  each  other  in  every  honest  endeavor  to  enforce  the  laws  of  our 
country,  and  to  this  end  we  ^\•ill  retain  our  organization  and  perfect  the 
saiuo  from  this  day  on  iintil  the  criminal  classes  of  this  county  are  i)uuish- 
ed  to  the  extent  of  the  law. 

On  motion  a  committee  of  twenty-five,  to  be  known  as  a  '  Committee 
of  Public  Safety,'  was  selected  by  t'>e  President,  and  notice  of  theii-  ap- 
pointment will  be  given  them  by  the  Secretary." 

[And  then  innocent  outsiders  are  made  dire  "  examples  " 
of,  without  recourse,  "  because  the  people  clamor ! "  Avhile 
the  real  criminals  of  the  gang,  through  mystic  intrigue,  are  not 
even  indicted ! 

Any  one  who  asserts  that  "  we  have  a  good  judiciary,"  is  a 
liar  and  a  thief.] 

"  If  anything  further  were  needed  to  bring  contempt  upon 
the  judicial  system,  it  is  afforded  in  the  recent  acquittal  after  a 
dastardly  assassination." 

"A  deliberate  and  cold-blooded  murder,  and  a  jury  hao 
[been  packed  to]  pronounce  him  not  guilty.  Better  abolish  the 
system  [of  control  by  the  gang],  and  let  every  man  defend 
himself." 

" was  acquitted,  which  shows  that  the  court  is  a  place 

wlierein  injustice  is  done." 


[ing  that  "  the 
roused  the  iu- 
1  mass  meeting 

shooting  of  onr 

press,  that  tUe 
the  same  gave 


"The  only  safeguard  our  citizens  have  against  burglars  is,  to  dig  up 
tlie  old  smooth-bore,  load  her  with  powder  and  shot,  and  lay  for  Mr. 

burglar." 

[But  when  you  recognize  in  the  remains  of  IMr.  burglar  a 
Ihiked  brother,  you  declare  what  a  "  horrible,  frightful  thing  it  is 
to  talie  human  life !  "    Howl  bloody  murder  !    Endorse  the  rob- 


Eeal  Life  in  the  North-West. 


ber ;  declare  the  courts  to  be  a  place  of  justice ;  and  then  com- 
plete the  robber's  job  against  "  our  citizen," — picnicing  in  the 
spoils  and  trucking  his  heart's  blood !] 


"  "We  learn  that  one  0. . .  'a  house  was  blown  up  with  powder  ono  day 
last  week.  It  seems  that  C  . .  has  jumped  a  widow  woman's  farm,  and 
was  ordered  by  some  of  the  settlers  to  leave,  which  he  refused  to  do." 

[To  settle  such  a  case  in  the  courts  would  take  many  years. 
(It  is  a  familiar  and  sadly  true  expression  with  those  having 
ring  influence  at  court:  "  If  he  follows  me  in  the  courts,  it  will 
break  him  up.")  And  the  court  gang  would  charge  the  widow 
from  one  to  $20,000,  or  more,  as  she  was  able  and  inclined  to 
"  follow  him  up."  And  then,  if  the  Jumper  belongs  to  the 
gang,  he  would  get  the  place,  right  or  wrong. 

So,  ivhy  should  not  the  courts  be  either  reformed  from  the 
mystic  gang,  or  else  abolished  ?] 

. . . . "  The  war  of  words  brought  forth  a  shooting  iron  in  the  hands  of 
Mr.  T . .  who  fired  at  B . . ,  meaning  business;  and  had  not  Mr.  S . .  grasped 
the  barrel,  the  ball  would,  no  doubt,  have  pierced  B. . .  's  heart.  Here 
ended  the  first  chapter."     [And  he  was  not  even  indicted.] 

*'  While  leaning  on  the  bar,  Avith  his  back  to  the  door,  Mr.  B. .  enter- 
ed with  a  pick-handle  and  immediately  dealt  S. . .  a  terrific  blow  ou  tlie 
back  of  the  head.  S. .  staggered  and  turned  towards  him,  remarking  "you 
have  Idlled  me. "  B..  immediately  dealt  him  another  blow  on  the  fore- 
head, when  S. . .  fell  unconscious  to  the  floor  and  was  removed  to  auotlier 
room.  When  B. . .  heard  that  S. . .  was  not  dead,  he  tried  to  get  into  tlie 
room  to  shoot  him. " 

[Nor  was  he  (being  a  mason)  even  indicted. 

Why  'jhould  the  secret  ring  brethren  be  allowed  to  bold 
office  in  the  Government  "  of  the  people,  for  the  people,"  .and 
thus  make  it  a  horrible  farce  and  swindle  ?] 

"A  week  030  a  watchman  detected  two  men  robbing  the  sluice  box  of 
the  m'  .e.  He  fired  several  shots  at  them.  The  other  day  the  decomposed 
body  of  a  man  was  found  near  the  mine.  The  hands  and  feet  were  eateu 
off  by  some  animal." 

[No  sympathy  is  expressed  or  acted  for  the  simple  robber, 
and  nobody  is  arrested  or  condemned  for  the  act.    But  I  kuow 


r^T^  'i 


Real  Life  in  the  North- West. 


437 


a  reputed  (and  I  never  heard  the  charge  denied)  sluice-box- 
robber,  who  had  more  influence  with  the  Governor  for  evil,  than 
any  whole  commuuity  of  citizens  had  for  good,  he  being  a  linked 
brother.  And  should  any  of  his  plundered  and  tortured  victims 
shoot  him  doAvn  for  far  greater  and  cruel  crime  than  robbing 
sluice-boxes,  his  Excellency  (?)  would  call  out  the  militia  and 
there  would  be  big  rewards,  but  what  the  murderer  (r*)  would 
suffer  once  again.  And  wouldn  t  the  ring  press  howl,  when  not 
engaged  in  "laying  in  loail  for  Mr.  burglar."] 

"  A  burglar  entered  tha  house  of  TV. . .  last  night  about  10  o'clock  and 
commenced  to  search  the  house,  -when  W. . .  came  home  and  scared  him 
oif.  W. . .  saw  the  burglar  leap  the  fence;  and,  suspecting  that  something 
was  wrong,  pulled  out  his  revolver  and  fired  four  shots  at  the  burglar's  re- 
treating fonn.     A  careful  search  revealed  that  nothing  had  been  taken." 

[To  kill  au  outsider,  even  on  suspicion  of  stealing,  in  the 
(lark,  is  held  to  be  no  crime  ;  but  the  more  refined  and  expert 
huked  midnight  conspirator  and  thief  must  be  protected  against 
their  ^nctims  by  the  State.     Is  this  equal,  just  and  fair  ?] 

"Mrs.  G. . .  called  her  husband's  attention  to  the  fact,  that  a  bin-glar 
was  around,  and  was  requested  to  '  listen. '  [As  though  he  could  not  see 
plenty  of  more  dangerous  ones  in  the  day  time.]  But  refusing  to  'do 
anything  of  the  sort,'  siie  arose,  and  the  burglar,  noc  wishing  an  interview 
with  her,  took  his  leave.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  thi  i  burglar  may  soon  run 
across  some  one  who  does  not  sleep  like  a  log,  and  who  keeps  a  loaded 
shotgun  by  his  bedside." 

[But  why  don't  you  advocate  tho  killing  of  shyster,  court 
and  other  more  expert  and  fatal  burglars,  and  give  their  victims 
as  much  space  for  a  hearing  as  you  devote  to  the  killing  of 
petty,  humble  thieves  ?] 

^^  Filled  with  shot. — A  boy,  named  A. ..,  and  three  companions  were 
discovered  by  Mr.  S. . .  at  four  o'clock  this  afternoon  in  the  act  of  stealing 
cliickeus  from  his  premises.  Mr.  S.  .  fired  on  them  ^vith  a  shotgun,  the 
cluu'ge  lodging  in  the  light  arm  and  back  of  A. . .  All  of  the  boys  were 
caught  and  placed  in  jail." 

[But  the  refined  and  expert  confidence  thief  who  should 
steal  the  whole  ranch,  chickens  and  all,  would  be  a  "prosper- 
ous business  attorney,"  with  a  mystic  handle  to  his  name ;  and 
it  would  be  murder  (?)  to  kill  him  for  his  crime.] 


f*|i 


f  '  T 


I 


438 


Beai,  Life  in  the  North-West. 


As  to  the  shooting  of  a  man  by  his  employee,  a  ring  editor 
says  : 

"  While,  as  a  mle,  we  do  not  justify  the  use  of  fire-arms  in  the  settle- 
ment of  giievances,  yet,  the  man  who  would  not  defend  his  wife's  honor,  is 
not  the  kind  of  a  man  we  emi^loy  in  any  ca])acity." 

[Yet,  they  hang,  or  reduce  to  poverty,  outsiders  who  do  so 
against  your  pagan  brethren,  and  you  call  it  murder  !] 


' '  He  was  awakened  by  the  noise  the  thief  made,  and  got  up  and  went 
after  him  ■with  a  shotgun.  The  thief  was  too  qiiick,  hov.'ever,  and  made 
his  exit  just  as  the  hoy  entered  the  room.  Young  G. . .  then  rushed  out  at 
the  door  in  hopes  of  getting/  a  shot.  The  Uttle  fellow  displayed  a  good  deal 
of  pluck  for  one  so  young.     The  tliief  got  nothing  Avhatever." 


i  ■ 


' '  A  man,  named  R. . . ,  having  some  money  on  his  person,  was  attack- 
ed by  four  men.  A  son  of  11. . .  's  came  to  his  father's  assistance,  and  \vitb 
a  ijistol,  shot  and  killed  two  of  the  men,  and  fatally  wounded  a  third.  'Ik 
was  a  dutiful  son.'  " 

[And  all  to  save  a  few  dollars  !  And  then  howl  "  wnat  a 
horrible  thing  it  is,  to  take  human  life."  >vhen  the  robbers  are 
your  pagan  brethren.] 


K 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

Land  troubles,  etc.,  continued. — "  The  Riparian  fight." — On  Puget  Sound. 
— Shooting  for  the  tide  lands. — A  woman  defending  her  claim. — Dyna- 
mite.— Vigilantes  liy  the  thousand. — Big  money  for  the  Court  gang. — 
Lawyers  instigating  a  fight. — Land  jumping. — Coroner's  iuquost.s. — 
"Defective"  laud  titles. — A  trick  of  the  Court  gang. — •'!  tell  you 
again  to  stop  i)loM'ing — crack  !  hawj?^'' — 'VNliy  Go vemment  lauds  are 
classified  when  they  are  all  good  for  homes  if  good  for  anything. — 
The  Com't  " bar "  [gang]  organizes  trouble. — "Be  ready." — "Para- 
sites."— "Citizens  arming." — W7/o  (/ets  uLndi/ jier  cent,  of  all  plunder? 

— How  TO    BEAD   NEW.SP.\PEBS    "BETWEEN    THE  LINES." 

1  HE  ijeoi^le  who  attempted  to  jump  the  San  Juan  lime  quanies  have 
found  it  unhealthy  business  and  have  abandoned  their  jjlau." 


"  Tlie  Riparian  Fit/kt. — This  paper  gave  a  full  account  of  the  land 
jum])ing,  or  rather  water-front  grabbing  in  the  south  end  of  the  city  [on 
Pugtt  Sound].  'At  about  2:;}0  yesterday  morning  the  agents  of  the  com- 
puuy  liere  obtained  the  tugs  Cehlo  and  Edna,  and  going  up  to  the  debat- 
ahlo  laud  began  snaking  the  iiiles  up.  The  parties  who  had  the  piling 
iloiu'  appeared  on  the  scene,  boarded  a  pile-driver,  aud  Mr.  B . .  took  a 
Wiiu-liester  rei)eating  ritie  aud  began  shooting  at  the  company's  rei)re- 
seutatives.  Some  of  the  bullets  struck  the  boat,  aud  one  went  through 
the  Cclilo's  cabin,  and  cut  eight  holes  through  the  engineer's  coat,  which 
was  luiuging  on  the  wall.  Mr.  M . .  narrowly  escajjed  being  shot  as  he 
was  standing  on  the  bow  holding  a  lantc^rn  for  the  lines  to  be  made  fast  to 
thu  piles  to  pull  them  out.  There  were  some  ttm  or  fifteen  shots  fired. 
What  the  ultimate  result  -will  be  cannot  be  predicted."  [Thus  they  "  de- 
bated.'"] 


"The  crew  of  a  pile-driver  was  held  at  bay  to-day  by  a  woman  with  a 
sk-sliooter.  Her  husband  has  built  a  cabin  on  his  claim,  and  his  wife 
guards  the  place  in  the  daytime  wliile  ho  goes  off  to  work.  A  pile-driver 
Wdi'kiui^-  for  another  claimant  came  to  the  enclosure  aud  l)egan  tearing 
ilowii  tlie  piles  and  stringers,  when  the  woman  drew  a  revolver  and  drove 
thorn  from  the  scene.  Many  other  similar  cases  ai-e  liable  to  be  developed 
iu  the  near  future  on  the  Sound." 


"The  new  residence  of  Mr.  S.   ,  president  of  W. .  colony,  was  blown 
to  atoms  with  dynamite.     The  building  was  valued  at  82,()()0.    This  resiUt 

(43UJ 


V.  <i 


■  ;*rV 


|<        ■     >     ! 


m 


440 


Land  Teoubles. 


is  supposed  to  be  the  outcome  of  a  quarrel  between  other  settlers  ami  the 
colony."  [The  owner  of  the  house,  if  an  oiitsider,  might  be  thankful  that 
his  enemies  used  dynamite  instead  of  the  court  gang.  ] 

"  The  settlers  iu  Harney  Valley  have  organized  a  vigilance 
committee  to  protect  themselves  from  land  jumpers.  Around 
here  those  who  encourage  such  rascals  are  rewarded  w'.tli 
office,  [made  Governors  by  the  gang]  and  our  settlers  have 
themselves  only  to  thank  for  it."  [By  not  treating  them  as 
other  burglars  are  treated.] 

"  A  gentleman  from  Harney  Valley  informs  us  that  there  is 
now  an  organized  body  of  vigilantes  in  that  section,  and  that 
they  propose  to  make  it  very  lively  for  unlawful  land  jumpers, 
horse  thieves,  and  [secret  ring  men]  in  general.  He  further 
informed  us  that  he  was  a  member  of  the  association,  and  that 
he  joined  it  because  it  was  a  public  necessity  to  protect  tho 
poor  man  and  his  family  from  being  robbed  and  driven  from 
the  land  to  which  he  is  justly  entitled."  [By  the  ring  Govern- 
or's "  goorl  judiciary."] 

"  While  P . .  was  moving  a  section  of  fence  made  by  11  . , 
the  latter  armed  himself  with  a  gun,  and  shot  P . .  dead,  the 
ball  taking  effect  in  the  left  breast,  and  passing  through  tlie 
heart."     [Which  means  big  money  in  the  pockets  of  the  gang.] 

"  Last  Sabbath,  W .  .  shot  and  killed  G . .  while  the  latter 
was  attempting  to  go  through  a  field  belonging  to  W .  . .  Both 
parties  owned  ranches,  and  had  taken  legal  advice.  W . .  's  law- 
yer told  him  that  he  had  a  right  to  fence  up  the  road  ;  and  G . .  's 
lawyer  told  him  that  he  had  a  right  to  cut  the  wires  and  go 
through  and  over  W.  .'s  land;  and  when  they  met,  only  a  few 
words  passed  when  W . .  fired  a  revolver  at  G . . ,  but  missed 
him  ;  then  G  .  fired  at  W . .  hitting  him  on  his  arm ;  then  W . . 
fired  again,  hitting  G . .  in  the  forehead,  killing  him  instantly. 
They  were  both,  steady,  industrious  and  respectable  men." 
[Which  means  more  plunder  for  the  gang,  the  two  lawyer- 
"members-of-the-bar,"  being  secret  partners.  Are  burglars  any 
worse?] 

"  The  difficulty  occurred  over  a  piece  of  land,  when  a  lifj;ht 
ensued  in  which  A . .  stabbed  one  of  the  F . .  's  severely.  The 
one  who  was  stabbed  was  not  able  to  travel,  nor  in  conditiou  to 
be  moved."     [Another  picnic  for  the  court  gang.] 


I    ' 


Vigilantes. 


441 


"The  jumping  of  land  is  the  cause  of  considerable  trouble 
[and  plunder  to  the  gang].  A  man  named  C . .  was  killed  by 
three  men  whom  he  endeavored  to  dispossess.  The  coroner's 
jury  returned  a  verdict  of  justifiable  homicide  in  the  killing  of 

"  M . .  has  been  frightfullj'  beaten  while  attempting  to  locate 
a  ranch,  by  parties  hired  by  a  [masonic]  ring  of  land-grabbers 
for  the  purpose  of  keeping  settlers  from  locating  on  public 
lauds  adjacent  to  their  ranges.  Serious  trouble  is  anticipated 
there  in  this  connection." 

"At  the  place  of  the  shootiug  li'3  found  the  body  of  the  slain  man 
Iving  on  the  ground  and  his  rifle  l)y  his  side.  He  had  been  shot  in  the 
ueek  and  heart.  D . .  and  the  H . .  's  have  been  on  ill  terms  for  a  long  time, 
based  on  the  ownership  of  a  quarter  section  of  land,  \ipon  ■which  the  H.  .'s 
settled  years  ago.  The  pai^ers  being  *  def(>ctive. '  [A  very  common  trick  by 
the  court  gang,  and  they  call  them  '  errors  !]  "  D. .  jumped  the  land, and 
after  a  great  deal  of  litigation  his  claim  was  confirmed  by  the  court.  Of 
course,  there  was  a  gi'eat  deal  of  bad  blood  between  D . .  and  the  H . .  's 
growing  out  of  these  proceedings. 

D. .  said,  "I  tell  you  again  to  stop  plowing,"  and  raised  his  gun  as  if 
to  i)nt  it  to  his  shoulder,  when  H . .  at  once  threw  up  his  gun  and  fired 
with  filial  effect.  This  is  regarded  as  the  first  of  many  similar  affairs  that 
zuay  occur  on  the  same  ranch." 

[Such  is  the  curse  of  prostituted  courts  and  their  mystic 
"bar."  Are  they  less  dangerous  and  fatal  than  the  less  refined 
and  expert  burglar?  then  whij  not  "lay  in  wait"  for  them  also? 

How  many  unhappy  families  are  grieving  in  secret  to-day 
at  this  lurking,  exj^ert  tyranny  that  oppresses  them,  and  the 
coiiiiilicated  and  long  protracted  ruin  that  it  has  brought  upon 
them  ?] 

"E..  offered  to  tile  on  a  quarter  section  of  C.'s  lantl  C.  bought 
froiii  tlie  State  as  swamp  and  overflowed  land,  but  the  State  never  had  a 
patiut  from  the  Government.  E. .  erected  a  cabin  on  the  land,  and  last 
niglit  about  fifteen  men  came  there,  and  circling  about  the  building,  cnni- 
uifuced  a  fusilade  with  rifles.  E . .  came  out,  and  standing  in  the  open 
fieUl,  kejit  up  his  end  of  the  firing,  aided  by  two  or  three  friends.  More 
tioulile  is  feared,  as  there  ai'e  many  cases  of  similar  disputed  tracts. " 

[This  classification  of  Government  land  {at  all)  was  always 
land  intended  so  to  be  by  the  gang)  a  mysterious  swindle  to Jtaio 
hinil  Hflc.s  and  thus  make  business  that  ivould  not  he  called  biirg- 


U 
•4 


11^ 


!"  .; 


442 


Land  Troubles. 


*  I! 


:'k    i| 


lary  to  he  shot  at  for  the  court  ganga,  and  to  allow  their  pagan 
members  to  steal  large  tracts  in  the  way  of  business.  Govern- 
ment lands  should  not  be  classified  at  all,  as  it  is  all  good  for 
homes,  or  it  will  be  in  time,  if  it  is  good  for  anything.] 

D . .  wth  two|other  men  went  to  the  house  on  the  i^lace,  presumably  to 
drive  A . .  away  and  take  possension.  A . .  told  him  to  go  away  ;  J). .  re- 
fused ;  whereupon  A . .  took  his  Winchester  and  stood  in  the  door  and  shot 
D..  dead."     [More  wliiskey  for  the  gang. ] 

"  The  appeal  to  lawful  authority  in  cases  [against  the  gang] 
has  been  in  vain,  and  the  pistol  is  therefore  resorted  to.  One 
man  has  been  able  to  disperse  an  entire  meeting  of  the  gang, 
to  rout  a  newspaper  oflSce,  and  to  get  clear  as  yet  with  a  simple 
fine  of  $50  for  contempt  of  court."  [What  coidd  be  more  con- 
temptible than  a  prostituted  court  itself?] 

"A  i^resent  feature  of  mining  in  this  great  mineral  belt  is  the  occur- 
rence of  law  suits.  The  T . .  mine  has  been  in  litigation  the  greater  part 
of  the  year,  and  a  great  many  others  have  also  been  troubled  in  the  same 
way.  The  trouble  has  been  organized  by  n  horde  [Lodye]  of  pestifrrom 
\^masomc\  huoyers  ["the  bar."]  whom  it  were  well  for  the  country  to  be 
lid  of.  The  troubles  at  W . .  have  lately  culminated  in  the  kilUng  of  one 
man  and  the  severe  wounding  of  another,  which  may  be  construed  as  a 
lesson  to  jumpers  and  their  legal  [hnkedj  abettors." 

"  Be  Ready. — We  mean  for  our  citizens  to  keep  their  fire- 
arms at  hand  to  shoot  the  [mystic  ring]  thieves,  now  spying  out 
the  land,  [and  secretly  organizing  with  the  courts  and  Governor, 
trouble  and  ruin  to  the  people,  wherein  they  live  and  lie]  on 
the  first  attempt  of  them  to  rob." 

"Parasites. — What  we  say  in  another  place  about  the 
[more  refined  and  expert  masonic]  light-fingered  gentry  spying 
out  this  land,  is  to  arouse  our  people  to  a  sense  of  the  danger 
there  is  in  their  being  allowed  to  remain  among  us.  We  kuoA\* 
we  will  incur  their  displeasure,  but  it  is  our  duty  to  warn  the 
people  of  danger  from  such  venomous  parasites  of  human 
society.  This  class  of  men  are  liable  to  burn  us  out  [or  drag 
us  into  the  prostituted  courts]  for  purposes  of  plunder  and 
spite  against  the  people  who  refuse  to  be  robbed.  Remember 
these  " prof essionals "  [these  refined,  expert,  "charitable"  (?) 
thieves]  rope  in  the  unwary  of  town  and  country  [prostitute 
the  courts]  and  rob  them.    The  matter  is  one  into  which  every 


lelt  is  the  occur- 
the  greater  part 
.bled  in  the  siime 
'gti\  of  j)ef;^//efo'(N 
the  country  to  be 
ihe  killing  of  one 
e  construed  as  a 


eep  their  fire- 
DW  spying  out 
and  Goveruor, 
Lve  and  lie]  on 


Vigilantes. 


443 


honest  man  should  look  with  alarming  interest.  As  you  re- 
gard your  happiness  and  prosperity,  arouse  yourselves  to  vigil- 
ance, and  see  that  our  town  is  not  infested  with  the  characters 
named.  We  know  some  of  the  citizens  are  already  arming 
themselves,  and  have  even  gone  so  far  as  to  discuss  the  sight 
for  a  gallows  from  which  to  dangle  these  men.  [The  wreck  of] 
our  home  is  here,  and  we  would  be  a  cowardly  accomplice  not 
to  raise  the  alarm  in  this  perilous  hour.  The  interest  of  our 
town  [and  country]  must  be  protected  by  ridding  ourselves  of  a 
dangerous  class.     Act  at  once,  and  iwiv." 

[For  over  ninety  per  cent,  of  all  the  property  that  has  ever 
been  stolen,  and  of  homes  that  have  been  plundered  and 
wrecked  and  ruined  in  the  northwest,  has  been  done — not  by 
the  plain,  humble  burglars,  for  whom  we  "lay  in  wait "  to  shoot 
down — but  the  more  refined  and  haughty,  expert,  linked  and 
mysterious  masons,  that  flaw  the  laws  and  prostitute  the 
courts  and  Governors.     Over  ninety  !  (90)  per  cent  !J 

" He  jests  at  scars  that  never  felt  a  wound." 

"Fell  sorrow's  tooth  doth  never  rankle  more, 
Than  when  it  bites  but  lanceth  not  the  sore." 


! 


in 


;  1  ,■■  , 


'-I 


I  M 


■llti 


i^.^mi 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

Sample  tragedy  cases  in  the  North-west,  in  brief,  cmicluded — What  mem- 
bers of  the  gang  can  do  to  others  with  impunity. — Victims  that  wore 
Hot  venerated  or  sanctified  by  the  gang. — About  land. — "ShotLim 
dead." — Stabbed  him  to  the  heart. — Stabbed  him  in  the  head.— Shot 
down  in  cold  blood. — The  court  burnt  in  effigy  and  why. — "A 
dark  scheme." — "This  is  not  the  first  time  I  have  had  to  face  load  to 
protect  my  rights." — "Served  the  fiend  right." — Shooting  a  man 
down  in  cold  blood  for  a  few  dollars. — Killing  a  man  for  alleged  tlircats 
to  burn  his  house. — "The  hero  of  the  hour,"  etc.,  etc. — From  the 
press,  and  how  to  read  it  ^'between  the  lines." 

\J ....  killed  M. . .  over  a  land  claim.     O. . .  seen  M. . .  coming  towards 
him  with  a  gun,  when  he  shot  him  dead." 

"  T. . .  and  S. . .  had  some  trouble  in  a  saloon,  when  T. . .  went  out, 
armed  himself  with  a  big  knife,  returned  and  stabbed  S. . .  to  the  heart." 

"  Capt.  B. . .  shot  W. . .  down  in  cold  blood.  The  people  burnt  tbo 
court  in  efligy  for  turning  him  loose." 

"  E. . .  killed  T. . .  by  stabbing  him  in  the  head.  T. . .  having  stniek 
him  with  his  fist. " 

"  D. . .  drew  his  pistol  and  commanded  H. . .  to  leave  the  yard.  H. . . 
(who  was  unarmed  and  drunk)  continued  to  advance,  and  D. . .  fired, 
shooting  him  through  the  body,  and  he  died.     D. . .  will  go  free." 

' '  McO . .  shot  B . .  '  TJiere  was  a  dark  scheme  on  foot  to  get  B. . .  out  of 
the  way.'" 

"S. . .  killed  D. . .  who  was  threatening  to  assault  him  or  drive  him 
out  of  toAvn;  shot  him  twice,  though  D. . .  was  unarmed." 

"D. . .  shot  and  killed  L. . .  The  justice  told  him  'to  shoot,'  and  he 
did  shoot.  The  Jiidge  discharged  him  on  the  ground  that  '  fie  had  been 
threatened,  and,  therefore,  acted  in  self -defence.' " 

"M. . .  shot  (hitting  him  three  times)  and  killed  F. . .  Both  parties 
met.  M. . .  said  he  was  ready,  both  fired  at  once.  M. . .  said,  '  this  is  not 
the  first  time  I  have  had  to  face  lead,  to  protect  my  rights.' " 

"F. . .  shot  and  killed  McD. . .,  while  attempting  to  crawl  through  a 
window  into  his  (F. . .  's)  house.  The  verdict  here  is  that  it  served  the 
fiend  right." 

"  P. . .  shot  and  killed  W. . .  who  was  following  P. . .  with  a  shotgun." 

(4U) 


Heroes  of  the  Houii. 


445 


I  \  .i: 


'*'?; 


oming  towards 


lith  a  shotgun. 


"G. . .  concealed  himself  with  a  shotgun  behind  the  door  of  a  black- 
smith shop  and  shot  P. . .  dead  across  the  street." 

"A  man  under  the  influence  of  opium  became  enraged  at  Mrs.  F. . . 
and  daughters,  and  chased  them  through  the  house  with  a  knife.  A 
gentleman  came  to  their  rescue  and  shot  the  man." 

"H. . .  called  K. . .  over  the  fence  and  shot  him  five  times." 

" P. . .  stabbed  B. . .  to  deatb  over  a  mining  claim." 

"  L. . .  shot  and  killed  D. .  .  for  raising  a  singletree  against  him." 

"A  one-legged  man  (S. .  .),  having  been  thus  crippled  while  in  rail- 
road emijloy,  being  broke,  was  put  off  a  train;  and,  as  he  was  leaving,  was 
shot  and  killed  by  a  train  man.  Without  wariiing,  or  cause  of  provocation, 
pnlkd  out  a  pistol  and  deliberately  shot  the  retreating  tramps." 

"  P. . .  shot  and  killed  C. . .  who  was  unarmed  and  retreating." 

"H. . .  went  to  M. .  .'s  house  Avith  a  shotgun  to  settle  their  difficulties, 
wlu'u  M.  •  .  wrenched  the  gun  from  him  and  clubbed  him  to  death  with  it. 
The  verdict  [of  acquittal]  meets  with  general  approbation. " 

"  A. . .  shot  P. . .  so  he  died,  because  A. .  's  wife  told  him  that  P. .  had 
abused  her  in  dunning  her  for  a  debt." 

"S. . .  shot  and  killed  C. . .  over  money  matters." 

' '  A  most  heinous,  dastardly  and  cowardly  murder  has  been  committed 
by  a  number  of  thieving  ['mysterious']  vagabonds,  and  better  known  as 
[Masons]  stranglers.  S. . . ,  my  brother,  while  iinder  the  pretended  pro- 
tection of  the  [hnked]  constable  and  an  assistant  of  his  own  choosing  [an- 
other] ,  conducting  Lim,  undt>r  the  order  of  the  said  stranglers,  to  town, 
so  that  he  could  leave  the  country,  in  obedience  to  their  orders,  was,  by  a 
baud  of  those  [my.stic]  cut-throats,  fired  upon  and  cruelly  murdered  by 
them.  And,  not  being  satisfied  with  their  dirty,  cowardly  work,  after  he 
^^a8  lying  upon  the  gl'ouiul,  his  face  downward,  and,  no  doubt,  dead,  a.s 
he  already  had  received  at  tLoir  hands  six  mortal  wounds,  some  one  of  the 
heartless  [Masons],  more  steei  ed  in  crime  than  the  rest,  (if  such  a  thing 
were  possible),  placed  a  gun  to  the  back  of  his  head  and  shot  him  through, 
the  ball  passing  through  the  head  and  earning  his  whiskers  into  the 
ground.  Then  they  departed  and  left  the  corjjse  from  that  time  till  ton 
o'clock  the  next  day,  to  be  rooted  around  by  hogs,  or  a  prey  for  coyotes  or 
carion  birds.  [Such  is  their  '  c/iar«7j/. ']  No  elf oit  was  made,  or  has  been 
made,  to  ascertain  who  committed  this  diabolical  murder.  Of  course,  the 
officora  who  had  him  in  charge  could  not  distinguish  the  murderers,  though 
uo  masks  were  worn.  No  efforts  were  made  by  the  [Masonic]  officers  to 
save  my  brother.  It  is  supposed  that  the  murderers  are  well-known,  but 
no  one  has  the  temerity  to  'blow'  as  yet,  for  fear  their  fate  may  be  the 
same  as  S. . .  's.     Nearly  all  good  people  unite  in  denouncing  this  murder 


&t 


■r-' 


1^ 


Ihlii  s 


446 


Heroes  of  the  Hour. 


as  a  most  wanton,  cruel,  uncalled-for,  dastardly,  m»an,  contemptibk-, 
cowardly  and  damnable  murder,  that  would  cause  the  olush  of  shame  to 
cover  the  brow  of  the  most  wanton  savage.  And  v  hen  these  [liuked 
MasonsJ  are  called  upon  to  give  their  final  account,  if  there  is  one  place 
more  dreadful  than  another  in  the  abode  of  the  damned,  it  will  certiiiuly 
be  assigned  to  them,  and  they  will  be  doubly  damned  for  countless  ages 
of  eternity.  L.  S. . . " 

"W. ..  took  a  shotgun  and,  Sunday,  followed  a  man  up  who  hail 
stolen  his  horse  and,  though  unarmed,  shot  him  down,  and  he  expired  in 
about  an  hour  in  great  agony." 

"  Y. . .  took  Sherrifif  B. .  .'s  pistol  from  its  holster  and  robbed  him 
of  a  few  dollars  in  a  saloon.  B. . .  then  got  another  pistol  of  the  bar- 
tender, followed  Y. . .  and  opened  fire,  shooting  him  down."  [Thus 
shooting  a  man  down  in  cold  blood  for  a  few  doUars.] 

"  B. . .  was  discharged  for  killing  a  man  on  the  ground  that  he  had 
threatened  to  burn  his  house." 

"A  Grand  Juror  gave  R. . .  to  understand  that  he  could  get  no  re- 
dress at  the  hands  of  the  court,  and,  therefore,  advised  him  to  take 
the  law  in  his  own  hands.  So  he  went  forthwith  and  shot  the  tren- 
passer  dead  in  his  own  house.  He  is  the  hero  of  the  hour,  and  the 
whole  community  think  the  shooting  was  justifiable." 


und  that  he  had 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 

The  Courts  and  laws  op  Washington  and  Alaska,  cmulensed  from  the 
Press  irilh  e.epltiiKitiotis,  etc. — Women  as  jurors,  etc. — "The  infamous 
decision,"  etc. — "Complaints  of  court." — "A  novel  ruling,"  etc. 

1  HE  time  has  come  when  no  one  feels  '  ifo  from  the  attack  of  the 
assiiHsiu,  and  the  freciueut  inquiry  is,  what  guud  man  \vill  be  next  to  yield 
up  liis  life  for  the  rea.son  that  he  possesses  a  httle  property,  or  has  in- 
curred the  displeasure  of  some  [masonic]  wretch  who  has  no  fear  of  the 
law.  Scarcely  a  man  dares  to  leave  his  own  door  without  tirearms  in  his 
possession,  and  women  and  children  are  in  constant  teiTor  lest  the  mur- 
derur  may  select  them  for  his  next  victim. 

The  graveyards  are  lilUng  up,  and  horrible  crimes  are  forgotten  almost 
M  soon  as  committed.  A  person  who  willfully  murders  another  for  gain 
is  entitled  to  no  symjiathy,  and  deserves  to  be  treated  more  like  a  wild 
beast  than  a  human  being." 

How  IT  13  DONE. — "  Be  it  remembered  that  the  battle  is  generally  won 
or  lost  when  the  twelfth  juror  is  sworn."  These  words  are  remarkable  in 
that  they  are  so  fearfully  true  ;  remarkable,  too,  that  they  should  be 
spokcu  by  an  attorney  at  such  a  time.  It  is  equivalent  to  saying  that 
jurors  do  not  decide  according  to  laAV  and  evidence.  It  is  coming  to  be  a 
reeoguized  fact  that  the  man  who  summons  the  jury  has  more  to  'n  in  the 
decision  of  a  cause  than  any  other  one  connected  with  it.  Let  all  who  fail 
to  L'oiuprehend  a  verdict  remember  and  jionder  these  words,  "The  battle 
is  geiKirally  won  or  lost  when  the  last  juror  is  sworn." 

[Yet  people  often  support  candidates  of  a  midnight  brotherhood  for 
slieiiti"  and  commissioners.] 


"The  case  of  W.  K.  vs.  J.  K.,  to  try  the  rights  of  property  in  relation 
to  a  certain  colt,  came  up  before  Justice  J.  B.  L.  last  Saturday.  The  jury 
gave  a  verdict  in  favor  of  the  plaintitf.  The  costs  of  the  suit  amount  to 
over  $500.  Rather  an  expensive  suit  over  a  §50  horse.  The  case  will  be 
taken  up  on  a  writ  of  certiorari." 

[Such  is  the  price  of  justice  in  a  masonic  court.] 

N.  B. — "Captain  'J.  B.  L.,'  formerly  State  librarian  of ,  recently 

a  justice  of  the  peace  and  auditor  of  Pomeroy,  was  placed  in  jail  last  night, 
ia  default  of  S500  bonds,  to  await  the  action  of  the  grand  jury,  on  a  charge 
of  embezzlnment.  Several  charges  of  a  hke  character  are  hanging  over 
liiiu." 

[Though  the  parties  were  robbed  of  large  sums  of  money,  the  brother, 
being  a  licensed  criminal,  was  dismissed  by  the  good  to  him  judiciary. 
And  of  such  are  the  "  courts  of  justice."] 

(447) 


ll-ri^ 


U  '■ 


It  I!  I 


\v\ 

1 

i 

US 


Couurs  IN  Washinqton  and  Alahka. 


•'Judge  G. .  lias  docidoil  that  titles  to  legislative  acts  may  not  Hpcciti. 
cally  express  the  objecst  of  the  law,  uud  still  ho  valid.  This  was  to  have 
heeu  expected,  as  Judge  L . .  held  to  precisely  a  different  opinion  moiuo 
time  ago." 

* 

•'Demurrer  to  the  petition  was  overruled.  In  this  Jud^o  G . .  decided 
that  the  insolvent  law  of  the  Territory  is  valid,  holding  contrary  to  u  Jt'. 
cision  of  Judge  V»'. .  some  time  since." 

[The  i)rofo8sion  of  law  is  a  vicious,  expensive  humbug,  and  should  be 
abolished.] 

"Judge  L. .  has  decided  the  local  option  law  unconstitutional  ou  the 
ground  that  it  is  an  attempt  to  confer  legi-slative  power  upon  the  i)e(,i)lo  at 
the  polls.  This  is  i)recisely  what  might  be  expected  from  such  a  Moiuce. 
His  decision  will  carry  no  weight  outside  of  his  own  district.  It  is  well 
known  that  the  local  ojition  law,  and  especially  the  local  option  iJi-inciple 
of  voting  by  the  i)eople  on  the  question,  was  carefully  considered  l)y  tliice 
ex- Judges,  by  Chief  Justice  G . .  and  by  other  lawyers  far  superior  iu 
ability  to  Judge  L. .,  and  they  unhesitatingly  i^ronounce  tlio  law  coustitn- 
tioual  in  every  respect.  It  is  a  jjity  that  judicial  ignorance  and  stupidity 
of  the  L . .  kind  should  be  a  stumbling  block  in  the  jjrogi-esa  of  moral 
reform.  IIi»  appointment  was  a  very  bad  one  from  the  beginning,  uud  tliu 
question  as  to  who  is  resi)onsible  for  it  is  pertinent  at  this  iiarticulartime." 
[The  masonic  ling.  J 

"Judge  T . .  has  decided  in  a  Yakima  case  that  the  local  option  law  of 
the  last  legislature  is  valid.  His  decision  is  a  strong  document,  and  is  sup- 
l)orted  by  a  formidable  array  of  judicial  decisions. 

The  turning  point  in  the  decision  is,  that  the  local  option  law  is  not  a 
delegation  of  legislative  i)ower,  but  merely  the  delegation  of  the  power  to 
determine  ujjou  what  contingency  the  law  shall  be  operative." 

[And  the  Supreme  court  decided  both  ways,  so  as  to  make  business  for 
the  brotherhood  and  "members  of  the  bar,"  at  the  expense  of  the  pooplo, 
and  making  the  legislature  a  useless  bodi/  or  branch  of  government.] 

"  There  is  intense  excitement  all  over  Washington  over  the  decisiou  of 
the  supreme  court,  declaring  unconstitutional  the  act  of  the  legislature, 
gi'anting  suffrage  to  women. 

Last  Friday  the  iieoi^le  of  this  coast  were  astonished  by  a  desijatoli 
from  Olympia,  stating  the  supreme  court  had  declared  the  women's  suti- 
rage  lav/  void,  and  that  hereafter  women  could  not  lawfully  vote  or  sit  ou 
juries  iu  this  Territory. 

Judge  L . .  in  his  opinion  says,  that  the  present  code  of  Wasliiugtou 
does  not  contain  any  authenticated  act  of  the  legislative  assembly.  It 
purports  to  have  been  edited  and  compiled  by  a  i^rivate  party.  It  cou- 
tains  no  titles  to  acts,  no  enacting  clause,  no  signature  of  the  presidcut, 
speaker,  or  Governor.  The  chapter,  divisions  and  sections  all  i>uri)ort  to 
be  the  act  of  a  iJrivate  party.     He  says  it  is  clear  that  this  book  does  not 


may  not  Hpociti- 
lis  was  to  have 
,t  opiuioii  woiuo 


1^0  G . .  decided 
iutravy  to  u  de- 

J,  and  should  Vic 


ti^ntioual  ou  the 
ion  the  pei^ilo  at 
m  Bucli  a  Houree. 
itrict.     It  is  ^veU 
option  prineiiile 
isidered  by  three 
8  far  snpi'rior  iu 
tlio  law  euustitu- 
ice  and  stuindity 
)rogi'ess  of  inoral 
)egiuuing,  iiud  the 
3  particular  time." 

ocal  option  law  of 
nieut,  and  is  suii- 

iption  law  is  uot  a 
In  of  the  power  tn 
Ltive." 

[niake  business  for 

■use  of  the  pooplo, 

'ernment.  ] 

er  the  decision  of 

f  the  legishiture, 

Jd  by  a  despatch 
the  -wouieu's  snff- 
Lily  vote  or  sit  ou 

Ae  of  Washiugtou 
Ive  assembly.  It 
Te  party.  It  cou- 
lof  the  presiucut, 
\ns  all  purport  to 
lis  book  does  not 


AVOMEN   AS  JUIIOIIS. 


449 


coutaiu  an  actor  copy  of  an  act  iiassod  by  the  loj,'islativo  assembly,  and  it 
cauuot  bo  known  ollicially  irl/nf  if  diti-s  <»•  iloi-s  no/  coutain."  [V^-t  it  wds 
effixlirif  (IS  (Ojainst  oulsidcrs.] 

"In  this  way  all  tho  acts  granting  women  the  right  to  voto  are  void, 
and  if  unablo  to  vote  they  are  incapable  of  acting  as  junu's. " 

"  Ohief  Justice  O. .  says  :  'From  all  that  is  decisive,  and  from  much 
that  is  not  decisive,  iu  the  very  able  opinions  just  read,  I  totally  dissout.*  " 

"Followiug  is  the  opinion  of  Judge  D . .  with  some  facts  cited  by  him: 
'The  opinion  announced  by  Justices  T. .  and  L. .  holding  the  woman  sutl- 
rage  law  imconstitutional,  does  not  have  that  efl'ect.'  " 

"The  same  questions  have  been  differently  decided  by  threat  of  the 

judges  of  the  supreme  court  while  hearing  cases  in  that  court If 

the  opinions  in  these  four  cases  are  not  decisive  of  the  (piostion,  how  can 
the  opinion  of  L . .  and  T . .  be  decisive  V  But  if  tho  woman  suffrage  act 
auieudiug  section  3,050  of  the  code  is  void  for  the  reasons  assigned  in  the 
opinion,  then  the  act  amending  section  2,113  of  the  code,  and  fixing  the 
time  of  holding  the  iireseut  term  of  tho  supreme  court  is  void  for  the  same 
reasons,  namely,  a.  ik/ective  iille.'^ 

The  title  of  the  two  acts  is  in  substance  and  effect  the  same,  and  if 
one  act  is  void,  the  other  is  void,  and  the  supreme  com-t  is  now  in 
session  without  the  authority  of  law,  and  all  its  decisions  and  doings  have 
no  validity. 

I  am  not  attempting  to  show  the  fallacy  or  unsoundness  of  the  opinion 
iu  (piestiou,  but  only  one  of  the  results  of  such  an  opinion,  that  if  '  all  the 
acts  granting  women  the  righv  vo  vols  are  void, '  the  act  under  which  the 
supreme  court  is  iu  session  is  also  void.  [In  other  words,  the  hin-yer 
machine  is  <t  humbug  and  expensive  SKiindle.^ 

Tlie  editor  says  :  "Our  roadei's  can  take  each  their  own  views  of  the 
matter  set  forth  above,  and  when  vhey  get  through  studying  on  them,  if 
they  know  any  more  about  the  real  statutes  of  the  question  than  they  did 
before  they  commenced,  they  know  more  than  the  writ*>r  does  about  it." 

"The  decision  of  the  supreme  court,  declaring  thc^  woman  suffrage 
act  of  1883  unconstitutional,  has  been  the  absorbing  toiiio  of  conversation 
along  the  streets  to-day.  In  view  of  the  special  interest  connected  with 
the  case,  representatives  of  the  News  have  taken  pains  to  secure  exi)res- 
sions  of  opinions  from  a  number  of  our  leading  citizens." 

One  says  :  ' '  Public  sentiment  in  Washington  Territory  is  largely  in 
favor  of  woman  suffrage.  "When  I  first  came  here  I  was  prejudiced 
against  woman  suffrage,  but  my  exijerience  has  shown  to  me  that  the 
good  of  society  demands  that  women  should  exercise  the  same  i)ohtical 
rights  as  men.  This  decision  is  a  real  calamity.  It  is  made  on  ijurely 
technical  grounds  and  mthout  reference  to  the  merits  of  the  question. 
The  matter  is  still  more  to  be  regretted  for  the  reason  that  it  will  impair 
public  confidence  in  exposition  and  administration  of  law  by  our  courts. 
It  is  feared  by  many  that  the  supreme  court  of  "Washington  Territory  is 
29 


I  ^ 


m 


mm'^w 


450 


"The  Infamous  Decision." 


inclined  to  keoyi  in  the  old  ruts  and  avoid  the  decision  of  qne.stious  upon 
their  intrinsic  merits." 

Another. — "Theconrthas  stultified  itself.  The  decision  looks  pet- 
tish. TL-i  supreme  court  having  three  times  passed  en  the  question,  it 
should  he  recognized  as  settled.  The  legislature  having  been  in  sessiou 
since  the  time  of  those  decisions,  it  can  he  well  considered  that  the  i>e()jili> 
have  acquiesci>d  in  these  laws.  Here  is  another  consideration  :  If  tliiit 
deci.sion  goes  to  the  extent  that  female  juries,  or  juries  in  which  there  were 
women,  are  invalid,  then  all  present  indictments  now  pending,  the  Chinese 
cases  iucluded,  and  the  conviction  in  the  celebrated  W. .  murder  case  that 
is  now  before  the  supreme  court,  are  invalidated." 

Another. — "The  decision  knocks  the  stufling  OTit  of  thing.s,  and  yet 
does  not  settle  the  question.  It  makes  a  muddle.  If  an  offender  is  tiied 
and  convicted  in  the  second  or  third  judicial  district  by  a  jury  composed 
in  whole  or  part  of  women,  an  appeal  to  the  supreme  court  would  result 
in  the  aumibnent  of  V.xe  judgment  ;  whereas,  if  an  appeal  should  come  \\]> 
from  the  first  or  fourth  judicial  district,  based  on  the  present  deci.sioii,  the 
judgment  would  be  aflirmed,  as  it  is  known  that  Judge  G. .  and  Judge  H.. 
favor  female  suffrage  and  regard  tho,  law  as  constitixtional,  and  Judge  L. . 
and  Judge  T. .  maintain  the  opiiosite  ^•iews." 

Another. — "I  am  sorry  to  see  the  woman's  siiffrage  act  declared  nn- 
constitution.'d.  I  was  not  at  one  time  in  favor  of  woman's  sutTrage,  l)ut 
since  I  have  seen  its  workings  in  this  territory.  I  am  in  favor  of  it." 

Another.  —  '  T  have  sat  in  the  Jury  box  with  women  and  always  fouuil 
them  good 'jurors. '  " 

Another. ^ — "I  am  opposed  to  woman  suffrage  and  glad  to  know  the 
Supremo  Court  has  rendered  the  decision  it  has." 

Another. — '•!  am  in  favor  of  woman  suffrage,  pronded  they  vote  the 
democratic  ticket." 

Another.  —  "I  con.sider  it  a  great  pubhc  calamity.  Woman  sufl'rage 
has  been  a  success  in  this  tenitory." 

Another.— "I  inv.iiiably  found  that  women  made  as  good  jurors  as 
you  find  anywhere.  They  had  keen  per*  eptions  and  exercised  mo^t  ex- 
cellent judgment.     The  deci.sion  was  wrong." 

Another. — ''I  have  always  been  opjjosed  to  woman  suflrage  and  like 
the  deci^inn." 

Another.— A  legal  gentleman  said:  "A  quibble,  yes,  sir,  a  (luibble." 

Another  legal  gentleman: — "The  decision  is  a  splendid  one.  It  will 
he'if'Ji/tJn'jiii/iciiiri/si/s/i'iiioithiHierviUn'y.  Women  have  not  made  irinnl 
jurors."  [They  not  being  so  safe  to  bribe  or  subject  to  niy.stic  sij^us. 
And  Buch  decisions  beuetit  the  judiciary  system  by  making  the  terrif<ivv 
"  a  fiTj/  iucititKj  fii'lil  (if  vlan'r/ar  tlf  /I'f/dl/rati'niifj/,"  THE  c.vNCEU  ok  tuk 

PEOPLE.] 

"A    yEQUENCE. 

The  legdtimate  fruits  of  the  Supreme  Court  are  already  making  tliciv 
apjtearauce.     The  result  is  to  create  endless  controversy,  constant  fni- 


Courts  in  "W^vshington  and  Alaska. 


451 


'  qnestious  npou 

cision  looks  pet- 

tho  question,  it 

r   lieeu  ill    HOSsidU 

I  that  tlie  people 
oration  :  If  tlmt 
-svldfli  there  vcro 

icliug,  the  Chiuese 
xmirder  case  that 

if  things,  and  yet 

II  offentler  is  tried 
:  a  inry  composed 
onrt  would  result 
d  should  coiuc  up 
esent  decision,  the 
■ . .  and  Judge  H . . 
al,  and  Judge  L.. 

;e  act  declareu  uu- 
uan's  sulirage,  but 
favor  of  it." 
.  and  always  found 

glad  to  know  the 

Ided  they  vote  the 

Woman  suffrage 

|as  good  jurors  as 
txereised  most  ex- 

I  suffrage  and  liko. 

[sir.  a  (luiWdi'- ' 
ndid  one.  It  vill 
le  not  made  good 
to  mystic  siuus. 
Iking  the  territory 
1e  c.vnceu  of  tue 


Idy  making  thciv 
Isv,  constant  i' 'i»- 


fusion  and  instabihty  of  judicial  proceedings  under  our  statutes,  for  tho 
(Iceisiou  Mill  reach  and  apply  Mith  equal  force  to  half  tho  enactments  of 
the  last  two  sessions  of  tho  Territorial  Assembly,  whenever  tho  point  is 
raised  [/or  a  hiy  price  or  rhif/  inihiciiri-]  with  respect  to  any  one  of  them. 

Upon  the  convening  of  the  District  Court  in  tSeattle,  the  United  States 
Attorney  raised  the  objc'tion  that  no  legal  term  of  tlu'  District  Court  could 
then  he  held,  since  tho  act  of  ISMo,  changing  the  time  of  holding  the 
terms  of  the  District  Courts,  was  likewise  imperfect  in  its  title,  for  the 
same  reasons  upon  which  the  decision  against  the  Avoman  suirrage  act  was 
rendered,  and,  therefore,  void.  And  further  that,  acconling  to  tho  piiu- 
cijile  involved  in  its  own  decision,  no  lega;  to*  m  of  the  Supreme  Court  had 
been  held,  since  its  authority  to  sit  at  that  time  was  derived  from  an  act 
with  the  same  imperfect  title.  He  believed,  in  a  rehearing  of  the  case,  the 
decision  Avould  be  reversed,  for  the  same  Judges,  if  they  were  consistent, 
must  decide  that  they  had  no  jurisdiction,  since  they  Avere  not  legally  in 
session. 

Judge  G. . .,  after  hearing  arguments  oil  both  sides,  determined  to  hold 
tho  session  of  the  court,  '  .siuce  i*'  was  clear  in  his  own  mind  that  both  acts 
weri'  valid,  though  he  believed  that  the  logic  advanced  by  the  judges  who 
delivered  the  opinion  in  the  sutlrage  case  would  render  this  act  also  void, 
because  the  title  did  not  state  tho  object  of  the  act.' 

In  case  of  any  conviction  at  this  term  of  covt,  it  is  more  than  likely 
that  an  appeal  will  l)e  taken  [if  the  parties  have  j)  nity  of  money  or  belong 
to  the  gang]  to  the  Supreme  Court,  on  the  ground  of  no  jiirisdictiou,  and 
it  will  be  interesting  to  see,  how  these  same  Judges  will  accei)t  the  fx'uits 
of  their  former  decision." — Daily  Ni'.n-n. 

'  The  result  of  this  decision,  if  adhered  to  by  tho  District  Courts  and 
followed  to  its  legitimate  end,  will  occasion  endless  litigsitiou  [and  enrich 
the  gang,  to  which  the  Judges  belong,  at  the  expense  of  the  people] . 
Titles  to  much  propux'  \%ill  lie  unsettled.  The  d(>cision  is  disastrous.  It 
will  result  in  setting  asu  •  all  the  indictments  against  the  C^dnese  conspi- 
rators and  against  tho.se  indictc  1  for  defrauding  the  Goverament  of  thou- 
sands of  acre:  v>f  tinib'n-  land.  a.  1  feu-  j'erjury  and  like  crimes.  1v  some 
of  these  cases  the  statute  of  limitation  has  run,  and  no  new  iudictmouts  can 
he  found." 

"In  this  territory  half-breed  Indians  und  Kanakas  can  vote.  The 
only  class  of  persons  excluded  fromsuidi  rightsare  Cliinamen,  full-blooded 
ludiaus  and  white,  intelligent  Avomen.  I  say  '■  Shunn'.''  The  plain,  homely 
peo])le  of  the  practical  Abraham  Lincoln  kind  are  almost  without  exception 
iu  favor  ol  the  law." 

"The  Inf.vmois  Declsion. 

When  territorial  Judges  bang  their  hair  and  again  undertake  to  annul 
lifxishitive  enactuiOL  s   aud   overrule  judicial  decisions  by    frowns    and 
>lihistry,  they  will  do  -well  to  act  with  more  cu-cuinspectiou.     They  will 
ill  \v(ll  to  ('(inMult  authorities,  and  not  indulge  iu  whims  and  vagaries. 


i 

■•'il 

Wfff 


''W4 

1  '  H 

hi 


IHB 

fl^Hnl 

r^i     1 

.^Hfi 

%   1, 

il    i' 

"  '! 

H| 

*i''      ■ 

?l'- 

IP 

5  ' 


45'J 


Women  as  Jurors. 


The  recent  oinuious  clelivered  by  two  of  the  Associate  Jtisticcs  of 
Washington  Territory  [Free  Masons]  have  received  a  scorching  througli 
the  press,  which,  it  is  hoiked,  will  Bene  as  a  warning  to  thcu  and  to  ethers. 
The  '  oi)inions '  have  been  reviewed  and  have  been  shown  in  be  nothing 
bnt  spurious  and  efiusive  gush.  It  has  been  shown,  that  in  i)rei)ariug  the 
opinions,  i)lain  and  well-settled  ininciples  of  law  have  been  disregarded. 
It  has  been  shown  that  7to  cnnsfitiitional  ipiestlmi  was  involved  iu  the  cast;  or 
presetited  to  the  covrtfor  decision. 

The  Judges  travelled  outside  of  the  case  vnd  dragged  in  the  consti- 
tutional question,  and  then  decided  it  on  jnirely  technical  grounds.  They 
not  only  assailed  the  validity  of  the  sitflrage  law,  but  the  visi/om  and  jmlkii 
of  such  a  Uw.  [As  though  the  people  have  not  as  much  wisdom  and  are 
not  as  comiJetent  to  judge  of  a  policy  as  a  few  Masonic  shysters.]  That  iu 
doing  so,  they  labored  to  uphold  the  doctrine  that  it  is  not  one  of  the 
rights  and  ijrivileges  of  women  to  engage  in  such  professions,  occui)atii)us 
and  employments,  as  they  may  choose  for  a  livelihood,  and  went  so  far  as 
to  compliment  some  [masonic]  Judges  for  refusing  to  admit  a  woiuan  to 
practice  as  an  0  i  torney  iu  their  coui'ts.  [2ior  can  anybody  outside  of  the 
gang.] 

' '  It  has  been  shown  that  th*'  Judges  have  exercised  j^owers  expressly 
reserved  by  Cougi-ess  iu  the  organic  act.  and  that  they  have  overruled  de- 
cisions of  the  suj)reme  court  of  the  United  States  and  of  other  courts. 

To  2>rove  this,  decisions  hke  the  following  have  been  cited  : 

"Acts  of  the  Territorial  legislative  assemblies  are  valid  until  disap- 
proved by  Congress." 

Minros  bank  vs.  Iowa,  12  Hon.  1. 

"  Laws  passed  by  the  legishvtive  assembly  of  a  Tt^nitoiy,  and  approved 
by  the  Governor,  are  valid  and  oi)erative  until  annulled  by  tht  lUsapproval 
of  Congress."     Tenitory  of  Wisconsin  vs.  Doty,  1  Pen.  396. 

It  has  also  been  shown  that,  iu  order  to  give  plausibility  to  the 
opinions,  an  attempt  M-as  made  to  wipe  out  of  existence  laws  which  were 
ujjon  oui'  statute  books  very  long  before." 

[Sitchjiaws  (O'e  made  in  laws  jmrjiosely  by  the  masonic  gang  for  an  in- 
direct tax  on  the  peoide  for  their  (the  gang's)  8upi)ort.  Of  courHt\  they 
i:ould  be  corrected  forth irith,  but  tluit\vould  spoil  the  job  and  hurt  their 
business.      No  Judge  shouiiD  BEiiONo    to  a    secbet    sworn  miujuout 

bbothebhood.] 

Complaints  of  Cot-bt. 
"  It  becomes  so  grave  a  matter  that  we  cannot  refrain  from  mcutiouin;.: 
the  complaint  we  hear  against  the  district  cnurt  just  closed  for  its  iuefli 
cicncy  in  behalf  of  justice  and  fail-  deahng  between  man  and  man.  TheN 
come  from  all  classes  of  peo^jle  in  this  county.  They  do  not  come  froii. 
defeated  litigants,  but  from  persons  who  have  no  ends  but  justice  to  servi 
in  their  animadversions,  severe  criticisms,  and  oomphdnts  of  the  uiuimei 
in  which  most  of  the  business  was  done.  It  is  surmisttl  that  money  [ami 
masonry]  was  used  unlawfully  tv)  defeat  justice  iu  its  met*8  between  met: 


"The  Infamous  Decision." 


453 


"Aside  from  such  intimations  and  declarations  as  are  referred  to,  we 
can  truthfully  say  we  have  never  heard  so  many  complaints  filed  against 
one  Juilge  and  his  [masonic]  court  during  one  term.  All  this  comiilaint 
comes  from  the  turn  the  matters  of  litigation  took  before  the  court  and 
juries  under  instructions  of  the  court.  We  call  attention  to  these  tilings 
so  the  matter  may  bo  studied.  [It  is  practical  masonry  and  money 
mixed  together.  ]  We  have  no  doubt  the  people  from  their  standpoint, 
liiivo  just  grounds  of  complaint,  and  we  fear  no  good  will  come  from 
those  matters.  Good  men  and  women  do  not  hesitate  to  declare  the 
whole  court  was  a  farce,  and  another  Cincinnati  atlair  with  the  riot  left 
out  ;  and  only  the  good  sense  of  the  peo25le  prevented  the  latter. 

Just  here  let  it  be  said,  there  is  too  lax  an  administration  of  justice  all 
over  this  country.  There  is  too  much  svmpathy  for  criminals  if  they  hap- 
pen to  have  money  [or  belong  to  the  gangj  while  a  poor  cuss  [or  outsider] 
is  piimshed  to  the  full  extent  of  the  law.  The  opinion  i^revails  that  if  a 
man  has  money  [and  belongs  to  the  gang]  lie  can  commit  any  crime  and 
go  unpunished  almost  altogether.  It  is  a  dangerous  period  in  the  history 
of  a  country  when  the  jjeople  loose  confidence  in  the  court.s.  If  theru 
was  a  prom2)t  execution  of  the  law  we  would  not  witness  or  lu^ar  of 
}H(>ple  taking  the  law  into  their  own  hands  to  nn^te  out  jiistice.  [Ma- 
sonry] ia  too  prone  to  evil  to  give  it  such  unbridled   license  as  it  now 

has.'' 

*  * 

"Judge  L.  in  a  case  tried  before  him  held  the  insolvent  law  good,  re- 
versing Judge  \V .  .  and  gi^^ng  good  reason  for  so  doing.     [And  this  they 

call  "being  learned  in  the  law."] 

*  * 

....  "Judge  J. .  expressed  himself  as  strongly  oj)i5osed  to  the  resolu- 
tion, and  statinl  that  for  years  the  district  C(Mirt  had  been  run  in  the  interest 
nf  a  few  [masonic]  attorneys,  and  stated  that  he  had  knowledge  of  bach 

facts,  uud  he  ma<le  the  charge  advisedly." 

*  * 
* 

"It  seems  a  hard  matter  for  the  court  here  to  get  a  legal  jury;thc- 
prosecuting  attorney  had  the  rc*///v  ( mashed  at  present  term  of  courc  as 
lie  (lid  in  February. "  [And  so  the  brother  and  ex-J.  P.  was  "  acquitted, " 
this  JH  a  common  trick  with  the  gang,  to  pack  juries.] 

"Cireatcare  was  taken  in  selecting  a  Grand  Jury,  not  to  place  luiy- 
hoily  on  the  lists  who  is  connected  with  the  Knights  of  Labor."  [Which 
ishaiilly  a  secret  craft,  and  yet  niiMubcrs  of  the  sworn  secret  gai.,';;s  of 
anti-working  masons  and  odd-fellows  are  put  onto  juries,  and  even  as 
Juilges,  to  try  and  judge  full-Hedged  .\uiericau  citizens.] 

*  * 
* 

"The  [masonic I  defaulter  has  been  arrested  at  Chicago.  Now  the 
ipicstiou  arises,  who  wants  him  '?  The  county  cannot  attbrd  to  tax  her 
people  ;i?700  or  «W()()  to  send  aft<'r  him  and  then  pay  the  expenses  of  his 


454 


Courts  in  Washington  and  Alaska, 


trial,  Mliieli  if  it  follows  the  coiirso  of  fionio  of  the  trials  at  the  last  term  df 

court  Avould  1)0  only  an  expensive  farce."     [Had  he  not  belouged  to  the 

gang  how  diifereut  would  have  been  the  cry  ?J 

*  * 

* 

"Our  delegate  expresses  the  fear  that  the  forfeitiu'e  of  Northern 
Pacific  [masonic]  railroad  lands  will  involve  citizens  on  its  huoiuiiro- 
tracted  and  costly  litigation,  and  that,  therefore,  it  would  be  better  to  give 
till!  lauds  to  the  company.  This  is  in  efi'ect  to  say  that  although  the  [gang] 
is  not  entitled  to  these  lauds,  it  should  be  permitted  to  iiold  them,  because 
otherwise  it  Avill  jjersecute  settlers.  It  is  a  strange  [masonic]  doctrine, 
and  ii\  this  day  nud  generation  rather  a  bold  ])osition  to  take.  Because  a 
[gang]  wants  a  jnece  of  the  public  donuuu,  jirivate  citizens  [or  outsiders] 
must  stand  back,  with  bowed  heads,  and  meekly  give  way.  We  have 
heard  this  sort  of  threat  before.  Mr.  C.  P.  Huntington,  the  well-known 
letter  writer,  exi)ressed  the  same  when  he  declared  that  if  Congress  passed 
a  bill  forfeiting  the  Texas  Pacific  grant,  his  [secrt^t  gang]  would  'litigate 
the  question  iu  the  [masonic]  courts  for  twenty  years.'  The  doctrine  then 
restilts  iu  this  :  The  jieople  must  surrender  their  rights  on  demaud  of  [a 
secret  gang],  or  be  subject  to  rtithless  jjersecution  under  the  name  of  liti- 
gation."    [And  blacklegs  say,  "we  have  a  good  judiciary."] 


Mi 


. . .  .""Were  severally  indicted  for  the  crime  of  i^erjury,  committed  iu 
making  final  jiroof  to  a  tract  of  laud  [for  a  masonic  ring.]  said  defendants 
had  severally  appeared  before  probate  Judge,  and  made  oath  to  certiuu 
statements  m  relation  to  the  occuiwucy,  imin'ovements,  etc.,  of  the  said 
land,  and  which  statements  Avore  willfully  false.  The  defendants  by  tlieir 
[masonic]  counsel,  filed  a  demurrer  to  the  indictment  on  several  grounds, 
amongst  which  they  claimed  that  a  probate  Judge  was,  under  the  law,  n^t 
a  person  to  administer  au  oath  iu  such  cases,  and  that  the  crime  of  perjniy 
could  not  be  committed  in  taking  an  oath  before  such  an  ofHcer.  After 
argument  by  three  of  the  [gang]  the  [masonic]  court  sustained  tlie 
demurrer  upon  the  above  named  ground,  and  the  actions  were  dismissed 
and  the  defendants  discharged  from  further  i)ersecutiou.  This  case  has 
attracted  a  great  deal  of  attention,  and  one  of  the  defendants  had  been 
T)rought  back  from  New  York  [at  the  i)eople's  exi)euse  and  profit  to  the 
gang]  Tipou  a  warrant  issued  ujjon  the  indictment,"  [which,  however, 
was  good  enough  to  send  other  men  to  the  penitentiary.] 

*  *  * 
"To  the  peoj)le  of  Lewis  county  we  will  say,  your  doom  is  sealed- 
Nearly  one-half  of  tiie  property  of  the  county  is  now  exemjjt  from  taxa- 
tion. You  have  not  even  the  right  to  apply  to  the  courts  for  a  redrew:- 
of  yoiir  grievances.  [The  masonio  rings]  Mill  not  jiay  taxes,  neither  c  in 
yon  com])el  them.  You  must  work  and  koop  the  taxes  on  your  property 
Ijaid,  If  iu  the  future  the  [masonie  riugs]  demaud  of  you  to  make  a  deed 
t<>  it  of  your  homes  without  consideration,  you  must  do  so,  paying  the 


1 


the  last  term  of 
belonged  to  tlit- 


ii'e  of  Isortliem 
1  its  liue  in  pro- 
be better  to  give 
ough  the  [gang] 
A  them,  because 
isouic]   cloctriuc, 
,ake.     Because  a 
us  [or  outsiders] 
way.     We  have 
,  the  well-knowu 
'  Congress  i>asseil 
]  wonkl  'litigate 
Che  doctrine  tlieu 
on  demand  of  [a 
f  the  name  of  Uti- 

iry,  committed  iu 
]   said  defendants 
e  oath  to  certain 
etc.,  of  the  said 
Ifendants  V)y  tlieir 
several  grounds, 
uder  the  law,  not 
crime  of  perjury 
|an  officer.     After 
art  sustained  tlio 
s  were  dismissed 
|u.     This  case  has 
indants  had  been 
and  profit  to  the 
which,   however. 


doom  is  sealed- 
tempt  from  tu\a- 
Irts  for  a  redress 
(axes,  neither  cau 
In  vonr  property 
lu  to  make  a  deed 


Women  as  Jurors. 


455 


lo  so,  paymg 


the 


scrivener's  fees  yourselves,  for   the  [masons]    are  all-powerful,  and  you 

dare  not  fight  them. " 

*  * 

"It  is  projier,  however,  to  say  that  at  common  law  the  c. Tarts  have 
alnrit/s  had  i»ower  to  enforce  reasonable  charges  for  transportation,  and 
that  this  interstate  conunission  act  therefore  asserts  no  power  that  'lid 
lU't  jirei'ionsl//  e.cisf.  Again,  this  law  forbiJ.s  discrimination,  though  the 
courts  have  alivai/s  Jiad  power  at  common  law  to  punish  discrimination, 
and  recpiire  the  carrier  to  charge  all  persons  who  engage  his  ser\'iees 
e(iually  for  the  same  service. 

But  individual  eflbrts  to  enforce  these  ijrinciides  against  the  [masonic] 
raih'oads  have  lony  since  been  abaiubmed  us  hopeless.'"  [Because  the  courts 
are  i)rostituted  with  masonry.] 

* 
"Seattle  [then  a  town  of  8000  inhabitants]  has  a  court  docket  em- 
bracing J04  aises.  and  a  deliuciuent  tax  list  of  si'ven  columns  iu  very  small 
type.  She  may  not  consider  it  a  matter  of  boast,  however,  as  did  the  boy 
who  felt  elated  because  his  father  had  a  mortgage  on  the  family 
uuiusion."  [But  the  Governor  bo((sled  tlutt  it  vas  sucb  n  '■'■youd  field  for  f/te 
h'ljul/raternitii  " — that  it  had  such  a  big  cancer  ] 

*  * 
* 

"We  overheard  one  of  our  oldest  hardware  merchf  ""-s  say  ^hathesold 
more  guns  the  last  day  of  court  than  he  has  during  the  entire  time  he  has 
li(  CD  in  business,  and  he  further  added,  that  almost  c  very  purchaser 
c'liiipled  his  purchase  with  some  remark  about  the  failui'e  of  the  courts  to 
protect  life  and  lu'operty,  thus  compelling  men  to  take  measui-esto  protect 
themselves. " 

* 

[The  following  is  a  sample  of  how  the  masonic  courts  protect  prop- 
city.  ]  "A  resident  of  this  county  borrowed  825  from  certain  mouey- 
leiulers  in  April,  18S4,  for  one  year  at  one  per  cent,  jier  month.  Not  being 
a'llo  to  meet  the  note,  suit  was  brought  against  the  pai-ty,  and  judgment 
obtained  for  the  amount  ^vnth  interest  amounting  to  829  witji  attorney's 
ft'i's  lit  850;  costs  of  coui-t,  80J:.!IO;  to  this  JU'ist  yet  be  added  the  sheriff  s 
ft'is,  which  at  the  very  least  will  bring  tlie  total  to  .8150,  or  -8125  more 
than  the  original  debt;  and  yet  they  tell  us  [blacklegs  do]  there  is  justice 
iu  this  free  laud.     Shylock  tlied  too  young." 

* 

"The  two  Indians  iu  court  pleaded  guilty  of  attempting  to  rob 
jBlank]  of  fifty  cents;  [they  not  being  odd-fellows]  the  Judge  gave  them 
respeitive'v  six  and  tweive  mouths  iu  the  penitentiary." 

[Though  the  Indians  ph ad  guilty]  "two  attorneys  of  this  place  will 
no  .  1  >ubt  SMxni  ailvertise  a  h(n'se  sale  of  the  animals  paid  them  for  defense 
'if  the  [above]  Indians."  [which  was  all  right  with  the  Judge.  And 
IndiuuH  UK!  bl*med  for  not  embracing  such  a  svstem  and  civilization.] 


if 

;  ,'i 
i  .' 

i 

s 

i'  ■:■ 

:  t. 

\ 

i  ' 

V 

i 

'■  "i 

'\ 

,  1 

'  H 1 

P 

"V 

«H    «»■ 


i 


456 


"The  Infamous  Decision. 


"A  Seattle  lawyer  owns  about  10,000  acres  of  lami  iu  the  Palouse 
coiintiy. "  [Which  rein-esents  <Z!r/<  «tMc7i(  human  misery  and  pillage.  Yet 
he  is  pufl't'tl  up  by  the  masonic  press  for  his  "success  and  many  acres," 
while  an  outsider  and  full-fledged  citizen  is  howled  down  as  a  hog  if  lie  is 

even  willing  to  honestly  earn  and  desires  more  than  IGO  acres  of  laud.  J 

*  * 

* 

"In  the  case  of  the  United  States  vs.  [J.  Freemason]  and  others,  for 
ilefrauding  the  Government  of  public  lands,  on  trial  this  week,  the  court 
.sustained  the  demurrer  to  the  indictment,  on  the  ground  that  the  moans 
employed  in  defrauding  the  Government  were  not  sufficiently  stated  iu 
the  indictment."  [I  will  inform  those  who  do  not  know  that  such  flaws, 
if  tliey  are  flaws  in  reality,  are  done  by  prostituted  ofKcials  of  prostituted 
courts,  by  ring  influence,  or  for  a  piice,  or  both  together.] 

"A  Novel  Ruling. 

Three  uuimpeached  witnesses  swear  that  the  defendant  was  iircseut 
and  committed  the  off'ense  charged.  The  defendant  swears  he  was  not 
there,  and  is  corroborated  by  his  brother,  a  small  boy.  Held  by  tlie 
court,  that  there  was  no  evidence  to  go  to  the  jury  upon  which  they  could 
find  a  verdict  of  guilty." 


"With  the  present  [1886]  prohibition  agitation  comes  a  desire  to  see 
the  already  Sunday  law  enforced.  Attemi)ts  have  been  made,  and  how 
successfiil  they  have  been,  the  following  circular  proves: 

'Before  Justice  [FTcemasou],  Tenitory  of  Washington  vs.  [one  of 
the  gang],  for  violation  of  Sunday  Law.' 

'  The  natui-al  query  would  arise,  how  is  such  a  verdict  possi- 
ble in  the  presence  of  such  testimony,  and  under  the  law  ?  It  can  i>uly  Ijo 
aorotmted  for  by  the  existence  of  [masonry  and  crime]  iu  the  courts.  TLe 
fact  was  established  that  the  saloon  was  opened  on  Sunday;  that  a  brisk 
business  was  carried  on,  viz. :  twenty -eight  drinks  sold  in  the  course  of  an 
hour.  The  bartender  testified  that  he  tended  bar  that  day  besides  clcau- 
iug  oiit  the  saloon.  There  was  no  evidence  to  contradict  the  testimony 
for  the  piosecutiim. 

The  couchision  that  a  candid  mind  must  come  to  is,  that  the  .'.aloon 
[and  TUHsonry]  is  supreme  iu  its  influence  over  the  courts,  that,  wliile 
other  ^vcnpations  [and  menj  um :st  be  obedient  to  law,  here  is  an  ocenpa- 
taoa  [a«\l  brotherhiuvlj  that  i-ides  rough-shod  over  all  law,  whether  of 
God  or  man. " 

"  They<irj'  inP. .  's  case  agreed  in  about  an  hour,  finding  him  guilty  of 
jTRnd  laixH>n^\  as  chargetl.  When  P .  .  's  case  was  called,  there  was  a  runioi' 
in  cou'i't  that  he  had  fallen  heir  to  .Sli.dOO  since  his  jailing  for  grand  lanony. 

V  .  was  bnnight  up  for  sentem-e.  Judtre  []\Iason]  stated,  that  in 
order  to  give  hirrta  chaao©  to  refonn,  he  would  impose  a  nominal  sentence: 
mteweek  imja/iil."' 


iu  tlie  Piilouso 
111  pillage.  Ytt 
il  many  acres," 
as  a  hog  if  ho  is 
res  of  land.  J 

and  others,  for 
week,  the  001111; 

that  the  nioaiis 
ciently  statinl  iu 
that  such  flaws, 
Is  of  prostituted 

] 

lant  "was  present 
rears  he  was  uoo 
y.  Held  by  the 
ivhich  thev  could 


3  a  desire  to  see 
L  made,  and  how 

igton  rs.  [one  of 

ih  a  verdict  possi- 
It  can  i>uly  Ije 
the  courts.  Tlie 
ay;  that  a  luisk 
the  course  of  an 
y  besides  cloiiu- 
t  the  testimony 

that  the  .".aloon 
Urta,  that.,  wliile 
We  is  an  oecupa- 

law,  whether  of 


ig  him  gtiilty  of 

tere  was  a  rniuoi- 

[ir  grand  larii'uy. 

stated,  tlmt  in 

)minal  sentence: 


Courts  in  "Washington  and  Alaska. 


457 


[Why  are  not  those  who  do  not  have  §6.000  likewise  "given  a  chance 
to  reform,"  if  the  courts  are  not  prostituted '?] 

"Judge  [Mason]   sentenced  J.  L.  to  eleven  years  at  hard  labor  for 

grand  larceny."     [He  didn't  have  ^(5,000]. 

*  * 

"  The  prosecuting  attorney  asked  the  grand  jury  to  find  a  true  bill 
against  B..  '  for  assault  with  intent  to  commit  murder,' and  they  did  so. 
Instead  of  making  the  same  request  as  regards  M . . ,  who  was  the  most 
guilty,  and  who  drew  his  deadly  weapon  ^ns<  (iiul  shot  D..,  he  simply 
asked  the  jury  to  find  a  bill  against  M . .  '  for  exhibiting  a  pistol  in  a 
threatening  manner. '    Is  this  equality  ?" 

[And  yet  men  vote  for  ring  men  for  office.  ] 

* 
"  On  crossing  the  track  with  his  attention  diverted,  the  engine  started 
up  without  the  usual  warning,  and  ran  over  him.  At  the  conclusion  of 
the  plaintiff's  testimony  the  [ring's]  attorney  moved,  that  the  case  1)0  non- 
suited, which  motion  was  granted  by  Judge  [Mason]  and  the  case  termin- 
ated."    [Where  is  such  a  \'actim'8  recourse  ?] 

*  * 
* 

"  It  is  not  thought  the  commissioners  will  make  any  changes  iu  the 
licenses,  as  they  have  been  '  ad\ised '  that  by  pressing  the  matter  Imrd, 
they  would  involve  the  county  in  a  suit  which  would  certainly  result  in 
having  the  license  law  declared  unconstitutional,  there  being  a  flmr  some- 

tchere."     [To  be  pointed  out  and  declared  liy  the  courts/or  a  j^rice.] 

*  * 
* 

"  But  the  action  of  our  judiciary  in  the  premises  is  only  in  kee2nng 

vritli  innumerable  instances  of  coiu'ts  throughout  the  country  in  setting 

aside,  uijou  the  most  tri\4al  pretexts,  the  enactment  of  the  law-making 

power,  until  it  aiipears  the  most  carefully  devised  statutes  are  not  safe 

with  the  [masonic]  bench  and  bar  autocracy." 

*  * 
* 

"We,  as  a  iieople,  are  getting  heartily  tired  of  the  legal  loop  holes  by 
which  red-han(  led  murderers  escajie  i)unishment,  and  as  time  goes  on  ai)iico 
these  methods  of  escajie  ajapear  to  gi'ow  larger  and  larger.  The  law  has 
Ui)  terror  for  the  [midnight  ring]  evil  door,  and  unless  such  murderers  are 
summaiily  dealt  mth,  we  may  expect  to  see  that  class  go  on  unchecked." 

*  * 
* 

"  A  correspondent  at  Sitka  does  not  tliinlc  the  establishment  of  a  court 
is  of  much  benefit  to  .\Jaska,  With  courts  come  lawyers,  and  with  law- 
yers suits."  One  of  the  first  and  most  important  suits  impending  before 
the  newly  app'nnted  Judge  at  that  point  is  one  brought  by  some  of  the 
Russian  residents  to  restrain  the  Home  for  Indian  Boys  and  Girls  from 
using  eertaiu  lands  appurtenant  to  its  buildings,  and  which  are  essential 
to  its  future  8UiTr**s.  Tliis  corresjiondent  thinks  tJ/e  sr/'iol  is  ( if  mom  ni/'n'. 
thill,  ihe  court."    [Certainly,  masonii-  I'ourt.s  will  be  a  curse  to  the  couutiy.] 


m 


''•M 


mi 


n 


!|||| 


458 


Women  as  Juuoks. 


"HoAV  THK  Laws  ake  Defiku. 
If  some  fnturo  liistoriau  slmnld  cliiinco  to  wnt(>  a  liistorv  of  Alaska 
from  its  ci'.ssiou  to  the  Uuitecl  Stutcs  to  the  yeai'  Iss."),  tlio  voluniG  wonld 
uot  be  rcael  with  auy  great  degree  of  i)ri(lo  by  Aiuerit'iins.  Its  sale  wunh] 
not  be  large.  If  atrntliful  history,  it  wonhl  be  a  story  of  lawlessuoss  and 
tlctiauei'  )f  law.  It  wouhl  show  how  impoteut  Amerieau  law  cau  bo,  ami 
how  worthless  American  oilu-ials  oau  be.  It  woiihl  eoutaiu  nothing  to  ex- 
cite euthusiasm,  nothing  that  could  win  ajiproval.  It  would  tell  Imw  a 
dominion,  sparsely  pcjpulated  but  an  cni])ire  in  I'Xtcnt,  was  tnuist\.]'ic(l  liv 
llussia  to  the  Uuitt'd  Stati's;  how  the  white  people  wlio  had  settled  witliiii 
its  borders  were  vastly  outnumberctl  by  the  natives  ;  how  the  latt(>r  wwc 
harmless  and  no  danger  was  apprehended  from  them;  how  tlicnMvcii' 
strict  laws  against  selling  li(]uor  to  tiii'm.  and  how  thoroughly  lli(is(>  laws 
Avere  enforced.  Then  the  historian  might  commence  a  lU'w  cha])tcr  with 
an  account  of  how  the  Amcrii'ans  took  i)osscssion  of  the  country  with  a 
tremendous  llourish  of  tri;mpets.  He  might  go  on  Avith  the  account  of 
how  the  seal  tisherie.s  Avere  farmed  out  to  a  wealthy  corjioration  tif  [freu 
masons] ;  of  Imw  there  were  no  courts,  no  peace  ollicers. 

Then  he  might  tell  of  how  after  many  years  an  unsatisfactory  and  in- 
comph'te  government  Avas  grunted  the  country  ;  of  how  a  number  of 
federal  officials,  judicial  and  executive,  arriA'cd  ;  of  how,  Avith  tlieir  cdiu- 
ing,  l.iw  breaking  increased  rather  tlian  diminislunl ;  and  of  hoAV  they  iliv 
regarded  and  connived  at  the  breaking  of  the  laws.  He  might  tell  hew, 
instead  of  lU'osecuting  those  who  brought  liquor  into  the  Territory,  tiny 
encouraged  such  law  breaking  and  themselves  ])artook  openly  of  lie 
liquor  which  should  uot  have  been  in  the  countiy.  Ho  might  make  a 
fearful  arraignment  of  American  law  and  American  officials. 

To  one  who  kuoAvs  the  maddening  effect  of  li(iuor  uiion  the  Xortliorii 
Indian,  there  can  be  no  (jU(\stion  of  tlu>  Avisdom  of  Congress  in  forbidiliug 
absolutely  the  importation  of  intoxicating  li(juors  into  Alaska.  lu  a 
country  inhabited  by  about  a  thousand  Avlute  men  surrounded  by  forty  or 
fifty  times  as  many  savage  and  senii-ciA'ilized  Indians,  there  is  danger  at 
any  time,  and  that  danger  is  especially  great  Avhen  to  other  things  which 
might  at  any  time  i)rovokG  hostilities,  is  added  the  power  of  intoxicants. 
A  b.u-rel  of  Avhiskey  might  at  any  time  make  ra^iug■  maniacs  of  the  entire 
tribe  of  Alaska  Imlians,  and  the  massacre  of  all  the  Avhite  i)eo2)le,  rcsidiiiy 
in  that  particular  district,  might  easily  follow.  The  Avisdom  of  the  pr^i- 
hibitiou,  then,  cannot  Ijo  doiibted.  It  is  not  a  question  of  temi)erauce,  or 
anti-temiierance,  of  prohibition  or  anti-i)rohibition.  It  is  a  question  of 
Avhether  or  uot  to  provide  for  the  safety  of  a  snndl  Avhite  iiopulatiduintho 
midst  of  an  Indian  country.  Tet  it  is  a  notorious  fact  that  the  late  oflieials 
of  Alaska,  executive,  judicial  and  revenue,  allowed  liipior  to  be  brought 
into  Alaska,  and  opeuly  sold  Avithout  making  the  slightest  eftort  tori>straiu 
the  trafhc.  Indeed,  it  is  eqiially  notorious  that  a  nund)er  of  these  olliciiils 
habitually  bought  liquors  by  the  drink.     When  asked  if  the  tralllc  were 


itory  of  Alaska 
I  Yohiuio  wonlil 

Its  sale  AVdulil 
lawlessuess  and 
aw  cau  be,  aud 
.1  iiotliin^^-  to  ex- 
luiil  It'll  litiw  a 
■i  transt'i'iTcil  liy 
1(1  sL'tllivl  witliiu 

the  latter  were 
lldW  tlicvo  well' 
o-lily  tlnis«  Lnvs 
e\v  cliaptcv  with 
;  couutry  with  a 
1  tlio  uci'onut  of 
•poration  of  [free 

tisfiictovy  aud  iii- 
ow  a  mimlicr  of 
,  -with  their  com- 
I  of  liow  tliey  dis- 
miglit  tell  hew. 
lie  Territory,  they 
cpeiily  of  the 
might  wake  a 
Is. 

ion  the  Northern 
'ss  in  forliiddiuL' 
Alaska.      lu  ;i 
unled  by  forty  or 
licre  is  danger  at 
u'Y  things  wliieli 
er  of  iutoxieauts. 
acs  of  the  entire 
people,  residing 
idom  of  the  pre- 
if  tempevauee,  or 
is  a  qnestiou  of 
]iopulation  in  the 
vttholateollicials 
)V  to  be  brought 
teilort  to  restrain 
of  these  oirieials 
the  trallic  were 


.-4 

as 


CO 


*4 


460 


"The  Infamous  Decision." 


not  illegal,  their  answei*  was  ixsiially  a  laugh.  Ho^.■  can  the  Indians  ho  ox- 
peeted  to  resixH't  laws  whic^h  aro  so  openly  violated  by  the  men  who  are 
sent  out  to  see  that  they  are  enforced  ? 

The  statement  innocently  made  by  a  Juneau  miner  recently  ham  a 
whole  volume  of  meaning  in  it.  He  explained  the  state  of  affairs  by  say- 
ing :  'Formerly  wo  had  vigilance  committees  and  compelled  the  store- 
kt^epera  not  to  sell  liqiior,  molasses  and  firearms  to  the  Indians,  but  now 
tliat  the  judges,  attorneys,  and  United  States  marshals  have  come,  wo  are 
entirely  Avithout  protection.  ^Miat  can  we  do  ? '  That  w.is  said  innocent- 
ly enough,  but  had  it  been  meant  for  sarcasm,  nothing  could  have  been 
keener.     Tralv,  what  can  they  do  ? 


.1' 

J.    ;         ■     I 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

TiiK  Courts  of  Orkgon,  Montana,  anu  Uimtish  (  'ou'miua,  cnndciiA.'fl  from 
thi',  Prcnii,  irith  t'.rji/Kun/ioiis,  I'Ic. 

1  HE  revenue  of  the  conuty  is  absorboil  by  thoexi)euHca  of  the  jnsti('t>s" 
courts,  very  few  even  of  those  most  iutincstcd,  nnd  vbose  attention  lias 
been  called  to  the  matter,  realize  the  enormous  amount  expended  in  itay- 
mcut  of  fees  and  oxpcmses  in  these  eourts. 

It  is  not  an  iineommon  thing  that  a  prohminary  examination,  resnlt- 
iug  in  the  committal  of  a  criminal  for  trial,  cost  the  county  several  hundred 
dollars,  [besides  what  is  often  bled  from  more  or  less  innocent  victims  by 
comi  lawyers.  ] 

An  uninformed  observer  would  naturally  8Ui)i)ose  that  so  simple  a 
matter  as  preferring  a  charge,  issuing  a  warrant,  a  brief  incpiiry  into  the 
fiicts,  and  holding  the  accused  to  answer,  Avould  be  a  comparatively  inex- 
pt'usive  proceeding,  but  the  fact  is  otherwise.  When  to  the  amount  con- 
tributed by  the  county  for  the  maintenance  of  these  retail  justice  shoi)s  is 
added  the  cost  of  a  vast  amoiint  of  litigation  directly  encouraged,  if  not 
instifjaled  by  them,  the  aggregate  is  ai)2)alling. 

It  is  the  duty  of  taxpayers  to  make  a  diligent  inquiry  into  the  cause 
or  causes  of  this  state  of  affairs,  aud  if  i)0Hsible,  to  devise  a  remedy.  [The 
remedy  is  to  keep  the  gang  out  of  ofHce.  ] 

There  is  (/reat  awipctition  for  this  ruinous  business,  for,  while  each 
precinct  has  its  justice,  the  jurisdiction  of  the  said  justice  extends  over 
the  whole  county,  and  they  consequently  become  so  many  comijeting 
sliops.  The  i^laintiff  who,  out  of  the  entire  list,  selects  a  single  justice  [or 
is  a  brother  in  the  gang]  before  whom  to  bring  his  action,  is  a  customer 
entitled  to  consideration  and  is  rewarded  by  a  judgment  in  his  favor. 

Every  shyster  at  the  bar  has  bis  favorite  justice,  and  expects  success  in 
proportion  to  the  amount  of  grist  he  can  bring  to  the  mill. 

Actions  are  brought  on  the  theory  that  the  plaintiif  [if  a  mason] 
always  wins,  which  never  would  stand  the  test  of  i)roof. 

Every  justice  has  his  constable  and  two  or  three  hangers-on  [all 
masons]  ready  to  be  sworn  as  sijeeials,  all  actually  buutiug  up  business 
for  their  shop. 

The  fee  sy-stem  contributes  largely  to  the  in-esent  state  of  affairs.  If 
the  justice  and  constable  bad  each  a  salary  sufficient  to  comjjensate  them 
for  their  services,  and  fees  were  i)aidinto  the  treasury,  it  is  jiossible  that 
tliore  might  be  less  diligence  in  creating  business,  but  in  all  in-obability 
uo  one  would  be  loser  thereby,  aud  matters  m  which  justice  aud  public 
interests  are  really  involved  would  not  suffer  for  want  of  attention." 

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402   Courts  in  Oitixiox,  Montana  and  British  Columuia. 


"  Niif'inlxi)'  2 -J til,  ISSti. 
To  llf  Kli/nr  : 

111  your  pajtor  yon  Kooin  to  liimciit  that  (■cvtaiii  iihascs  of  the  prr^'ccd- 
iugH  in  r('^;;aril  to  the  ]5ak'h  cliililrcu  liavt!  lu'vrr  liccn  examined  iu  fumt. 
Several  y(>ars  a^^o  tiinsc  points  were  pi-i'sciiti'il  to  and  ni'fjcd  iipfui  tlio  cir- 
cnit  and  sniironic  (■oiirtM  as  tin-  principal  points  in  tlio  then  pcndin'r  lialdi 
case.  Bnt  each  court  declined  to  pass  upon  those  points,  thou^;li  )iii'. 
sented  by  proper  pleadinjis,  in  a  proper  suit,  and  with  voluminous  ti"-ti- 
mony  to  support  them.  The  circuit  court  went  so  far  as  to  decide  oiice 
on  the  case,  that  the  acts  conipl.iined  of  were  fraudnleut,  but  it  afterwards 
went  back  of  this  decision  in  the  same  case,  and  threw  the  whole  ca^eont 
of  court  ou  Kome  i)retenseof  a  defect  intho  pleading  which  had  nev^'rlncu 
raised  or  suggested  by  tlu'  attorneys  uj)ou  either  side  iu  the  case,  and  luul 
never  beeu  previously  suggested  by  the  court,  though  a  second  argumoiit 
of  tho  case  was  had  iu  the  same  court  by  tho  court's  onh'r.  Ou  ai)pi  al  to 
the  supreme  court,  th(>  pretense  upon  which  the  case  had  been  thrown  out 
by  tho  lower  court  was  deemed  so  tririnl,  tloit  it  inis  ncn'r  iiwnlioucil  ////  tin' 
court  or  attornt'i/s  ou  either  si</e." 

*  * 

* 

•'The  l)auk  thief  has  beeu  seuteuced  to  a  term  of  one  year  in  the 
peuittuUiary.  Yesterday  the  wretchetl  burglar,  who  entered  a  house  at 
night  iu  the  hope  of  being  able  to  extract  some  loose  change  from  the 
pockets  of  tho  owner's  jiauts,  and  got  instead  a  well  deserved  charge  of 
bucVshot  in  the  back  from  his  gun,  was  sentenced  to  a  i)eriod  of  nine 
years  iu  the  penitentiary,  and  every  good  citizen  applauded  the  dccisiou 
of  tho  Judge.  To-(hiy,  a  man  who  has  systemetically  stolen  for  a  jierioil 
of  months,  until  the  sum  stoleu  aggregated  several  thousand  dollars,  is 
given  one  year.  What  sort  of  pressure  and  how  much  of  it  to  tho  square 
inch  was  brought  to  bear  upon  Judge  [^lason]? 

"Judge  to  [odd-fellow]. — 'You  stand  charged  with  appropriating 
money  belonging  to  the  depositors  in  your  hank;  are  you  guilty  or  not 
guilty.'  Odd-fi'llow. — '  Yoitr  honor,  I  did  borrow  Si), 000,  merely  to  spend 
on  a  pleasure  trip.'  Judge. — 'Only  borrowed  it?  I  thought  as  nnudi; 
but  owing  to  our  miserable  laws,  I  willlje  compelled  to  ask  you  to  cliantre 
your  residence  t<i  Salem  for  one  short  year.  In  the  meantime,  before  your 
departure.  I  would  be  hapi)y  to  have  you  call  and  take  dinner.   " 

"Judge  [Midnight]  to  Workiugman. — 'Well,  .sir,  you  are  charged 
with  attempted  burghiry,  what  have  you  got  to  say  ?'  ' 

Workingman. — "Nothing,  your  honor,  but  thatl  had  beeu  sick  for  a 
long  tinic,  not  able  to  work,  and  my  wife  and  babies  were  starving.  I 
went  to  the  baker  shop  autl  knocked  at  the  door,  intending  to  ask  the 
baker  for  a  loaf  of  bread.  Not  reeeinng  any  answer  to  my  knock,  I  tried 
to  open  the  door  and  was  arrested." 

Judge.  —  "You  miserable  whelp,  you  are  guilty  of  the  crime  of 
attempted  burglary.  I  sentence  you  to  tho  penitentiary  for  nine  years, 
We  must  make  an  example  of  such  as  you.     Tho  court  stands  adjournid." 


\i 


\    V. 


)IX'MUIA. 


2-llh,  ]SS(i. 

of  till'  prnei'inl- 
luiiuMl  in  fouvt. 
'il  n\nm  tlio  cir- 
II  pondiut;  I'.alch 
nts,  tlKnij^li  lire- 
oluminous  tfsti- 
^  ia  docidt'  once 
but  it  al'ttTwanls 
10  wliolo  case  out 
h  had  ni>v?rl)('eu 
ho  case,  and  luul 
second  argniueut 
r.    Oa  appeal  to 
.  been  thrown  out 
;•  nii'litidiiml  h'l  Ihe 


:  one  year  in  the 

itered  a  house  at 

change  from  the 

Bsorvod  I'har^'C  of 

a  iioriod  of  nine 

ided  the  decision 

toUni  for  a  i>criiHl 

ousand  doUars,  is 

f  it  to  the  scpunv 

jith   appropriating 

■on  guilty  or  not 

|),  merely  to  spend 

liouglit  as  much; 

lisk  you  to  oliaiii-'e 

itiino,  before  your 

liuuer. 

you  are  chartictl 

lid  been  sick  for  a 
Iwere  starvin.u'.  I 
lidiug  to  ask  the 
lay  kuock,  I  t'-iea 

I  of    the   orinio  of 

for  nine  years. 

lauds  adjourneil. " 


Courts  in  Oregon,  Montana  and  British  Columbia.   4(')3 

"This  Question  awaits  ax  axswek. 

Feiiuuary  7th,  18S7. 
To  thi}  E'/ilnr  : 

Would  any  law  the  legislature  can  euaot  have  any  effect  ex'  opt  to  get 

up  big  suits,  so  loug  as  the  [masonic]  ring  (nnm  the  m/preme  cour/,  and  one 

of  its  judges  istheex-Goveruor  under  whose  ruling  the  ring  gets  its  title?" 

*  * 

* 

"Some  little  tinu>  ago  H..  was  arrested  and  charged  with  entering 
the  house  of  B. .  with  burglarious  intent.  He  was  held  to  answer  before 
the  (rrand  Jury,  which  body  indicted  him  on  a  charge  of  'invading  the 
[ircnu.ses  with  the  ol)ject  of  committing  rape. "  H..  was  allowed  to  jjlead 
Lfuilty  of  simple  assault,  and  was  tiued  irr.jU.  The  prevaiUng  opinion  of 
persons  who  claim  k>  kiton'  i.<,  tltat  tlieve  m-rcr  tms  anything  in  the  case. 
[To  .simply  vhnn/ii  an  innocent  person  with  sui-h  a  crime  as  rape,  blindly 
prejudices  so  nniuy  of  the  luithinking  cattle  against  him  that  with  a  jiros- 
lilitl-'iUvKi-f  (Ditl  press  he  can  easily  l)e  railroaded  through  to  prison  under  a 
long  sentenco  for  pillage  or  revenge.  I  know  of  such  victims — one  per- 
sonally, with  a  largo  family.  His  innocence  was  established  beyond  di.s- 
imte;  the  witnesses  against  him  recanted  and  tied  the  country;  the  people 
and  jury  petitioned  for  his  release.  His  nmsonic  Excellency  (tho  Gov- 
eruor)  was  playing  cards  and  drinking  whiskey  when  the  i)etition  was 
offered  to  him;  ho  replied,  to  'bring  it  to  his  office  the  nextday  when  he  had 
time  to  spend  on  sui-h  business,'  at  which  time  ho  said,  'wo  have  a  good 
judiciary,'  aiul  without  the  [masonic]  Judge  the  petition  is  worthless,  with 
the  [masonic]  Judge  I  will  'ccmsider'  it ;  his  houcu-  (V)  declined  to  'inter- 
fere with  the  cause  of  justice,'  and  the  victim  is  left  to  languish  seven 
years  in  prison.  ] 

"Anothek  In\'ESTI(».\TION.  " 

• '  Witness  testified  that  Judge  [Links]  was  under  tho  influence  of 
liquor  so  often  that  business  suffered;  had  seen  him  goto  sleep  on  the 
liencli  while  important  cases  were  being  heard.  The  delay  in  appointing  a 
successor  to  Judge  Liuks  cost  tho  district  from  ^575,000  to  1^100,000,  and 
luul  also  cost  the  Govei'ument  a  large  sum. 

Ex-Chief  Justice  Blank  was  also  before  the  committee;  ho  testified  that 
Ju(lj,'e  Links  gamV)led  while  holding  a  term  of  court;  that  he  played  poker 
fiiinuniey  imo  Sunday  aftt'rnoou,  while  during  tho  morning  of  tho  same 
lily  ho  had  delivered  an  address  before  a  Suiulay  scluxd.  On  other  occa- 
Mons  he  played  'stud'  poker  and  faro  for  money,  liijuors  and  drinks,  and 
a:il  been  at  a  dani'o  given  by  a  colored  woman  of  bad  repute,  and  wasfre- 
luently  drunk  when  on  tho  bench." 

[The  following  is  a  sample  of  tho  proceedings  of  a  miners'  court  with- 
"Ut  any  law-books,  blackleg  'bar,'  or  other  needless  expense.] 

"Tho  court  in  his  charge  to  the  jury  said  that  they  must  strip  the 
a^e  (if  technicalities,  regarding  no  law  but  right  and  wrong,  no  t(>st  but 
lumnion  sense.     They  listened  with  approval,  and  at  once  proceeded  to 


i:; 


'!i.l 


f»       >  ) 


f.Vf       ^J 


.i;'i 


il 


I    \1 


'  't- 


!i 


464   Courts  in  Oregon,  Montana  and  British  Columbia. 

disagree  on  a  ^•ital  point ;  some  -wanted  to  hang  Sim,  who  had  been  inuven 
guilty  of  bribery,  while  several  wanted  to  hang  Alcalde  Rogers.  This  ilau- 
gerous  phase  soon  passed  away  ;  the  jury  found  a  verdict  for  the  plniutiff, 
and  left  the  sentence  with  the  court,  where  it  e^ndeutly  belonged.  Judge 
Hayden  then,  amid  breathless  silence,  announced  his  decision — Spreuger 
Avas  to  be  reinstated  in  all  his  former  rights,  as  half  owner  of  the  cabin, 
tools,  proAisions  and  claim,  and  Sim  was  ordered  to  pay  the  costs  of  bis 
l)artner's  sickness.     The  court  then  adjourned. 

But  some  of  the  evidence  offered  had  revealed  so  much  rascality  ami 
malfeasance  on  the  i)art  of  Alcalde  Rogers,  that  none  of  the  miners  were 
satisfied  to  let  him  longer  hold  the  office  he  had  so  disgraced." 

"The  Walkeb-Te.\l  Case. 

James  D.  Walker,  a  citizen  of  San  Francisco,  loaned  to  B.  Goldsmith 
6100,000  for  which  he  gave  his  note,  of  which  the  following  is  a  coi)y: 

PoKTiiAND,  Oreg. ,  August  19th,  187i. 
Two  years  after  date,  without  grace,  for  value  received,  I  promise  to 
pay  James  D.  Walker,  or  order,  $100,000,  >nth  interest  theron  at  the  rate 
of  1  per  cent,  per  month  until  paid.  Interest  to  be  paid  monthly,  and  if 
there  be  default  in  payment  of  interest  for  the  period  of  twenty  days,  then 
the  whole  sum,  principal  and  interest,  shall,  at  the  option  of  the  holder  of 
this  note,  be  immediately  due  and  payable.     (Signed)    B.  Goldsjiith. 

To  secure  this  note  Teal  and  Goldsmith  put  up  a  large  amount  of  real 
estate,  transferring  it  to  Hewitt  as  trustee,  with  an  agreement  that  if  said 
note  became  30  days  overdue,  Hewitt  shall,  after  demanding  payment,  sell 
the  land  on  30  days'  notice.  At  the  end  of  two  years  (Aug.  19th,  IsTti . 
$96,750  of  the  note  remained  unpaid.  On  October  18th,  1876,  Goldsmith 
and  Teal  obtained  a  second  agi'eemeut  for  an  extension  of  time  for  one 
year  from  that  date  for  the  payment  of  the  note,  and  Teal  and  Goldsmith 
put  up  more  real  estate  as  before.  The  second  agreement  was  signed  b 
both  Teal  and  Goldsmith,  and  recited  the  first  agreement  and  note,  and 
l)rovided  that  in  consideration  of  the  extension  G.  and  T.  "  undertake  and 
agree  that  the  said  G.  will  promptly  pay  "  the  interest  when  due  and  the 
l)riuci2ial  at  the  end  of  the  year,  and  that,  in  default  of  payment  of  iiriu- 
cipal  or  interest,  the  whole  debt  shall  become  due,  as  proA-ided  in  the  tii>t 
agreement  and  note  (/.  e.  the  principal  being  unpaid  at  end  of  the  year 
Hewitt  shall,  when  it  is  30  days  over  due,  sell  on  30  days'  notice;  and  if 
the  interest  be  in  default,  Avhole  debt  to  be  due  {it  the  option  of  Walker. 
The  agreement  then  declares— that  Walker  agrees  to  extend  the  time  for 
payment  of  the  principal  and  interest  one  year  or  until  default  in  pavmeut 
of  interest,  and  no  longer;  but  if  default  be  made  in  payment  of  iutorest. 
the  whole  debt  with  then  accrued  interest  '  shall  become  due  and  payable 
as  in  S(tid  note  specified,'  (j.  e.  at  Walker's  option.)  'It  is  distinctly  under- 
stood and  agreed  by  the  parties  hereto,  that  the  agreement  of  August  llHli. 
187-t,  is  not  (oi nulled,  rncaled  or  set  aside  by  the  execution  of  this  agree- 


Courts  in  Oregon,  Montana  and  British  Columbu.   465 


1  to  B.  Golilsmith 
•iugisacopy: 

ist  19tli,  18T1. 
ived,  I  prouiise  to 

tlieron  at  tbe  latf 
d  niouthly,  and  it' 
[  twenty  days,  tbeu 
on  of  tiie  holder  uf 

B.  Goldsmith. 

irge  amount  of  real 
•eeiuent  tbat  if  said 
ding  payment,  sell 
(Ai;g.  itHb,  If^TO;, 
[b,  1876,  Goldsmith 
lion  of  time  for  one 
'eal  and  Goldsmith 
lent  was  signed  by 
lent  and  note,  aud 
It.  "  undertake  auil 
Avben  due  and  the 
if  payment  of  pviu- 
ln■o^•ided  in  tlie  tin-t 
it  end  of  the  year 
[lays'  notice;  uud  it' 
,  option  of  Walker. 
lextend  the  time  for 
default  iu  payment 
payment  of  iutorest. 
le  due  and  payal'k 
is  distinctly  under- 
lent  of  August  HHh. 
lution  of  this  ajiree- 


meut,  except  in  so  far  as  the  same  may  conflict  vith  this  arfreement;  in  all 
other  respects  the  two  instruments  are  to  be  taken  and  constnicd  together. ' 
Default  was  made  iu  the  payment  of  interest  Jan.  21st,  1S77.  Plaiu- 
tifl's  commenced  suit  to  foreclose  Sept.  26th,  1877,  one  month  l)efore  the 
year  expired,  in  the  exercise  of  their  option.  Defendant  (Teal)  claimed 
Lis  proi)erty  was  discharged  because  Hewitt  and  Walker  did  not  commence 
to  sue  him  soon  euorrgh;  and  also  claimed  that  he  was  not  a  guarantor  of 
the  note  under  said  contracts.  Boise  hell,  Teal's  property  was  bound;  but 
Kelly  and  Prim  decided  that  the  property  wws  discharged  from  paying  the 
debt,  because  Walker  did  not  commence  t-uit  against  Teal  and  Goldsmith 
soon  enough.     By  which  decision  Walker  lost,  perhaps,  §50,000." 

"  It  is  not  a  httle  singular  that  all  these  decisions  are  made  practically 
to  favor  the  vicious  and  the  criminal.  There  is  not  one,  we  venture  to 
say,  among  all  the  decisions  of  our  Supreme  Court,  that  has  rendered 
justice  more  certain  or  more  decisive.  These  technicaUties  are  nhrays 
pmnd  to  favor  the  side  of  injustice  [(iml  Masonri/],  always  tend  to  ovemde 
equity,  are  always  found  to  shield  [Unked]  criminals  from  the  just  punish- 
ment of  criminaUty. 

This  kind  of  tiling  will  doubtless  make  lynching  more  frequent." 

"Money,  Masonby,  asd  a  Sandbag. 
Bridget  Blank  is  happy  now,  and  can  boast  of  being  the  first  woman 
who  has  went  from  the  United  States  to  the  Queen's  dominions  and  run  a 
Jury  to  suit  herself.  Bridget  and  her  husband  went  to  Victoria  some  tim^,; 
ago  to  reside.  She  then  left  her  husband  there,  to  attead  to  business, 
while  she  came  to  P.  to  look  after  her  interests  here.  A  few  days  after 
she  left,  her  husband  killed  a  man  with  a  sand-bag.  He  was  arrested,  and 
Bridget  was  notified  of  the  fact.  It  did  not  take  her  long  to  act.  She 
ijuietly  gathered  up  $30,000  of  her  accumulated  wealth,  and,  boarding  a 
steamer,  announced  her  intention  to  clear  her  husband,  if  it  took  every 
ceut  of  it.  The  charge  of  the  Judge  to  the  Juiy  was  almost  unreasonably 
strong,  but  notwithstanding  that  fact  a  verdict  of  'Not  guilty'  was  brought, 
which  so  exasperated  the  Judge,  that  he  ordered  the  prisoner  tumed  loose 
ami  adnsed  him  to  'sandbag  the  Jury, '  much  to  the  amusement  of  Biidget, 
who  eovishlv  closed  one  of  her  eves,  and  remarked  solo  voce  that  Ireland 
had  made  one  portion  of  the  Queen's  dominion  very  tired,  that  she 
kuew  of." 


i  '     ;. 


;  t 


30 


11- ;■.-;; 


w 

kv 


ill.; 


1     . 

5 


11 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

The  Courts  and  laws  of  Califoknia  and  the   States,  comlenseil  from 
the  Press,  with  explnwttious,  etc. 

OLANK  has  lioeu  fouiul  not  gnilty"  bytho  jury.  It  has  come  to  tliis. 
A  man  of  fripn<ls  ami  intlnence  may  ih'Ubprately.  ^^•ithout  catise  or  provo 
eation,  shoot  his  fellow-man  down  npou  the  streets,  and  then  come  Ixforo 
the  coiirts  of  this  country,  stand  a  moc^k  trial,  and  go  free.  This  is  wliv 
mob  law  prevails  to  such  an  alarming  extent  in  our  land.  It  is  a  fearful 
thought.  Just  as  certain  as  there  is  a  world,  things  are  getting  into  iiu 
appalling  shape.  That  the  killing  was  deliberate  murder,  Ave  believe  no 
man  doubts.  And  yet  he  is  acquitted  by  a  jury  of  twelve  [masonic]  imu 
acting  iinder  solemn  oaths.  We  believe  these  fellows  to  be  perjunil 
.scoundrels  and  detestable  hypocrites,  whose  disgraceful  conduct  is  a  Imru- 
ing,  blistering  shame  upon  the  people  of  the  United  States  and  onr  ooiu- 
mon  humanity  everywhere.  This  is  past  endurance,  it  mu'  i  be  correctetl, 
or  the  fall  of  our  institutions  is  inevitable. " 


"  The  supreme  court  of  nearly  every  State  in  the  Union,  inilnding 
California,  can  interfere  in  murder  cases  between  sentence  and  execiitiou, 
and  gi-ant  a  stay  of  i)r()ceedings,  review  the  case,  and  send  it  back  for  tri;il 
over  again  on  &om.e Jiimsi/ pretext  or  teahniculiti/.  These  loopholes  are  virv 
convenient  to  [masonic  homicides].  The  law  makes  the  bench  uf  xho 
supreme  court  both  Judge  and  jury,  and  this  has  often  led  to  exaspeiiitiii!.' 
delays  of  justice.  The  case  of  H . . ,  one  of  the  murderers  in  the  couutv 
jail,  is  an  illustration  of  the  force  and  sinister  effect  of  legal  techmculitiis. 
He  has  been  tried  three  times,  and  on  tluj  first  trial  was  convicted  of  a 
most  brutal  and  revolting  liomicide.  Yet  on  the  flimaiest  of  legal  <]HilM:< 
the  siipreme  court  reversed  the  decision  of  the  superior  court  and  re- 
manded the  case  for  trial  again,  and  now  nearly  four  years  have  elaiis.'tl, 
and  still  the  man  is  wearying  justice  and  menacing  the  nioml  sentinieut  of 
the  community  he  has  outraged.  And,  as  is  usual  when  such  cases  are 
remanded  [for  a  big  price  or  scc/W  iiijlio'iice],  i-wo  subseipient  trials  Imve 
resulted  in  jury  disagreements.  AVitnesses  have  disappeared,  public  in- 
terest in  the  case  has  partially  died  out,  and  the  ghastly  crime,  wliicli  at 
t\rst  caused  a  shudder  of  abhorrence,  has  become  almost  a  remini.sceiu'i'.  It 
is  not  surprising  that  in  viev/  of  facts  like  these,  the  better  cla.s.scs  aiv  dis- 
gusted with  the  operation  of  the  [mast)nic]  machinery  of  our  so-called 
courts  of  justice." 

"  Coii/t'ssiou  <)/  (j/nill  wdsui/ivietit. — M.  W.,  who  has  been  under  trial 
for  perjury,  was  accpiitted  to-day.  The  jury  was  out  only  fifteen  niiimtes. 
Much  surprise  is  expressed  [by  outsiders]  at  the  vertlict,  as  M.  W.  om- 

(460) 


CouRTa  IN  California  and  the  States. 


4(57 


,  condemned  from 


bas  come  to  this. 
cause  or  provo- 
tlien  come  iH-foro 
?e.     This  is  why 
It  is  a  fearful 
;  gettiug  into  au 
er,  we  believe  no 
,e  [masonii'l  uku 
9  to  be  perjunMl 
?oucluct  is  a  liiiru- 
ites  anil  our  *«>ui- 
oiiv  i  be  corrected, 


B  Union,  in.-huling 
hoe  au»l  exeentiou, 
ml  it  back  for  trial 
loopholes  arc  virv 
the  bench  of  tbo 
led  to  exasperating 
>rers  in  the  county 
L>gal  techmcalitii"^. 
as  convicted  of  a 
[hs/  of  1<"J'>1  '/'"■'''''"■ 
i-ior  court  ami  re- 
ears  have  elaps'il. 
Imor.il  sentiment  of 
ion  such  ciiscs  are 
[ecpient  trials  Iwive 
')peareil,  public  ui- 
;ly  crime,  whifh  ;'' 
a  reminisceuco.  It 
:ter  classes  are  dis- 
[v  of  our  Ro-calle<l 

la  been  under  tnal 
tily  fifteen  minntos. 
ict,  aa  M.  W-  ^■"  • 


f^ased  having  perjured  herself,  but  the  jui-y  acquitted  on  the  ground  that 
tiio  state' aent  of  guilt  was  not  established." 

In  the  district  court,  this  afteruoou,  Freemason,  charged  with  murder, 
who  had  been  on  trial  a  week,  Avas  accpiitted  by  the  jury.     It  appears  that 

tiie  murdered  man  called  Mason  the  usual  western  pet  name,  a  "  s of  a 

li :'"    The  jury  in  its  rei)ort  decided  that  a  fellow,  who  called  another 

such  a  name,  deserved  killing  on  general  principles.  [But  had  Mason  been 
killed  for  the  same  thing  by  a  Christian,  the  courts  would  have  called 
it  a  "cold-blooded  murder."] 

"In  a  recent  case  where  there  was  a  flagrant  miscarriage  of  justice, 
tlie  Judge  told  the  jury  that  'they  had  violated  their  oaths  and  had 
disregarded  the  testimony,  and  that  a  jury  composed  of  Indian  would 
liavo  done  better  than  they.'" 

"The  graders  of  the  S.  P.  K.  E.  were  suddenly  brotight  to  a  stand- 
still last  Wednesday  by  J.  H.  Moore,  ui)on  whose  laud  they  were  tres- 
pasniug.  Moore  appeared  with  a  "Winchester  rifle  aud  a  revolver,  while 
several  of  his  farm  hands  were  armed  with  a  variety  of  guns.  Negotia- 
tions are  now  pending  between  the  i)roprietor  of  the  ranch  and  the  rail- 
road, aud  if  the  right  of  way  cannot  be  bought,  the  entire  ranch  will 
be  purchased. "  [7V</s  was  his  only  recourse,  as  (he  courts  are  sheer  tools  of 
ty  musonic  R.  R.  Co.\ 

"Further,  the  influence  of  the  railroad  corporations  at  the  land- 
office  in  Washington  has  been  a  paramount  influence,  no  matter  under 
"•hat  administration  or  wlio  teas  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  [Just  so  he  ^vas 
a  mason  with  whom  the  brethren  coiild  secretly  and  safely  trade.  ]  The 
tiist  extraordinai-y  advantage  gained  was  in  1857,  when  Black  was  at- 
torney-general, on  the  application  of  certain  raili-oad  companies  for 
o'riijicd  lists  of  theu"  lands  before  the  lands  were  earned.  The  attorney- 
general  held,  that  these  lists  could  properly  be  furnished.  What  next  ? 
Later,  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  held,  that  a  complete  legal  title  was 
conveyed  by  such  certified  lists,  and  that  they  were  equivalent  to  i^atents 
aud  that  he  could  not  review  the  acts  of  his  predecessors !  This  was  a 
short  way  of  disposing  of  some  extra  million  acres  of  land  which  had 
utver  been  earned,  but  of  which  the  country  was  plundered.  1'he  power 
"1'  these  [masonic]  corporations  has  been  a  controlling  power,  not  only 
iu  securing  extraordinary  grants  of  land,  but  in  the  successful  retaining 
of  iuunense  areas  of  land  after  their  forfeiture. 

They  have  invariably  succeeded  in  their  claims  against  the  Govern- 
ment iu  all  controversies  touching  their  land  grants,  where  the  Govern- 
iiitut,  or  those  holding  under  the  Government,  were  iiai-ties.  This  is  a 
'road  statement,  but  the  reader  need  only  to  look  back  to  the  record  for 
the  last  thirty  years  to  verify  its  truth.  In  other  words,  (he  [niasons]  have 
'■"ntrolli'd  in  the  land-office,  in  the  intei'ior  departmeiit,  in  the  law  department, 
'"t'i  in  the  legislature.  The  Indian,  who,  as  the  fable  runs,  expressed  his 
three  wishes  by  demanding,  first,  all  the  rum  in  the  world ;  second,  all  the 


:*ij   b 


i^^ 


! 


I 


468 


Courts  in  California  and  the  States. 


tobacco  in  the  world  ;  tliirtl,  more  ram:  faintly  sbatloweil  forth  the  raveu. 
ous  greed  of  thoHO  [midnight]  monsters.  The  [secret]  powers  which  oou- 
trol  at  the  Heat  of  Government,  also  control  the  Bpecial  legislation  in  a  ma- 
jority of  the  Sttitea.  I  do  not  now  speak  of  what  is  termed  corrupt  iuflu- 
ence,  that  is,  the  influence  of  unblushing,  direct  bribery.  I  refer  to  the 
influence  of  [masonic]  power,  that  sort  of  power  which  should  alarm  cverv 
one  of  us.  For  it  compo-sses  society  ;  it  has  to  do  with  every  small  auil 
largo  town  and  ullage ;  its  connections  are  unbroken. 

Put  yourself  in  ojiposition  to  this  power  and  you  will  quickly  com- 
prehend me.  Resist  in  the  courts  an  illegal  encroachment  ou  your 
property  ;  bring  suit  for  damages  for  injury  to  certain  vested  rights; 
endeavor  to  restrain  from  a  cruel  and  inexcusable  tre82)a8s,  and  yoii 
will  8i)eedily  find  your  proceedings  cripjiled  by  interlocutory  motious, 
by  temporaiy  injunctions,  by  dilatory  orders,  until,  unless  yon  iuive 
both,  money  to  pay  for  the  defense  against  these  harassing  methods  [uf 
prostituted  courts]  and  the  courage  to  continue  ["twenty  years"]  totLe 
end,  you  will  abandon  the  attempt  to  maintain  your  rights,  or  perhaps 
accei^t  some  humiliating  sum  as  a  compromise,  which  does  not  evou 
serve  to  defray  your  legal  expenses.  This  is  an  every  day  expcrieuo'. 
They  are  gi-asping,  deceitful,  and  unscrupulous.  No  court  or  legislature 
will  interfere  to  check  the  career  of  [masonic]  corporations  more  power- 
ful than  courts  or  legislatures,  [midnight  rings],  ever  vigilant,  ever  active, 
with  a  legal  machinery  perfect  in  every  aiipliance,  and  a  treasury  in- 
exhaustible. 

It  is  impossible,  to  jDropei-ly  characterize  the  methods,  or  to  picture 
the  widesjiread  iliptress  caused  by  them.  The  history  of  the  past  years 
is  filled  full  of  these  unhappy  illustrations,  and  they  are  so  glariufr,  that 
it  seems  incredible  the  country  does  not  take  the  alarm." 

"Blank,  charged  with  the  murder  of  C..,  was  to-day  acquitted  hv 
the  jury.  The  alleged  cause  of  the  killing  of  C. .  is  stated  to  be  tlwt 
he  was  on  terms  of  criminal  intimacy  with  Blank's  wife."  [Which 
always  acquits  a  iiiasun  or  odd-feUow,] 

"  A  murderer  hanged, 

C . .  was  hanged  here  to-day  for  the  murder  of  Blank.  The  crime 
for  which  J . .  suffered  death  was  the  murder  of  Blank,  who  had  threateued 
to  kill  C . .  on  different  occasions,  and  had  been  criminally  intimate  with 
his  wife."  But  this  is  no  legal  excuse  for  an  oulsidei'  against  one  0/ Ik 
gang.] 

"July  2nd. — Blank,  charged  with  intent  to  kill,  has  been  accinitted 
Friends  of  good  government  think  that  a  moneyed  [or  masouicj  luau 
cannot  be  convicted  of  murder." 

"But  the  gilded  [mystic]  hand,  which  shoves  by  justice,  must  not  be 
strengthened  by  multiplying  miht^  regiments — the  people  will  not  staud 
that — but  by  stopping  the  traffic  in  juries,  and  by  such  an  administration 
of  just  and  legal  laws  as   shall  meet  the  approval  of  the  masses  of 


Courts  in  Californu  and  the  States. 


469 


nmukind  ii\  -whose  instincts  justice   has  its  safest  auil  strongest  earthly 
throne." 

"Ex-chief  Justice  David  S.  Terry,  who  has  been  the  chidf  counsel  for 
bis  wife  during  the  entire  litigation  [of  many  years,  wherein  one  Judge 
would  decide  one  way,  and  another  the  opposite,  and  perjurj'  was  openly 
aud  confessedly  practised  without  rebuke  or  punishment],  was  present 
with  his  -wife  to-day,  Sept.  3rd,  1888,  in  court  to  hear  the  reading  of  an- 
other decision.  When  Judge  Blank  was  about  half  througli  reading,  ^fr;. 
TeiTv  jumped  to  her  feet  and  asked  the  Judge  if  he  was  going  to  order 
lier  to  give  up  the  contract  [of  her  former  maniage  with  Sharon  and  which 
bad  l)een  declared  valid  by  two  courts].  Judge  Blank  told  her  to  sit  down. 
Mrs.  Tern-'s  face  turned  white  with  passion  and  she  cried,  '  Jiistice  Blank, 
v:e  hoar  that  1/ou  Jill rfi  hi'cu  hoiifjJif !  We  would  like  to  know  if  that  is  so 
aud  what  figures  you  hold  youi-self  at.  It  seems  that  no  jierson  can  get 
justice  in  this  coiirt,  unless  he  has  a  sack.' 

Judge  Blank  told  a  marshal  to  '  remove  that  woman  from  this  court 
room.'  The  marshal  grasped  her  arm,  and  in  an  in.staut  Judge  Terry 
arose  and  exclaimed  that  no  living  man  should  touch  his  wife.  With  this 
he  dealt  the  marshal  a  tenuble  blow  on  the  neck  with  his  list,  Avhich  sent 
bim  across  the  floor. 

Then,  with  several  deputies  and  by-standers,  Terry  was  removed. 
Mrs.  Terry  was  also  taken  from  the  room  and  locked  in  the  marshal's 
office. 

A  deputy  was  placed  at  the  door,  when  Tern-  advanced  upon  him  and 
demanded  admission,  which  the  deputy  refused.  Terry  put  his  hand  in 
his  pocket  and  drew  forth  a  dangerous  looking  dirk  with  a  blade  eight 
im'lii's  long,  and,  with  a  curse,  held  it  above  his  head  and  declared  he 
^^ould  stab  any  man  who  tried  to  keep  him  away  from  his  wife.  Terry 
TOs  then  locked  in  the  room  with  his  wife. 

A  satchel,  which  Mrs.  Teny  had  dropped  in  the  court  room  diii-ing 
tho  excitement,  was  found  to  contain  an  English  bull-dog  revolver  with  f.ll 
six  chambers  loaded.  She  was  turning  to  open  the  satchel  just  before  she 
was  put  out  of  the  court  room. "  [If  the  courts  are  not  reformed  with 
anti-mason  ballots,  lead  and  steel  will  be  resorted  to  by  victims,  who  will 
be  upheld  by  the  people.  ] 

"The  case  of  Mra.  Myra  Gaines,  has  now,  after  about  forty  years  in 
the  courts,  been  decided  by  the  Supreme  Court  in  her  favor  for  nearly  two 
millions  of  dollars.  The  decisions  of  the  courts  l)elow  were  also  in  her 
favor.  She  has  spent  a  large  fortune  and  a  life-time  on  this  suit,  which 
notbing  but  some  egregious  defect  in  the  legal  system  or  some  criminal 
oomijUcity  on  the  part  of  the  [Masonic]  courts  could  have  kept  so  long 
from  a  final  decision.  And  now  the  intention  is  to  carry  the  case  by  some 
xtraordinary  alleged  right  of  appeal  to  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United 
Mates,  where  it  could  not  be  reached  in  less  than  five  years,  and  that  at 
enormous  expense. 


I      ! 


>,  i 


i  -    1 


:; 

V 

r 

1 

ll 

u 

470 


Courts  in  California  and  the  States. 


Tlio  ]>rosjioi't  for  a  woman  iiciir  four-st-oro,  and  woll  worn  ont  both  in 
inu-se  and  mind  liy  lonj?  litij^'ation,  is  nntlni^rht;  and  tlio  qucbtiou  v bat 
Hiich  laws,  UK  liavo  pcrmitt^'d  all  tlifsci  delays,  arc  worth,  is  ti  jHrtiuLUt 
on»\  The  ease  iw  aggiavatt-d,  if  i)ossil)l(>,  liy  tho  fact  that  Mrs.  Gaim'?jis 
ox(H'»'din^j;ly  liln'ral  and  charituMe,  and  means  tti  Iti'stow  her  means,  mIud 
rt'coviicd,  in  founding  and  HUi)iK)rting  institutions  for  the  lionefit  of  tin 
working  clas.st'8  and  tho  poor.  Kho  is,  in  fact,  tho  Pot^T  Cooper  of  N\w 
Orleans." 

"  Mi's.  Gaines  is  a  l>oantiful  example  fif  the  effects  of  the  legal  system. 
Kecently  a  decision  has  been  rendei'ed  in  her  favor,  but  oven  if  it  could  he 
carried  out,  she  declares  it  would  not  benefit  her,  as  all  her  intere.4  ha.- 
been  absorbed  by  a  syndicate  of  lawyers  ami  speculators.  [A  secret gaii:: 
?•«'/'//;■('(/ by  prostituted  e(mrts.  ]  In  other  words,  she  is  in  the  same  bi.at 
with  M'(ftirr<ifiiiii  and  many  otlu'r  veterans,  who  have  spent  years  in  julsL- 
ing  their  claims,  only  to  find  in  the  end  that  the  lawyers  and  [Maseuicj 
lobbyists  [that  blackleg  ollicials  a mij »'l  au  ai)plieant  for  justice  to  eiuiildv 
and  load  with  money.]  come  in  for  any  coin  that  may  be  secured."  [Is 
such  a  systi'iu  of  robbeiy  any  better  than  anarchy  ?] 

'•Then'  are  H&)  superfluous  words  in  every  deed,  ami  1240  in  even- 
mortgage;  and  the  people  of  New  York  i)ay  every  year  8100,000  for  tlit 
recording  of  superfluous  words." 

"In  February,  1S70,  the  Sui)reme  Court  of  the  U.  S.  di-eided  tlmt 
Congress  hud  no  power  to  make  United  States  notes  a  legal  tender  for  ]iii- 
existing  debts,  and  the  reasoning  of  that  opinion  was  to  the  effect  that  the 
legal  t<'uder  acts  were  unconstitutional. 

After  changes  in  the  memboi'ship  of  the  court,  it  decided,  that  Cou?vt.<- 
had  power  to  make  United  States  notes  a  legal  tender  for  debts  coutraitcil 
both  before  and  after  the  passage  of  the  act.s.  These  conflicting  opinions 
diminish  confidence  in  the  court;  any  party  in  control  of  Congi'(>ss  and  thr 
Executive  can  procure  any  decision  by  increasing  tho  number  of  tli' 
Judges,  and  '2"i''kiiR  the  court.'"  [Would  not  a  court,  composed  of 
plain,  honest  men,  be  b(>tter  than  professional,  technical  gentry,  so  "kaiii- 
(>d  in  the  law  "  that  they  cannot  agree  as  to  what  it  means,  an<l  make  of 
the  courts  a  secret  jugglery  to  gamble  ■with,  so  that  avo  have  no  security  iu 
l)ei'son  or  iJi'operty.] 

Wh.\t  the  CofRT.s  OnARGE  TO  Settle  a  ^Matter  of  S'>0. 
"The  case  has  been  tried  tive  times,  and  each  time,  except  one,  lie 
has  received  a  verdict  for  from  83,000  to  87,  oOO,  which  was  always  set  asiilu, 
Ho  ai)pealed  to  the  Supreme  Court,  and  tho  verdict  has  been  reversed, 
giving  him  no  damages.  The  court  costs  are  now  .83.300,  while  the  otbor 
expenses  on  both  sides  amount  to  at  least  820,000  [a  tribute  to  the  court 
gang,  ]  and  several  parties  have  been  ruined  by  the  exiienses  of  the  ca.se. 
The  value  of  the  calves  was  850. " 

[And  blacklegs  say,  we  have  a  "Good  Judiciary."] 

"Kumors  that  the  Jury  had  been  'fixed'  in  the  interest  of  the 


Courts  in  California  and  the  Statks. 


471 


:s. 


k-orti  out  both  in 

10  qnostiou  wluit 
:li,  in  a  i)ortiuLUt 
it  Mrs.  CfaiiuHis 
\ov  iiu'aus.  \\luu 
lio  benefit  of  th<' 
r  Cooper  of  Niw 

the  legal  system. 
•von  if  it  eoulilhf 

11  her  iuteii'.4  li;i> 
,.  [Afieerftfiiu;: 
^in  theBamol"nit 
)out  y»-ars  in  im^li- 
•ors  aiul  IMasouic] 

i^istiee  to  cmvloy 
1)0  Bccureil."    [Is 

,  and  lii-tO  ill  i'v<n- 
at  S100,0(M>forthc 

U.  S.  tleeiile.l  tlmt 
ogal  tender  for  I'Vf- 
o  the  efifeet  that  tlio 

.•iaed,  that  Conpreis^ 
'or  debts  coutraotiHl 
Icoiiflieting  opinions 
lof  Congri'ss  aiul  tlu' 
]bo  number  of  tli- 
•o\irt,  oomr"M>l  "f 
[ill  gentry,  so  "Wain- 
loauR,  and  make  of 
have  no  seenrityiii 

CER  OF  S">0. 

kme,  exeept  one,  lie 

Ivas  always  set  tisiiU'. 

has  been  ri'Vi'isi'.l, 

|W(),  while  the  otlitv 

1  tribute  to  the  coun 

Ljensea  of  the  cas-'. 

the  interest  of  tbe 


[Masniiic]  defendants  brought  the  ease  to  a  standstill.  Four  men  hfttl 
hfcii  slij)])ed  into  tlie  bn\  [hy  the  ^lasonif  SheritVJ,  \vlio  slmnld  never 
liiive  be»'U  adniitteil.  They  belonged  to  the  same  Masonic  lod^'o  a.s  de- 
ftiiilants."  [With  Ma.sonie  ofth-ials,  Avhat  ghost  of  a  shov  has  u  Christian 
for  ftjual  justice?] 

"  A  Judge  has  been  found  in  Iowa  to  drive  the  tnnlitional  eoach  and 
hix  through  the  new  law  on  juin'li/  tivhuicul  i/rnmii/s,  and  when  it  had  been 
(<()  thoroughly  discussed  and  adopted  by  so  large  a  majority  of  the  i>eo])h'. " 

[If  the  courts  were  hont^st,  they  would  pass  on  lulls  iN'fore  the  TiCgis- 
laturi  adjourned,  if  at  all.  liut  why  should  two  or  three  Masons  oNcnide 
the  Mill  and  mature  judgment  of  a  large  majority  of  the  people,  whoso 
servants  oflicials  are  supposed  to  be  Vj 

"The  first  star  route  trial  la.sted  three  mouths,  the  second  six  and  a 
halt'.  The  cost  of  both  trials  lias  been  about  half  a  million  to  the  (toNcra- 
iiuiit.  One  lawyer  got  S(>0,»MM»,  another  84(),(»0(».  and  another  SiW.OOO. 
Ni  \t  to  the  original  steal  and  the  [^Masonic]  verdict  of  accpiittal,  these  fees 
aiL-  the  biggest  scandal  of  the  whole  disgraceful  business," 

[One  of  tlio  ganp;  jihvd  (juilfy,  and  yet  all  were  acquitted. 
Of  ctnirse,  the  "trial"  was  a  farce,  done  by  Masons  for  a  blind 
(as  though  the}'  would  pnni.sh  and  send  to  jirisou  their  breth- 
ren fen*  robbing  other  people),  and  to  steal  a  half  million  more 
iu  court  expenses.] 

What  Anti-^I.\sox  Jiikiks  (an  do. 

"  To  three  lawyers  who  put  iu  bills  anuuinting  to  82r),0(¥)  for  st>r\nces 
ill  Mttling  an  estate  worth  S32,00(),  Judge  Thomas  Drummond  said:  '  You 
l)a\i'  charged  S'25,(K)0  for  sixty  days'  services.  These  charges  are  infamous. 
Tliey  are  such  as  men  who  are  scoundrels  and  thieves  at  heart  would 
niak,'.  This  charge  of  Slo.OOO  is  cut  down  to  .9ir>00.  Those  of  !i?.".(M)0 
oaili  to  8")()n.  Repeat  such  a  piece  of  rapine  in  tliis  court  and  I  will  dis- 
liar  every  one  of  you.'  We  tru.st  that  other  Judges  will  imitate  the 
txaiiiple  of  Judge  Dnimmond.  and  repulst>  those  legal  pirates  who  plun- 
der estates  and  often  reduce  their  olient.s  to  penxu-y. "  [But  when  Judges 
aiv  brother  Ma.sous  to  these  "  saix/n/ri'ls,  Ifiii'i'i's  <i)nl  jiirnti's,"  thi-i/  sUnul  in 
li,'j,ih,'f  to  ]))'()stilute  the  courts  at/tiinst  the  people.  And  when  Judges  are  ap- 
]ioii:ted  by  ring  dignitaries,  these  blacklegs  are  the  gentry  they  choose 
froiii.  ] 

■  While  evidence  against  the  star  route  coutmetoi-s  and  imblie  oflicials 
^as  strong  and  conclusive  as  to  guilt,  and  the  G<iverument  was  defrauded 
of  large  sums,  and  large  Bums  of  money  were  exiiended  to  B(>cure  indict- 
inouts,  yet  iio  person  was  eon^^ctcd  or  i)unished,  and  no  ci\'il  suits  have 
liecu  instituted  to  recover  the  vast  sums  illegally  and  fmudulently  t>btained 
from  the  imblic  treasury." 

"A  young  lawyer  went  through  town  driving  a  iwrtiou  of  his  first 


t        t    'I 


m 


^  <\ 


472 


CouiiTs  IN  California  and  the  States. 


law  fee — a  yearling  Hteei.     The  fee  eouMiHtcil  of  i^HAH)  in  mouey,  a,  Htack  of 
fodder,  a  silver  wateh,  an  old  how  and  the  yearling." 

[Perhaps,  all  the  poor  devil  hail.  If  the  courts  were  not 
the  swindling  shops  that  they  are,  they  would  not  require  tlio 
employment  of  these  pirates  at  all.  The  court  clerk  would  il,j 
ivkat  formal  wrltimj  ivas  iicccsstiri/,  and  the  iKirtUn  could  make  kinm-a 
their  ownam'-s.  For  example,  who  knew  her  case  or  could  make  it 
known  to  others  better  than  Mrs.  Gaines,  after  forty  years  ex- 
perience with  it?  And  she  was  Avilling  and  sornrf i ineii  did  jihail 
her  own  cause.  Yet,  to  have  any  iutluonce  with  Masonic  riiUleu 
courts,  she  was  coitipelled  to  employ  a  whole  f^auj^  of  Masonic 
pirates,  with  whom  the  brethren  could  secret! ij  and  so/el ij  lr<iilr.\ 

"The  time  has  como  for  a  general  leveling  np  with  respect  to  tlio 
jury  8er\ice,  and  a  thorough  revisiou  of  the  laws  relating  thereto  .sctius 
imperatively  demanded.  The  people  will  not  tolerate  much  longer  smli 
miscarriages  of  justice  as  have  recently  been  witnessed  iu  various  parts  of 
the  country."  [Ld  it  be  vuule  illcjal  for  (oiy  ((fficial  to  belong  to  mnj  M 
sworn  brotlierhooil.] 

"  Hardly  a  day  passes  without  a  legal  decision  which  is  contrary  to 
reason  and  common  sense.  The  Scottish  American  Company  has  loiiuid 
some  millions  of  dollars  iu  Chicago  and  vicinity.  On  attem2)ting  to  foiv- 
close  upon  a  piece  of  property,  the  defendant  set  up  the  i)lea  that  '//^■/•.' 
Wits  no  such  comp<uii/  ill  existence'  After  weeks  delay,  a  certified  copy  of 
the  Edinburg  certificate  of  incorporation  was  ofiered  iu  evidence  of  the 
bona  fide  existence  of  the  company.  A  day  or  two  ago  the  coiirt  decided 
that  this  was  insufHcient,  and  when  asked  what  would  be  sufficient,  reiiliid 
that  '  he  did  not  know.'  To  an  outsider  it  would  ajjijear  that  a  comiiiiiiy 
which  had  '  exis*  ace '  enough  to  lend  some  millions  of  dollars.  Imd 
existence  enough  to  foreclose  ui)on  its  securities  in  case  of  default.  IJiit 
it  seems  not."     [Is  such  jugglery  honest  ?] 

"Less  than  half  the  number  of  Judges  necessary  to  the  5,000,()()i)  of 
people  of  the  State  of  New  York  is  sufficient  for  nearly  five  times  the 
number  of  people  in  England." 

"The  case  of  B. .  (colored)  on  trial  for  marrying  a  white  girl.— B.. 
was  found  guilty,  and  given  the  full  j^enalli/  of  the  Idir.  The  only  otlitr 
case  under  this  law  was  dismissed,  the  Judge  holding  the  law  unconstitu- 
tional. "     [Is  that  equal  justice  ?] 

"Tha  man  arrested  for  stealing  a  horse  was  discharged  because  Le 
proved  that  he  was  drunk  when  he  took  the  animal."  [But  that  does  not 
acquit  an  outsider.  ] 

' '  When  N . .  was  acquitted  of  murder,  it  was  on  the  ground  of  iusnu- 
ity.  He  was  then  brought  up  for  examination  as  to  his  mental  couilition 
and  pronounced  sane,  after  which  formular  he  was  released.   All  of  which 


luey,  a  Htin-k  nf 


CounXS  IN   C.VLIFOUNIA   AND   THK   STATES. 


47:j 


in  ftu  oxhibitiou  of  li'gal  juj,%'k'ry  iiuil  lmmlln^,'^'^M•y."  [At  tin;  cxpi'iiHo  of 
tlio  pooplo.  ] 

"Tlio  riot  is  but  the  nhadow  of  tlie  events  that  mnst  follow  such 
fiufial  ailmiuistration  of  our  laAVH  w  occiiHioncil  the  riot.  It  was  plain 
tluit  the  expenditure  of  a  few  thouHaml  dollars  [and  niasonry(  had  pur- 
c-hiisod  justice  and  robbed  the  gallows  of  its  just  dues.  It  demonstrates 
tliut  the  traffic  in  juries,  which  has  been  so  extensively  carried  on,  will 
eventually  rob  the  people  of  their  rights  and  protection,  and  in  the  end 
their  liberties." 

"Wank,  one  of  the  'good  fellows  '  referred  to  in  the  Huntington  corre- 
spondence,  is  now  the  r///ry  ,//^></(V•'f  of He  was  called  a  'good  fel- 
low'  because  he  could  get  a  riiilroad  bill  i  i     hI  when  Governor  of  that 

Territory  with  very  Uttlo  money.     Ho  was  once  (tovernor  of  also, 

Laving  received  the  appointment  throucrli  the  [masonic  I  influence  of  the 
Central  Pacific  Company.  Ho  there  >  traye»i  the  G  utiles  and  defeated 
the  laws  which  he  was  sworn  to  ui^hold  and  visdit  uto.  After  ho  was  driven 
away  from  that  Territory,  the   same  [ma-souli^  influence  secured  for  him 

till'  governorship  of  Ho  wa.s  reiuo.eil    from   that  oflico  on  i)roof 

that  he  had  been  accessoiy,  both  before  and  afttu*  the  fact,  to  the  W(H'st 
rolibi'ries  and  murders  ever  committed  iu  that  Territory.  The  Tri1>inie 
says  :  ♦  The  chain  of  evidence  is  almost  complet«^  that  he  has  been  but  the 
abject,  characterless  and  conscienceless  tool  of  the  [masonic]  railroad 
owners  for  something  like  a  dozen  years,  and  tlnit  aside  from  his  allegiance 
to  [uiasonrj']  he  is  in  every  bone,  muscle,  nerve  and  heart-beat  thorough- 
ly corruiit."  [<SVt7i  is  tho  imiterUdthdt  Goveiiiors  ami  th(;"<j<i<)tljndii:iarti" 
are  made  of  by  the  masons.] 

"It  is  imi)Ossible  to  comprehend  how  such  a  verdict  could  be  found 
unless,  indeed,  money  [and  masonx'yj  vas  jdentifully  used  among  tho 
jurymen.  The  case  was  plain  enough.  His  crime  was  deliberate  and 
premeditated.  Each  member  of  the  jury  which  brings  in  such  a^  verdict 
coumits  an  ofifense  against  society  and  against  the  iiublic  peace.  It  is  no 
wonder  that  the  natural  criminal  classes  respond  to  the  impulse  given 
from  the  jxiry  room,  and  that  murders  are  all  too  frequent  throughout  tlu; 
couutiy." 

"Ours  is  a  Government  of  lawyers.  In  the  senate  there  are  fifty- 
sov(>u  lawyers,  five  bankers,  three  each  of  merchantmen,  railroad  officials, 
professional  politicians,  and  manufacturers,  two  miners,  two  general  busi- 
ness, one  editor  and  eight  farmers. 

In  the  house  there  are  195  lawyers,  nineteen  professional  iioliticians, 
seventeen  merchants,  twelve  nlitors,  eleven  farmers,  ten  manufacturers, 
five  jjliysicians,  three  railroad  officials,  tv/o  each  of  civil  engineers,  miners 
and  mechanics,  one  clergyman,  one  cai^talist,  and  one  metallurgist. 
Lawyers  get  office  because  they  are  brought  up  to  speak  in  public." 

"One  need  not  look  fiirther  for  the  causes  which  started  the  bloody 
riot  than  the  statement  of  the  noted  lawyer,  who  defended  the  assassin,  iu 


'™^Wb 


hA\^ 


M 


% 


.    i 


t  f 


*^     f 


!!'ir' 


474 


Courts  in  Califounia  and  the  States. 


■which  he  flamitiugly  auuounceil,  that  '  he  uot  ouly  couhl  have  aciiuitted 
the  miirilorer  if  he  had  Ix'oii  so  (lisi>use(l,  but  that  it  was  the  fii-st  case  iu 
which  ho  Iiad  en'r  itlloin'd  a  jury  to  couvict  a  criminal  cheut  of  his.'  TJi>r<i 
vs  more  undenieitlh  this  than  he  is  irilli/ir/  to  ttpenly  (tper — a  yood  deal  more 
than  he  will  be  likely  to  aver  iu  the  2)re8eut  mood  of  the  i)eople.  It  is 
freely  alleged  that  the  jury  was  i)ackod  to  bring  in  a  mild  verdict — half  a 
dozen  wretches  were  slii)i>ed  on  the  jury  for  that  i)uri)oso — and,  as  he  savs, 
if  he  had  been  so  disposed  they  would  have  brought  in  a  verdict  of  aciiuittal, 
though  the  wjetch  had  confessed  his  guilt  and  the  i)roof  was  positive 
against  him.  It  was  the  knowledge  that  there  was  no  security  for  life 
under  the  law,  that  it  was  within  the  ability  of  [masonic]  lawyers  aided  liy 
the  defects  of  the  law  \themsdres  hadJLced]  and  laxity  of  the  courts  to  de- 
feat justice,  that  aroused  the  peojjle  to  such  a  jntch  of  nuliguation.  Tliey 
felt  that  there  was  no  other  way  to  imuish  criminals  [with  secret  iuilu- 
euce]  except  by  lynch  laAv.  The  people  had  api)ealed  and  clamored  for 
justice  over  and  over  again.  The  press  had  exposed  the  iniquities  prac- 
ticed in  the  courts  and  jury  rooms,  and  urged  a  reform,  but  no  atteutiou 
was  paid  to  it.  The  travesty  of  justice  went  on  until  it  became  iutoleraMe. 
It  is  the  genei'dl  failure  of  the  disi^ensation  of  justice  that  at  last  aroused 
the  citizens  to  violent  retaliation.  It  is  the  feeling  that  a  [musnitic]  mur- 
derer cannot  be  punished  by  law  for  his  crime.  It  is  the  knowledge  that 
he  will  escaiJe  either  by  the  corruptions  of  the  lower  courts,  or  the 
supreme  court  will  reverse  the  finding  on  some  wretched  ipiihhle,  and  that 
he  Avill  be  remanded  for  a  new  trial  and  let  out  on  straw  [masonic]  1>ail 
iintil  he  escapes  altogether.  The  .supreme  courts  have  acted  as  if  tliey 
were  lemjiied  irith  the  crimitml  cliisses  [they  are  chiefs  of  the  gang]  ix^raiust 
the  peace  and  protection  of  society,  and  as  if  the  objects  of  courts  wen^to 
jirotect  instead  of  punish  crime,  [that  is  my  experieui  e  Avith  the  enurts]. 
They  enlist  ujiou  the  side  of  the  [masonic]  lawyer,  and  aid  him  uith 
quirks  and  technicalities  to  secure  the  release  of  his  [masonic]  client,  in- 
to efl'ec\  wearisome  delays  and  continuances,  which  are  tantamount  to  the 
same  result. " 

' '  The  reign  of  law  and  order  is  restored ;  that  law  and  order  whieb 
makes  murder  [and  robbery]  the  safest  trade,  and  which  has  made  impe- 
tent  the  administration  of  law  against  [masonic]  crimes  of  soeii'ty.  We 
have  vindicated  all  i)ractical  forms,  and  ru]  js,  and  traps,  and  trii-ks.  wliich 
make  the  trial  of  a  [ring  man]  a  farce,  and  degrade  the  judiciary  to  tlie 
sole  end  of  having  known  and  proved  murderers  [and  robbers]  saved  fnuu 
coiuiction,  and  i)romoting  the  trade  of  [masonic]  lawyens.  Unthiukiuu; 
liersons  [and  the  gang]  speak  of  such  popular  impulse  as  a  crime,  forget- 
ting that  the  right  to  jirotect  itself  against  crime  is  a  right  of  society,  aiul 
is  conferred  by  it  on  its  agents,  and  that  SDi'ieti/  does  not  lose  its  ri'jht  //<■- 
cause  its  oijeuts  hire  become  iinpoteut."  [or  because  they  are  blaekleirs, 
traitors,  thieves,  and  home-ravaging  brothers  in  the  gang].  'Ill-jnd;-'ed 
as  it  was  iu  acting  without  organization,  the  feeling  which  moved  it  v,as 


iRf  ,     "  ill       * 

III'  ^      « 
—         ;»! 


M' 


CouKTs  IN  California  and  the  States. 


475 


.  Lave  acquittfd 
he  first  case  in 
it  of  his.'    TJi'Ti; 
good  deal  more 
le  people.    It  is 
.  verdict — half  a 
-and,  as  ho  says, 
ilict  of  aciiuittal, 
oof  ■was  positive 
security  for  life 
lawyers  aidoil  hy 
the  courts  to  tli- 
liguatiou.    They 
•ith  secret  iufiu- 
lud  clamoreJ  for 
!  iuiquitios  prac- 
but  no  atteutiou 
came  intoleralilu. 
it  at  last  aruiiseJ 
a  [»i'(S'>/(/i.'J  mur- 
e  knowledge  that 
sr  cotirts,   or  the 
'  quibble,  and  that 
(V   [masonic]  hail 
!  acted  as  if  they 
the  gang]  agaiust 
of  courts  were  to 
rtith  the  conrts], 
,nd  aid  hiia  with 
asonic]  client,  or 
autaiuouut  to  the 


a  true  representative  of  healthy  public  sentiment.  Neither  exi)erieuce, 
observation,  nor  i)ublic  discussion  has  taught  the  people  that  the  adminis- 
tration of  law  is  on  the  side  of  justice,  law  and  order.  They  have  seeu 
that  its  chief  end  is  to  give  immunity  to  [linked  criminals.  ] 

•'Here  is  what  Horace  Greely  thought  of  the  average  lawyer  : 

'For  lawyers  to  league  themselves  for  money  with  the  most  cousummate 
of  scoundrels,  to  become,  as  it  were,  accessories  after  the  fact  to  thegreatest 
of  crimes  and  Wllainies  h\  their  paid  labors  in  shielding  the  perpetrators  from 
detection  and  punishment,  or  from  being  obliged  to  disgorge  their  dishonest 
gains — all  this  has  become  a  regular  business  transaction,  and  the 
lawyer  shares  the  spoils  of  the  murderer  and  the  robber,  and 
pockets  the  fee  stained  ^nth  the  blood,  or  wet  with  the  tears  of  some 
wretched  victim  of  fraud  or  force,  from  whom  his  client  had  just  before 
extorted  it,  with  no  less  satisfaction  than  he  puts  into  bis  pocket  the  last 
dollar  of  the  poor,  deluded  \-ictim,  who,  ha^•iug  been  plundered  or  cheated 
of  the  greater  ya.vi  of  his  i^roiierty  by  some  other  [Masonic]  rogue,  spends 
the  miserable  remnant  of  it  in  the  vdia  and  deceptive  pursuit  of  li'(i(tl  redress. 
[And  blacklegs  say,  '  we  have  a  good  judiciary.']  " 

"Some  time  ago  Blank  instnicted  his  lawyers  to  offer  Cox  $75,000  in 
full  settlement,  which  his  attorneys  refused,  stating  that  it  was  not  enough 
to  go  around  among  them  for  fees,  let  alone  what  Cox  was  entitled  to. 
Blank's  funeral  takes  place  to-morrow. " 

[The  courts  are  a  secret  robber-dan.] 

"  The  shooting  was  done  by  Cox,  aad  arose  out  of  a  difficulty  about  a 
law  suit.  Cox  went  to  Blank's  office  and  demanded  SiOjOOO  in  settlement 
of  claims  standing  between  them.  On  Blank's  refusing  he  drew  a  revolver 
and  shot  throe  times.  He  says,  he  asked  [Links]  for  8i0,000,  that  he  was 
iu  absolute  want,  beggared,  mined  [by  the  courts].  Links  rofu.sed. 
'Then,'  said  Cox,  'I  -vdM  attach  your  proijerty.*  'I  have  prepared  against 
that,'  replied  Links,  'you  can"t  get  a  cent.'  Under  tlie  buliof,  that  he 
would  not  get  justice  in  any  way.  Cox  drew  a  revolver  and  tired. 

It  is  the  direct  outcome  of  a  slavish  adherence  to  technicalities  In-  the 
Sujireme  Court,  which  so  often  ignores  equity  and  outrages  justice." 

"The  accpaittal  of  Cox  by  the  coroner's  jiu'y  adds  interest  to  the  case. 
Iu  lftC7,  Cox  connaenced  a  suit  against  Links  k  Co.  for  8173  .l'.)5,  the 
nmouut  due  him  ou  a  contract  to  grade  a  portion  of  railroad.  Judgment 
was  rendered  in  his  favor  for  the  amount  claimed  with  interest,  6193,173. 
The  case  was  api)i'aled  and  the  judgment  reversed.  A  second  trial  was 
had,  and  judgment  again  rendered  in  favor  of  Cox  for  8-C8.G55.  There 
was  another  appeal  with  similar  results,  and  then  a  third  trial  Mith  judg- 
ment again  in  favor  of  the  plaintiff,  amounting  this  time  to  8378,477. 
Links  k  Co.  again  appealed  and  the  judgment  was  again  revei-sed,  and 
judgment  ordered  in  favor  of  the  defendant.  Under  the  exasperation  of 
tliis  climax  of  decisions,  last  spring  Cox  made  an  assault  upon  Judge 
Links,  who  had  several  times  reversed  the  judgment  iu  his  favor.    He  had 


I 


E!l:l 


I  I 


1.  fik  ^.4     I- 


476 


Courts  in  California  and  the  States. 


^   ,'        1 

1                  1 

»■<         1 

j 

L      3        *,     ■■ 

yi 

f  .'  tk  i. 

M 

been  goaded  to  desiieration  by  gross  injustice.  He  had  put  bia  all  into 
the  work  for  which  he  was  seeking  compensation,"  [and  the  niasouic 
courts  '^^ado  liim  blow  in  §75,000  more,  and  they  deserved  killing.] 

He  had  l)oen  made  to  dance  attendance  by  the  rulings  of  the  [ma- 
sonic J  sui^renie  bench  iipou  the  courts  for  nearly  sixteen  years,  and  bad 
for  several  years  been  borrowing  money  for  his  family  to  live  u^wn,  while 
he  was  still  being  bandied  back  and  forth,  like  a  shuttlo  cock,  between 
the  courts.  After  this  assault  upon  the  Judge  a  new  trial  of  the  case  was 
secured  by  another  party  coming  into  it,  and  it  was  sent  back  to  the  lower 
court  for  the  fourth  time,  where  every  judgment  had  been  for  the  i>laiu- 
tifif  except  one  on  demurrer,  and  every  judgment  in  his  favor  had  bcon 
reversed  on  a  technicality  by  the  sujJi'eme  court.  As  an  outcome.  Cox  lias 
killed  Links.  The  circumstances  were  such,  that  the  jury  decided  that  it 
was  done  in  self-defense."  FWhy  would  not  the  killing  of  such  courts  be 
also  in  self-defense  ?] 

"This  tragedy  can  be  regarded  in  no  other  light  than  a  logical  conse- 
quence of  a  iiernicious  [masonic]  legal  system  which  in  ninety-nine  cases 
out  of  a  hundred  has  more  of  [flawed]  law  than  ec^uity  in  it.  The  slayer 
of  Links  is  a  victim  of  [masonic]  technicality.  Had  there  been  more  of 
justice  and  less  strained  law  in  cm*  courts.  Links  would  be  alive  to-day.' 

"It  is  an  outrage  on  the  name  of  law  for  the  courts  to  keep  a  case  ou 
trial  seventeen  years,  and  during  that  time  to  repeatedly  bandy  it  back 
and  forth  betAveen  the  courts"  [and  charge  $75,000 for  doing  so.^ 

"  No  one  can  deny  the  magnitude  of  the  injury  done  Cox,  and  such 
delay  would  have  been  an  injury  even  if  there  had  been  no  merit  in  his 
case.  It  is  one  of  the  [^niany  thousand]  cases  which  increase  the  popular 
distrust  ^i  [masonic]  courts.  When  a  man  has  a  just  claim  against  au- 
othei',  the  courts  ought  to  help  him  collect  it  inside  of  seventeen  i/e<(rs. 
Such  delays  of  justice  is  a  denial  of  justice,  for  justice  is  nothing  if  not 
executed.  Such  a  coui'se  as  that  pursued  in  this  [and  so  many  thnusdml 
of  other]  cases  by  the  courts  is  not  a  private,  but  a  pubhc  outrage,  aiul 
these  cases  must  not  be  permitted  by  the  courts  to  occur  too  often,  for  if 
they  do,  it  will  be  as  Artemus  Ward  said:  'Ten  dollars  in  the  Judges' 
pockets  if  they  had  never  been  born.'  " 

"Every  large  city  in  the  United  States  is,  to-day,  a  smouldering  vol- 
cano, and  the  material  that  feeds  the  growing  flames  is  the  maladminislni- 
tion  of  justice,  not  only  as  regards  murderers  [and  robbers],  but  as  regards 
everybody  and  everything  that  has  money  [and  masonry]  to  back  him  or  it. 
The  people  are  growing  restive  under  the  mle  of  riches  [and  masouryj, 
the  power  that  controls  our  courts  and  makes  the  administration  of  justice 
a  hideous  farce.  The  Cox-Links  case  was  one  in  point.  See  how  fox 
was  robbed  in  due  form  of  law  for  sixteen  years  ;  see  whai,  a  desperate 
attempt  was  made  to  punish  Cox  for  defending  his  life  against  the  tyrnul. 
Did  not  the  people  have  to  interfere  and  say  in  decided  tones :     '  Stop  that. 


Courts  in  California  and  the  States. 


477 


ut  his  all  into 
,  the  masonic 
Uling.] 

)  of  the  [ina- 
(Y»'s,  autl  had 
'0  uiM)n,  while 
cock,  between 
f  the  case  was 
!k  to  the  lower 
for  the  pLiiu- 
ivor  had  heon 
come,  Cox  has 
decided  that  it 
such  cotirtti  be 

a  logical  conse- 
iiety-nine  cases 
it.  The  slayer 
)  been  more  of 
3  alive  today.' 

keep  a  case  on 
bandy  it  back 
Ing  so.  ] 

Cox,  and  such 
lo  merit  in  liis 
tse  the  popular 
lim  against  au- 
\s<H'enteen  i/ears. 
nothing  if  not 
mcniy  thnumud 
ic  outrage,  and 
oo  often,  for  if 
jin  the  Judges' 

louldering  vol- 
makiiiminislrn- 
but  as  regards 
[back  him  or  it. 
[and  masonry], 
[•ation  of  justice 
See  how  Cox 
Uu  a  desperate 
\(tinst  the  ti/rmtl. 
« Stop  that. 


Let  Cox  alone. '     [A  ml  he  was  let  alone]  or  the  jjeople  would  have  had  to 
take  the  Cox-Links  business  pretty  resolutely  in  hand." 

"All  over  the  United  States,  in  ten  thousand  different  ways,  tliisaiTo- 
gance  of  the  [masonic]  money-power  and  its  interference  with  the  rights 
of  the  people  is  being  seen  and  felt,  and  the  sentiment  that  is  now 
'  smouldering '  over  it,  may  burst  into  volcanic  flame  and  force  at  any 
time.  As  time  goes  on,  the  outbreaks  are  cei-tain  to  be  fiercer  and  more 
frequent  unless  the  coui't  [masonry]  is  removed." 

"After  a  [Masonic]  a.ssa.ssin's  crime  has  been  triumphantly  committed, 
a  hunt  is  commenced  for  legal  technicalities.  It  can  scarcely  be  termed  a 
'hunt,'  for  any  ^•illage  attorney  can  pass  a  few  hours  in  his  library  and 
find  or  invent  a  cart-load  of  them.  Dear  to  the  [masonic  cursed]  court  is 
ihe  dry,  threadbare,  venerable,  time-worn  technicaUty.  Equally  dear  is 
the  new  technicality.  It  is  turned  over  and  over,  and  inspected  from  vari- 
ous stand-jjoints  with  professional  enthtisiasm.  No  botanist  surveys  a 
newly  discovered  plant  or  flower  with  such  profound  gratification  as  the 
[masonic]  court  takes  official  cognizance  of  a  new  t«chnicalitj-.  The  at- 
torney who  cannot  devise  a  technicality  suitable  for  any  phase  of  a 
criminal  proceiidiug,  should  bury  his  empty  head  in  a  sand-hill,  and 
grow  U15  to  be  his  own  monument.  The  old  moss-covered  technicalities  are 
as  dear  to  the  [masonic  cursed]  judicial  heart,  as  the  dry  bones  of  a  fossil 
mammoth  are  to  the  infatuated  natural  philosopher.  The  aspiring  legal 
practitioner  surveys  the  judicial  hoiizon  with  the  same  watchful  care  that 
the  astronomer  surs'eys  the  Heavens,  and  the  appearance  of  an  important 
new  technicality  awakens  in  his  bosom  emotions  similar  to  those  that 
agitate  the  star-gazer  on  hailing  the  advent  of  a  new  i)lanet.  To  keep 
pace  with  the  increase  of  technicalities  requires  incessant  vigilance  and 
large  libraries.  Moses  could  present  laws  for  the  whole  world,  and  for  all 
terrestrial  time,  condensed  into  so  small  a  space  that,  i)iinted  on  a  slip  of 
paper,  they  might  be  pasted  in  the  bottom  of  a  hat.  The  San  Francisco 
Law  Library  contains  twenty  or  thirty  thousand  volumes,  and  yet  our 
legal  practitiouei's  often  turn  away  from  it  in  despair,  not  being  able  to 
find  in  its  whole  vast  collection  the  pi*ecise  law  book  they  want.  Many 
lawyers  keep  themselves  2>oor  by  the  absolutely  unavoidable  i)urchase  of 
law  books,  which  might  be  more  approi)riately  termed  'ti'dmicalitifis  hound 
in  cal/.'  To  be  able  to  higgle  over  a  teidinicality  in  learned  style,  to  ex- 
piate with  due  solemnity  on  all  its  Bunyan-like  ramuifieatious  relative  to 
some  similar  technicaUty,  is  really  the  path  to  legal  success  [in  a  prosti- 
tuted court],  and  every  lawyer  knows  it,  and  the  bold  [brother  iu  the 
gang]  attorney  frequently  has  occasion  to  wonder  at  the  ease  with  which 
the  brnin  of  a  'learned  Judge'  has  been  muddled  [by  coin  or  secret  obli- 
gation.]" 

Every  State  legislature  is  a  mill  for  incessantly  grinding  out  new 
[tlawed]  laws,  which  must  all  be  construed  and  expounded  in  turn  [for  a 
jirice],  and  each  of  which  brings  forth  its  crop  of  decisions  and  technical- 


t    c 


^'  J  f 


vt 


1  -^^i 


% 

Sib 

i.  If"* 


t^ 


>  ) 


^ 


478 


Courts  in  California  and  the  States. 


ities  with  the  multiplying  powere  of  a  grain  of  mustard  seed.  The  bear- 
ing of  tho  laws  of  one  State  on  the  laws  of  another  State  must  be  expound- 
ed, and  the  bearing  of  national  laws  on  State  laws  must  be  exiiouudtd 
also.  In  almost  every  State  appropriations  aro  regularly  made  for  tLo 
publication  of  what  are  termed  reports.  There  are  New  York  reports, 
Massachusetts  reports,  Ohio  reports,  Michigan  reports,  Wisconsin  ropoits, 
and  so  on  (td  infnitian.  These  reports  are  grand  depositories  of  technicul- 
itios.  Tliey  couUiin  tite  f/i(('ssirork  and  opinions  oi  a  multitude  of  [Lonffid- 
//*'/]  Judges  on  all  kinds  of  ingenious  and  iufinitesimal  points,  and  every 
year  they  grow  larger  in  size  and  more  boundless  in  number.  A  pile  of 
them  form  a  perfect  arsenal  of  technicalities.  When  a  shrewd  law y or 
spiings  a  new  technicality  on  his  opponent,  procured  from  one  of  these 
five  dollar  volumes,  his  opponent's  case  is  temporarily  hoiieless.  Tlie 
usual  recourse  is  to  secure  a  delay  on  so.ie  transparent  pretext,  and  Inint 
up  enough  "authorities"  and  "precedents  "  to  upset  that  technicality  auJ 
overshadow  it  with  another  one. 

If  the  Emperor  of  Japan  should  send  a  three-masted  ship  to  Sau 
Francisco,  and  recjuest  that  it  be  loaded  with  a  single  copy  of  opinions, 
dissenting  opinions,  digests,  commentaries,  recorded  quibbles,  and  tccli- 
nicalities  bearing  thereon,  that  ship  would  sink  so  deei)  in  San  Francisco 
Piy  that  the  ablest  shark  in  the  Pacific  Ocean  would  never  be  able  toliiul 
it.  If  ft  tenth  part  of  our  legal  lore  ever  got  to  Japan  it  would  tangle  the 
Oriental  mind  in  a  hopeless  maze. 

In  addition  to  the  various  State  governments  engaged  in  the  propaga- 
tion of  legal  technicalities  by  annual  pubUcatious,  there  are  countless 
private  publishei's  engaged  in  the  same  business.  They  are  all  toiling  in 
the  same  field,  and  helping  to  roll  up  the  great  mountain  of  technicalities 
that  is  gradually  breaking  the  back  of  the  goddess  of  justice. 

Even  when  the  vast  conglomeration  of  disjointed  law  fails  to  nunt  a 
particular  case,  the  sagacious  attorney  may  turn  to  tho  legal  lore  of  England, 
and  gropo  through  the  legal  fictions  of  a  thousand  yeai-s.  Somewlu  re 
among  tho  mouldering  rubbish  he  will  find  a  valuable  hint,  or  a  techni- 
cality centuries  old  that  can  be  galvanized  into  life,  and  he  will  be  able 
to  return  to  the  charge  with  victorious  \ngor. 

When  a  civil  case  has  been  decided  perhaps  for  the  twentieth  time  in 
various  courts  and  manners,  and  is  no  longer  to  be  higgled  over,  it  shonkl 
not  be  stated  that  the  victor  has  jiroved  the  justice  of  his  case.  It  wunld 
often  be  more  correct  to  say  that  his  lawyers  have  literally  woni  out  tlio 
idiysical  energies  of  their  opponents,  or  have  finally  bruiigJd  about  a  t/ilul 
e.ehaustion  of  funds  on  the  other  side.  Gold  is  a  leading  factor  in  tho  search 
for  justice,  as  well  as  a  sinew  of  war.  To  the  ambitious  students  of  law 
the  candid  professor  should  8inii)ly  hold  up  a  technicality  and  exclaim ; 
"By  this  shall  ye  concpier." 

This  jiractical  part  of  tho  legal  science  is,  to  see  that  no  rogue  who  can 
raise  money  [or  ring  influence]  shall  ever  be  adequately  punished.    "  Bet- 


.     The  bear- 
be  expoiiiul- 
(i  expouiuli'tl 
uailo  for  the 
'ovk  reports, 
)usiu  reports, 
of  teehuii-al- 
lO  of  [tuiijli'-l- 
ts,  and  every 
sr.     A  pile  of 
irewd  lawyer 
ouo  of  these 
opeless.     The 
;oxt,  ami  hunt 
clmieality  aud 

I  ship  to  Sau 
y  of  opinions, 
jles,  aud  tt>cli- 
Sau  Francisco 
be  able  to  thul 
)uld  tangle  tlie 

u  the  propiiga- 
are  coirntless 
all  toiling  in 

f  technicalities 

e. 

ails  to  meet  a 
re  of  England, 
Somewhere 
,  or  a  techni- 
e  will  be  able 

[^utieth  time  in 
aver,  it  should 
tise.    It  would 

worn  out  the 
\d  ahotit  It  tdhil 
Irin  tlio  search 
Judeuts  of  liiw 

aud  exclaim: 

rogue  who  can 
lished.    "Bet- 


CouRTS  IN  California  and  the  States. 


479 


ter  that  nine  giiiltv  persons  shall  escape  than  that  one  innocent  j^rson 
shall  suffer","  was  once  the  noble  adage  of  Anglo-Saxon  law.  It  has  been 
changed.  It  should  now  read  :  "  Better  that  a  thousand  [ring]  cutthroats 
should  go  unpunished  than  that  a  single,  worthless  technicality  should  go 
uuobseiTed. "  Jrrstice  has  long  been  blind.  If  she  could  get  one  eye  open 
aud  gi'ow  deaf,  it  would  be  a  blessed  thing  for  the  American  people. 

Suppose  our  judicial  system  continues  as  it  is  for  five  hundred  years. 
How  unhappy  Avill  be  the  fate  of  the  people  who  live  then  !  Imagine  the 
fifteen  stoiy  buildings  that  will  have  to  be  constinrcted  aU  over  the  land  to 
contain  even  a  fractional  part  of  the  many  technicalities  that  will  then  be 
in  daily  demand.  When  no  place  can  possibly  be  provided,  in  spite  of 
merciless  taxation,  for  the  storage  of  accumulated  law  books,  the  impover- 
ished citizen  will  be  turned  out  of  doors  to  make  room  for  them.  ' '  My 
children  are  homeless,"  he  will  exclaim,  "but,  thank  God,  they  have 
plenty  of  law." 

Yes,  America  ■will  then  be  truly  a  laud  of  law,  hnt  the  ubode  of  justice 
will  be  mani/  thousitiidn  of  miles  awa}).  Immense  piles  of  law  books  [and 
practical  masonry]  will  crowd  her  out  of  the  country. 

So  gloomy  a  view  may  not  be  necessary.  Some  day,  in  sheer  des- 
peration, oirr  law-woni  successors  may  fallback  on  the  ten  commandments 
and  make  a  grand  bonfire  of  their  legal  lore  and  desiccated  technicalities, 
that  will  illuminate  the  continent  from  one  end  to  the  other.  After  the 
fashion  of  the  Moslem  caliph  at  Alexandria  they  may  declare  :  "If  these 
immense  piles  of  law  bmiks,  which  it  would  recjuire  a  hundred  thousand 
years  to  read,  agree  with  Closes,  we  do  not  need  them.  If  they  disagi-ee 
with  him  they  should  ceriainly  be  burned."  After  that  [Masonic]  nnu'- 
ilerei-s  and  robbers  will  be  very  likely  to  get  their  necks  stretched.  Coui"ts 
will  no  longer  A-irtually  declare:  "We  know  that  the  [ring]  wretch  before 
us  is  guilty,  but  how  can  we  punish  him,  when  there  is  a  technicality  in 
the  way  ?  " 

For  the  last  time  the  ./orld  will  hear  of  demurrers,  exceptions,  object- 
ontinuanccs,  motions  for  three  or  four  new  trials,  re-hearings,  ap- 
peals, re-appeals,  writs  of  error,  writs  of  sxpersedeas  and  all  the  other 
flummery  and  drj'-bones  of  &  perfectly  worthless  J  udicinl  si/slem." 

'*  Dame  Justice  appears  to  be  not  only  blind,  but  deaf  and  dumb  also. 
And  that  is  not  a  good  thing. 

When  [the  four  Masonic  criminals]  were  at  last,  after  overlong  delay, 
brought  into  court  yesterday  for  trial,  their  [Masonic]  lawyers  had  the 
coolness  to  ask  for  9, further  delay — and  they  actually  got  it. 

"To  make  a  motion,"  they  told  the  court.  The  proposed  motion  be- 
iug  a  mere  quibble  and  evasion.  They  propose  to  go  back  of  the  iudict- 
mout  and  attack  the  legality  of  the  Grand  Jury,  it  seems.  What  they 
really  want  is  to  jjut  off  the  trial  as  long  as  possible,  and  to  use  for  that 
purpose  every  possible  cunning  and  unscrupulous  device." 


'  km 


tl 


m 


I:'w1 


1 1^1 


i 


\\   :\ 


lit 


ri, 


Hf 


I  r 


.,! 


480 


Courts  in  California  and  the  States. 


t  ti 


H 


i) 


^  i 


"When  the  'four  distinguished  defendants,'  indicted  for  conspiracy 
to  defraud  the  city,  which  means  the  j)eople  of  the  city,  and  their  six  or 
eight  equally  distinguished  lawyers  had  got  their  delay  from  the  judge, 
an  officer  of  the  court  said,  'now  wo  will  get  down  to  the  common 
herd  of  scamps.'  "     [Outsiders.] 

"The  common  herd  of  scamps,"  forsooth.  One,  aged  17,  sentenced 
to  two  years  imprisonment  for  burglary.  Another,  for  grand  larceuy, 
two  yeai's.  Another,  larceny,  three  years  and  a  quarter  in  the  penitcu- 
tiary. 

It  does  not  take  long  to  turn  off  the  "common  herd  of  scamps."  But 
pray,  why  should  justice  make  this  distinction  ?  Is  it  right  that  rich 
[Masonic]  scamps,  because  they  are  able  to  hire  "  distinguished  lawyers" 
shall  evade  trial,  wliile  poor  scam^js,  friendless,  unable  to  give  large  fees 
to  "distinguished"  counsel,  are  hunied  to  jail  ? 

Nearly  69,000  votera  of  New  York  expressed  their  discontent  with  tie 
existing  management  of  affairs  by  voting  for  Mr.  George.  They  were  not 
anarchists,  as  some  silly  people  pretended,  they  were  law-abiding  but 
seriously  discontented  citizens,  and  one  of  their  complaints  was  agaiust 
the  way  in  which  justice  is  administered  in  New  York.  The  election  at 
which  they  exjjressed  their  discontent  was  one  of  the  quietest  and  most 
orderly  this  city  has  ever  seen.  They  did  not  elect  Mr.  George,  but  if 
justice  continues  to  make  so  large  a  difference  between  "  distinguished  de- 
fendants" [Masons]  and  "common  scamps"  [outsiders],  as  she  has  doue 
on  so  many  occasions  and  years,  the  election  of  Mr.  George,  or  possibly  a 
worse  man,  and  not  only  that,  but  of  Judges,  i^rosecuting  officers  and  legis- 
lators as  well,  is  a  very  certain  event. 

The  American  people  are  patient  and  long-suffering,  but  they  are  not 
fools;  and  they  aU  have  votes. " 

"What  it  Costs  to  be  a  Judge. 
Some  curious  statements  made  before  a  meeting  nf  the  Bar  Associathn. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Bar  Association  of  the  city  of  New  York  some 
time  ago,  Wlieeler  H.  Peckham  called  attention  to  the  fact  that  candidates 

for  judicial  offices  are  subjected  to  assessment  by  political  parties 

Originally  a  small  assessment  was  paid,  such  as  woiUd  be  proper  to  cover 
the  necessary  expenses  of  i^rinting,  kc. ,  but  of  late  the  assessments  are  so 
large  that  it  is  impossible  for  any  man  to  pay  them  without  a  consciousness 
that  he  be  buying  a  nomination.  He  prophesied  that  unless  the  eril  was 
checked  the  judiciary  of  this  country  would  merge  into  as  absolute  a  con- 
dition of  corruption  as  ever  existed  in  any  country.  He  paid,  that  so  seri- 
ous an  evil  needed  the  most  radical  efforts  to  correct  it.  Ex-Judge  Eniott 
said  he  had  bc^i  informed  that  the  assessments  now  are  sometimes  as  hipli 
as  825,000.  A  man  who  is  able  to  pay  such  an  assessment  forfeits  nothing 
but  liis  self-respect,  which  of  itself  is  enough  to  distiualify  him.  But  a 
man  not  able  to  pay  so  large  au  assessment  must  mortgage  himself  to  get 


Courts  in  Caufornia  and  the  States. 


481 


but  they  are  uot 


the  nomination.  If  he  is  elected,  ho  belongs  to  the  three  or  fom*  men  who 
liiive  advanced  the  money,  and  is  bound  to  repay  them  through  the  i)atron- 
a^'o  of  his  oflBce.  This,  he  thought,  was  the  most  corrupt  aspect  of  the 
(•use.  He  had  been  informed  that  candidates  for  the  highest  judicial 
otlices  had  been  notified  to  attend  the  committee  meetings  of  pohtical  jiar- 
ties,  and  kept  dancing  attendance  in  ante-rooms  until  the  politicians  saw 
fit  to  see  then\  Then  they  would  be  told  that  { ne  assessment  was  so  much 
iiiouoy.  If  the  candidate  said  it  was  large,  or  larger  than  usual,  he  would 
bo  told  that  the  only  question  was  whether  ho  would  pay  the  money. 

Mr.  Dorman  B.  Eat<in  said  that  the  i)resent  system  of  nominations  led 
to  the  selection  of  men  who  could  pay  the  assessments,  sometimes  regard 
less  of  the  fact  that  the  candidate  was  unfit.     He  thought  that  the  old 
Eu^'lish  system  of  buying  a  place  was  more  honest,  because  it  was  at  least 

opcui. 

"FoK  Five  Calves. 

.4  cKitue  ci'hhre  which  has  occupied  the  courts  far  foitrteeti  years  and  still  drags 

along. 

This  litigation  has  been  under  the  consideration  of  thirty  grand  jurors 
auil  eighty-four  petit  jurors;  it  has  been  presented  to  nine  different  trial 
judjios,  and  has  twice  been  before  the  Suin-eme  Court,  five  judges  sitting 
\\\M\\  the  bench  at  each  time.  The  court  costs  alone  amount  to  more 
tlian  S5000,  and  the  attorneys'  fees  are  much  more  than  that  amount.  All 
of  the  eighty-four  jui'ora  have  decided  in  favor  of  Johnson,  but  the  courts 
liavo  uniformly  set  the  verdicts  aside  on  legal  grounds  becaiise  of  the  close 
ilU(>stion  as  to  whether  there  was  probable  cause  on  the  part  of  the  luem- 
l>ers  of  the  society  for  starting  prosecution. 

Tlie  larger  part  of  a  lifetime  has  been  spent  in  useless  litigation  over  a 
few  animals,  the  entire  value  of  Avhich  was  about  $45.  A  number  of  the 
fanners  engaged  in  the  suits  1  ave  become  hopelessly  ruined,  but  stiD  John- 
son comes  smilingly  before  the  court,  begins  his  suits,  aud  readily  pays 
for  them,  though  he  is  fast  sinking  into  insolvency,  and  is  already  an 
eklcily  man.  Children  of  various  ages,  a\ ho  testified  when  the  litigation 
first  began,  now  lead  into  court  theu*  own  children,  who  are  nearly  as  old 
as  wore  their  parents  at  the  time  they  made  theii*  first  bows  to  the  courts. 
The  farmer's  are  growing  old,  their  money  has  leaked  away  through  the 
various  legal  crcA-ices  and  found  its  way  into  other  hands ;  homes  have 
heon  made  poorer  in  every  way,  and  still  the  case  is  dragged  through  the 
todioua  channels  of  the  law,  with  but  little  more  chance  of  a  settlement 
thi^u  there  was  fourteen  years  ago." 

"After  Seven  Years  in  Jail. 

]\Ir.  Henry  A.  Frost,  who  was  discharged  from  Ludlow  street  jail  by 
•^uilije  Aruoux  on  December  28,  after  seven  yeai-s'  imjirisonment,  ob- 
tained yesterday  from  the  supreme  court  of  Kings  county  an  order  de- 
claring all  the  proceedings  against  the  petitioner  and  his  clients,  through 

31 


.  [  :■    ■    ^ 


1 


'1 

J 

-14_—              i. 

:k; 

■i'"  ■ 

11 

482 


Courts  ix  Californu  and  the  States. 


■which  he  was  incarcerated,  to  be  niill  and  void.  "It  has  taken  me  seven 
years  to  find  ont  whether  I  could  be  imprisoned  legally  for  i)roteetiiii,' 
a  client,"  said  Mr.  Frost  to  a  Ilcrdld  reijoiier.  "My  im^jrisonment  1ms 
broken  np  my  home,  alienated  my  friends,  rained  my  business,  and  left 
me  i^raetically  a  beggar,  with  a  broken  down  eonstitutiou." 

"The  reason  why  the  Willows  (Cal.)  Justice  of  the  Peace  attem^jtcd  to 
assassinate  one  of  the  constables  with  a  knife,  is  said  to  be  that  tlio 
constable  did  not  bring  his  business  into  that  Justice's  court." 

"  Shroder  has  been  acquitted  for  the  murder  of  Le  Fevre  at  Oakliiiid, 
The  jury  were  out  from  Friday  night  to  Monday  afti'rnoou.  Transitdiy 
mania  and  emotional  insanity  are  now  in  criminal  homicides  what  four  accn 
are  in  draw  poker.  But  only  the  rich  can  afford  these  costly  disordtrs. 
A  biased  Judge  and  a  jury  to  suit  are  good  lu'l2)s.  Killing  is  no  muidor 
in  such  cases." 

"It  is  useless  to  say  that  justice  does  its  work  with  anything' liko 
comi)leteness.  There  have  been  1517  murders  committed  in  this  cdunti'v 
this  year,  as  reported  by  telegrajdi,  which,  of  course,  does  not  include  tlio 
whole  number,  whereas  during  the  whole  of  last  year  there  were  l)ut  I'Jdd. 
As  against  this  awful  h.st  there  have  been  but  93  persons  hanged,  tlie  ma- 
jority of  whom  were  negroes  in  the  south,  who  may  or  may  not  have  Ikmu 
guilty,  and  118  per.sons  lynclied,  of  whom  the  majority  were  also  soutliciu 
negroes,  whose  guilt  was  many  times  in  doubt.  Assuming  that  all  were 
guilty,  the  punishment  of  211  persons  where  over  1500  murders  were  com- 
mitted is  palpably  a  failure  of  justice,  and  shows  that  the  laws  or  the 
methods  of  executing  the  laws  are  not  sufficient  to  deter  the  conunissioii 
of  crime.  Many  of  these  cases  of  lynching,  and  jierhaps  the  majority  (if 
them,  were  due,  as  the  Tribune  says,  to  the  fact  that  the  people  were  ex- 
asperated by  the  failure  of  justice,  and  hopeless  that  any  jienalty  would  In' 
administered.  They  have,  therefore,  in  the  very  rage  of  despair,  taken 
the  law  into  their  own  hands,  and  shut  off  the  customary  avenues  of  eseaiio 
by  quibbles,  delays  and  technicalities. " 

"The  Pistol. 

]))•.  I.    S.    Kiillocli'a  Lninn;  on   /As'    Usn  and  Abuse,   was    delivered  i.t 

Unieu  Hall  last  evening  to  a  vei'y  large  audience A  tragedy  was 

again  enacted  in  this  city.  I  am  going  to  try  the  courts  and  net  the 
case.  I  know  little  about  the  case,  but  I  know  enough  about  it  to  know- 
that  it  belongs  to  that  kind  for  which  there  exists  great  ijrovocation- duo 
that  will  cause  such  cases  to  increase  rather  than  dimini.sh,  and  calls  for 
some  one  to  characterize  it  as  it  deserves.  In  short,  I  arraign  our  jud;j;es. 
courts  and  lawyers,  with  their  technicalities,  delays,  and  procrastiuations 
as  the  grand  inspiration  of  the  nu)st  colossal  and  calamitous  class  of  crimes 
with  which  our  community  is  afllicted.  I  refer  to  the  crimes  that  roek 
society  to  its  foundation  and  threaten  to  looseu  the  very  groundwork  of 
civil  order.     How  much  of  this  responsibility  is  due  to  the  coui'ts  ?    Is 


I'- : 


.    I 


takt'ii  me  scvon 
for  in-otoc'ting 

priaonmont  has 

isincsH,  ami  loft 

m." 

arc  attempted  to 
to  lie   that  tlio 

pYve  at  Oaldiiml. 
lou.  Transit!  iiy 
^swliat  four  iicfs 
costly  (lisonlfi-s. 
iiig  is  uo  luuvdor 

itU  anytliiuK  like 
!(1  in  this  counti'v 
iS  not  iuclutli'  tlio 
ire  were  bi^t  l"2<it'i, 
I  haugod,  the  mw- 
iiay  uot  have  hi'fu 
.vore  also  southoru 
dug  that  all  wi'vo 
urilers  were  I'oiu- 
,t  the  laws  or  tlio 
the  comiinssiou 
the  majority  oi 
,0  people  were  ex- 
poualty  would  ho 
of  despair,  taluni 
lavcuues  of  oscaiio 


Courts  in  California  and  the  Staies. 


483 


justice  00  admiuistereil  as  to  secure  respect  to  its  officers  ?    Are  the  courts 
morally  responsible  for  these  startUug  ciinies  ?    I  thiuk  they  are,  and  I 
arraign  them  for   this   fearfiil  misdemeanor.     The  •whole  jiiry   system, 
grand   and   petit,  has   outlive«l  its   usefulness.     Our  jury  methods   aro 
defective  and   need    reforming.     That  their  dcfeda  tire  dangerous  to  tho 
public  i)eaee    is  avoU  known    to  everybody  exi'ept   antediluvian  judges, 
conservative  lawyers  and  post-plioeoue  philosopluu's.     Propi'rty,  lift!  and 
liberty   are  at  the   mercy  of   corrupt  jurors  when  deputy  oilicials  liav(* 
tlie  opportunity  to  carry  on  a  little  business  of  their  own.     The  peupio 
need  not  dread  the  soldier,  the  i)riest,  tho  editor,  tho  millionaire  or  tho 
devil,  if   there   is    only  an    oi)en  field  and  a  fair  fight.     Tho  man  to  bo 
dnnuled  is  the  shyster  lawyer,  and  tho  jiower  to  be  feared,  a  corrupted 
court.     Tho  courts  aro  the  sheet  anchor  of  the  Ive2)ublic,  and  when  they 
are  gone  everything  is  gone.     To  bo  resi)ccted,  tho  courts    must  bo  rc- 
spectjible.     There  must  be  no  more  such  decisions  as  tho  8-to-7  decision, 
whereby  a  man  who  was  elected  President  was  defrauded  of  liis  oilieo. 
Tlie  courts  should  get  out  of  the  bogs  of  technicality  and  bo  what  they 
aro  intended  to  be,  courts  of  justice.     Tho  merits  of  a  case  are  lost  sight 
of  in  the  legal  (piibbli's    listened  to  by  the  comts.      A  case  m  i)oint  is 
that  of  the  man  who  had  a  railroad  contract   and  spent  his   fortune  in 
the  work.     For  sixteen  years  ho  tried  to  have  his  claim  adjusted  by  tho 
courts.     He  recovered   judgment  four   times,  but   each  time   it  was  set 
aside  on  a  technicahty.     Despondent,  poor,  exasijomted,  he  sent  a  human 
boing  to  his  grave  and  himself  to  a  felon's  cell.     If  the  courts  had  not 
Ir'ou  derelict  in  their  duty,  could  not  justice  have  been  administered  to  thia 
man   in  sixteen    years  and   the  crime    averted  V"     Tho  lecturer  next  re- 
ferred to  tho  insolence  of  lawyers  toward  witnesses,  which  seems  to  be 
uot  only  allowed,  but  encouraged  by  the  judgtis.     Ho  had  seen  attorneys 
badger  and  abuse  simi)le-hearted  men  and  honest  women  who  fell  into 
tlieir  clutches  on  the  witness  stand,  and  if  they  attempted  fo  resent  tho 
impudence  of  the  lawyers,  the  court  immediately  admonished    them  to 
go  slow  or  they  would  be    imnished    for    contempt.     He    knew  of    ono 
attorney  in    this  city  who  was   frecpiently  engaged    simply  because    his 
tyeswere  monstrosities,  and  he  could  disconcert  witnesses  when  he  turned 
liis  gaze  full  upon  them.     He  considered  that  the  glaring  wrongs  of  tho 
courts  were  a  prolific  cause  of  crime.     It  is  a  common  thing  to  hear  men 
say  on  the  streets  that  the  courts  ought  to  bo  abolished  and  the  2)eople 
form  Vigilance  Committees  and  take  the  law  into  their  own  hands.     Many 
inactical  merchants  prefer  to  compromise  unjust  claims  rather  than  go  to 
law,  simply  becau.se  they  fear  the  uncertainty  of  tho  administration  of 
justice.     Mr.  Kallot  h  attributed  the   alarming    decay  of    self-resi)cct   to 
tho  crushing  out   of  the   seuso   of   honor   by  law.     Genteel  bummers, 
blackmailers  and  vagrants  have  their  carcasses  protected  by  tho  courts,  and 
iiic  saved  from  incarceration  and  labor  by  tho  judges,  while  the  big-hearted 
mau  whose  self-respect  and  honor  were  being  t(jyed  with  by  Iho  judiciary 


I 


\\ 


H 


!^i 


.^v^^ 


■:  ' '   3 


I'l 


t  i 


484 


CouuTs  IN  Califohnia  and  the  States. 


AviiH  ilrivoii  to  seek  redress  in  i-riine Instead  of  '"I'lity  it  is  tochuifiility, 

and  it  is  no  wouder  that  meu  are  driven  to  suicide  and  murder." 

"Law vers  have  lieen  as  powerful  in  the  courts,  in  many  instances,  us 
in  the  h't^islatures.  They  have  sometimes  o\nied  judges  and  thus  got  siuli 
ruhuf^a  from  the  bench  as  they  desired.  At  other  times,  hy  their  suix  rinr 
intellectual  force,  or  force  of  will,  they  have  tyrannized  over  judges,  uud 
thus  carried  on  their  unequal  warfare  aj,'ainst  the  i)ublic. " 

From  ti  Governor's  MeHsuffe. 

"The  laws,  owing  to  careless  ['?]  legislation  and  decisions  of  tlu' 
courts,  are  in  such  a  state  of  confusion  that  it  is  very  diflicult  even  for  ex- 
perienced members  of  the  bar  to  arrive  at  any  definite  conclusion  in  rcganl 
to  tlit-.a,  much  less  can  a  <'itizeu  exactly  determine  the  rules  that  govern 
his  conduct,  or  the  laws  that  guarantee  his  rights  and  privileges." 

[Siii>j>ose  then'  are  100,000  liwi/ers  in  the  United  Sttttes,  and  that  each  mi 
an  averaije,  dimili/  am/  indireclli/,  danKujen  the  jx'ople $10,000  ;  see  howvudl, 
that  is:  ^100,000  X  810,000-  «il,000, ()()(), 0(M)  ereri/  j/ear!  and  sai/,  u-h-'lh,;- 
or  not,  the  whole  horde  should  he  abolished':'      The  clekks  of  the  conns 

COl-LU   BE   REQTIIUED   TO    DO,    AT   SLIOHT   EXPENSE,  THE   NECE.SSABY   CLEIilCAL 
WORK.    ETC..    llEIiOXOINO    TO    A    SUIT. 


.  i 


% 


lis  teebuifulitv, 

nler." 

luy  instaui'cs,  us 

u\  tllUS  got  KUill 

)y  their  KUix'iii'r 
m'l-  jutlges,  auil 


ileeisious  of  the 
Ifult  even  for  ex- 
ic'lusiou  in  rcguril 
mih's  that  govcjiu 
ivih'gos." 
■s,  (Old  that  f'li-h  nil 
000;  see  howvinrh 
and  sin/,  vln'lhn- 
ss  OF  THE  conns 

SCESSARY   CliEKKAL 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

]<ig  hinil  Htt-als  in  Washington. — "rMghty  i>cr  cpiit.  of  tho  entries  in  ono 
district  franduh'ut. " — How  this  is  aeeoniphslied,  ami  who  can  ih)  it 
with  inii)nnity. — Also  showing  what  sliouhl  bo  "between  tho  lines" 
in  the  newsi)aj>er  press. 

W  HILE  it  was  a  difficult  matter  for  a  liomebuilcler  to  acquire 
and  hold  eveu  a  quarter  section  of  land,  masonic  individuals 
and  gangs  by  their  prostitution  of  the  Government  and  secret 
influence  at  court  were  given,  or  allowed  to  steal,  millions  of 
acres  of  the  people's  rightful  heritage.  This  is  so  notorioiis 
that  I  only  need  to  quote  from  the  press  to  make  it  plain  and 
evident  to  all. 

"There  is  no  doubt,  and  there  can  be  none,  that  tho  pnblie  lands  have 
been  plundered  in  tho  most  bold  and  iinblnshing  manner.  Tho  testimony 
of  every  man  who  has  inve.stigated  the  snbjeet  is  to  this  efteet,  and  there 
is  uo  citizen  of  Washington  who  is  not  oonvineed  of  it.  Tho  evidence  given 
(111  V.  is  point  by  this  special  agent  maybe  quoted  as  indicative  of  that 
wliii'h  has  been  given  by  tliousands  of  others  [without  ett'ect  because  the  big 
tliit'ves  are  linked  masons].  In  an  official  rejiort  he  said:  'It  is  my 
dliiuion  ihai  full  If  Ji/t  If  pi' !•  crnf.  of  the  entries  in  this  (tlie  01ymi)ia)  district 
;U(' colbusive,  and  therefore  f I'aiidnlent. '  Was  it  not  necessary  to  set  a  ' 
closer  Avatch  on  the  thieves'?  Eveiy  journal  in  tho  Unitt>d  States  which 
1ms  been  outspoken  in  belialf  of  popular  rights  sustains  the  action  of  Coni- 
niissiouer  Sparks.  Every  ono  which  owes  its  allegiance  to  corrupt  [ma- 
sonic] power,  joins  in  the  chorus  against  him,  [and  ho  was  kicked  out  of 
iitlico  for  exposing  the  rank  perjury  and  stealing  of  the  linked  masons,  and 
the  masonic-ridden  couris  8hielde<l  the  ciiniinals.  ] 

*  * 

[House  of  Representatives,  Washington.] — "Cobb  moved  to  pass  the 

liill  repealing  the  pre-emption,  timber-ctiltnre,  and  desert  land  acts 

PavHon  tleclared  that  during  tho  past  towv  yeai-s  >i  inety  per  cent,    of  the 
eutries  of  land  under  these  acts  had  been  fraudulent." 

* 

*  * 

"Some  of  the  down  Sound  papers  are  expressing  a  gi"eat  deal  of  vir- 
tuous indignation  over  the  probable  escai)e  of  J . ,  and  other  [masons]  from 
oonviction  upon  charges  of  frauds  in  connection  with  timber  land  entries, 
riuse  same  papers,  in  common  witii  other  [masonic]  pai^ero  j  this  laud 
ilistriet,  have  willingly  accepted  and  published  the  notices  ecessary  to 
appear  sixty  days  before  timber  land  entiies  can  be  perfected,  for  whicli 
tliey  asked  and  received  very  liberal  pay,  and  in  doing  this  had  abundant 


:    i 

• 


{A 


486 


Bio  L.vnd  Stkalh  in  "VVASHiNaroN. 


kw^ 


'IP' 


HI 


I't 


St     1F  •  ~ Wi" 


(  I 


Ol)l)ortniiities  of  Hatisfviii}^  thi'iiiHolvos  Unit  iiu)st  of  snrh  cntrioH  w«'r«  iimdo 
iu  the  iiitoreslH  of  [iuiihoiim]  uikI  that  only  in  cxccptioniil  (mhos  wuh  it  cx- 
ix'ctfd  that  the  imlividiuilH  taking  tho  claiuiH  wouhl  hohl  thoni.  [Tlio 
laml  ollicc  ofllcials  also  being  iiniHonH  would  uud  do  Hhut  their  eyes  to 
frauds  of  their  brethron,  l>ut  outsiders  are  Hnat<died  up  quick  enoui^'Ii.] 
Nearly  every  mill  t'ouii)any  and  large  buyer  of  timber  landw  was  as  iiiuch 
f;,iiilty  of  fraud  as  J. .  or  any  other  land  agent  who  aeted  for  his  prineiimls 
ill  seeuriiig  large  and  valuable  tracts  of  timber  land.  It  is  folly  to  attemiit 
to  make  one  or  two  men  [when  they  are  masons]  tiie  scapegoats  for  all  tlit; 
hill ners  who  have  been  guilty  of  'irregulanties '  iu  connection  with  liiinl 
eutries. 

The  i)ublic  laud  laws  art;  only  so  many  legalized  methods  of  offeiiii^' 
Itn-miums  upon  fraud  <ui(l  jx'rjitri/,  and  until  these  laws  are  ditl'ereiitly 
framed,  evasions,  false  swearing  and  tnckery  will  be  prevalent  in  the 
taking  up  of  2>ublie  lands." 

[And  they  will  1  xi  j list  as  prevalent  no  matter  how  tin;  laws  are  framed, 
BO  long  as  iinisiiii.-i  (inil  (iilil-J'i'llt>if>i  arc  tin-  lanil  ami  cnini  aljiviah  ir/m  arc 
$ecrelli/  sirnm  lo  h'l'p  tlieir  ring  brothers'  niTri'ls. 

Wheuf'vcr  laud  is  secured  by  fraud  it  is  wtdl  kuowu  Iu  the  ueighlior- 
hood  of  the  land  thus  stolen,  and  the  erimes  can  easily  be  proven  ;  uiul 
vlu'U  outsiders  go  after  such  "lu-emiums"  (?j  thisisdone  witha  veiigeiuuo 
aud  for  bh)od,  aud  they  an;  made  scapegoats  for  all  the  ring  thieves  iuthe 
country  ;  stripped  of  all  tlii'lr  jiroperty,  if  they  have  any,  by  the  cmirt 
g'ang,  and  then  frequently  sent  to  iirisou  to  reflect  on  the  unequal  jiistico 
(which  is  udt  Jnslin)  they  are  suH'ering,  and  to  relate  the  much  worse  aud 
stronger  cases  against  ring  men  steeped  iu  crime  tliat  were  "acipiitted,'' 
or  laid  ari'r  la  acjuit  })Y  the  same  jury  or  court.  Aud  the  laud  of  the  out- 
eider  is  restored  to  the  (rovi^rument  even  after  patents  have  been  issued 
aud  it  has  changed  hands  to  difl'ereut  outsiders — "inuoceut  i)urchasei's  " 

aud  iu  "good  faith."] 

*  * 

* 

'•It  has  beeu  stated  over  and  over  again  that  the  [ring]   iieo]deof 

^lympia  were  intimately  conueeted  with  these  laud  fraiuls  ;  that  they  hud 

ermeated  society,  had  contaminated  servants  of  the  Government,   pia- 

•uic]  citizens  of  the  town,  one  and  all.     So  general  has  become  this  cou- 

etion  with  the  fi'auds  that  their  investigation  has  beeu  all  butimi)()ssilili'. 

<    jstaclcs  are  put  iu  the  Avay,  movements  made  are  squelched,  and  a  snp- 

'    essiou  of  the  facts  resorted  to  in  all  cases,"  [where  the  gaug  is  cmi- 

cerned.  ] 

For  example  I  give  this. — "The  [farce]  trial  of  J.,  which  commenced 
a  week  ago  [at  the  expense  of  the  people  wliich  means  i)rofit  to  the  gaug] 
termmated  yesterday  iu  the  disagreement  of  the  [ring]  jury.  J . .  had 
l)cen  indicted  for  obstructing  justice  by  removing  to  British  Columbia  a  large 
number  of  imi)oi'taut  witnesses  iu  the  cases  of  con8i)iracy  to  defraud  the  (lev- 
emment  by  making  fictitious  land  eutries,  pending  against  J . .  ,"\V . .  ,D . .  ,15  •  • 


Bio  Land  Steals  in  Washinoton. 


487 


uud  P. . .  Tlui  trial  of  W.  wiiHcomineneeilWodnosday,  but  for  want  of  Hufli- 
cii'iit  eviiUuu'c  the  Jiuljjo  iliroi'tcd  tho  Jury  to  biint^  iu  uvLTilict  of  uot 
ffuilty,  which  wiw  tloiu'.  An  onlor  of  uoUh  pros,  wiis  euteroil  iu  tho  cnsea 
of  J.,  and  1>.  .  for  tho  hhuio  ri-ason,  and  thoy  woro  dischar^^od.  Tlio 
()l_vnii>ia  attorneys  1'...  and  K. .  .  wi'r«»  aUowiMl  a  cliaii^o  of  vcnuo  to 
()lynii>ia.  [Whore,  of  course,  their  court  hretlireu  "aci|uitted  "  tlieni. 
One  of  them  was  prosecuting  attorney  at  tho  tiiuc — that  is,  ho  prosecuted 
oiitsidi'rs,  and  wa'  a  ch)se  friend  and  inthientiid  brother  of  tho  (iovernors, 
w  Idle  thoy  would  .  -.oW  at  the  will  of  wholo  oonimuuitios  of  good  citizens.  | 

"  h'lnl  (if  ihc  Timhi'r  Fraud  Suits. — Owing  to  the  fact  that  nearly  all 
the  inii>(irtant  witnesses  in  tho  cases  against  J. .  and  his  i>als  had  been  in- 
duced to  leave  tho  country,  U.  S.  prosecuting  attorney  [Mason)  consiiU'rcd 
it  expedient  to  dismiss  tho  cases  against  tho  partitas,  as  it  is  almost  im- 
jiossibh'  to  get  a  conviction  wlien  the  opposite  parties  have  nioiu^y  [or  be- 
long to  tho  gang]  unless  tlio  evidence  is  ovorwl:elnungly  conclusive  of 
guilt,  antl  even  tlien  a  prosecution  ofli'n /nils.''' 

I  But  aro  such  gentry  any  tho  loss  criminals  than  those  witliout  money 
or  ring  inlluonco  at  court,  who  go  to  prison  'i    And  is  tliis  justice  'i 

What  does  a  Jury  that  is  selected  by  ^Masons  to  try  (?)  a  Mason  or 
Olid  Follow,  or  an  outsider  against  one  of  tho  gang,  cai'o  for  evidence  V 

Excoi)t  as  a  /no  jilitin  v.rposure  to  the  people,  evidence  neither  am  nets  nor 
(iri/"its  in  Hin:h  eases.  A  iiacked  Jury  is  governed  by  other  influences  and 
obhgations  than  evidence  or  their  oath  to  do  justice.] 

"It  will  be  s(!eu  that  i)roseeutiug  attorney  [linked  Mason]  and  his 
liiw  i)artner  [chief  of  tho  'bar']  were  indicted  by  the  (irand  Jury  on  the 
liiut  of  the  U.  S.  for  obstructing  justice.  W.  J. . .  aiul  several  of  his  con- 
fcilerates  were  arrested  for  eousi)iracy  against  the  (lovernment  iu  making 
fraudulent  entries  on  largo  bodies  of  timber  land.  Four  of  tho  witnesses 
cuuld  uot  furnish  tho  bonds  and  were  i)lacod  in  tho  i)eniteutiary  until 
court  should  convene.  It  now  transpires  that  t.vo  or  throe  days  before 
court  met,  certain  men  [Masons]  not  only  furnished  $800  cash  bail  for  tho 
rcl.'ase  of  these  witnesses,  but  chartered  a  steanxn'  to  go  to  the  penitentiary, 
tii  e  the  witnesses  and  convey  them  to  British  Columbia.  Messrs.  1*.  11. . 
uiu  J. .  aro  iharged  Avith  having  concocted  and  carried  out  the  scheme." 

[There  were  i)lenty  of  other  witnesses  to  bo  had,  besides  those  that 
were  sinrited  away,  but  they  were  not  wanted  to  testify  against  the  gang. 
And  there  was  also  i)lenty  of  proof  to  be  had  against  the  guilty  parties 
who  did  the  spiriting;  but  to  produce  such  proof  would  be  in  violation  of 
their  secret-ring  oaths  "/o  keep  their  brothers'  secrets!"  And  thus  are  the 
most  vile  and  dangerous  criminals  kei)t  out  of  jjrison,  and  even  "vindi- 
cated." (?) 

Listen  to  this  !  from  a  Masonic  paper  that  would  pull  on  a  rope  to 
lynch  an  outsider,  less  guilty  of  a  like  oflence.] 


r  »  >  »  I 


41 


ill 


IJ 


LI ' 


t 


tl 


1 
f 
I 


488 


Big  Land  Steai,s  in  Washingtidn. 


"The  Press  expressed  its  confidence  wlieu  [lu'other]  J.  .  was  assailed 
by  liis  enemies,  that  there  Avas  nothing  in  the  case  against  him.  Wii  hud 
ascertained  to  onr  [Masonic]  satisfaction  that  he  was  guilty  of  not liing 
move  ihan  t(;cIi)iicfili7Tiyi(larili/  or  in  ail  of  suffivitnit  (tdhemur.  to  thefovim 
prcscvifx'dfor  f/orfnnueiital  liiishit'ss. "     [?] 

[l?ut  when  outsiders  do  the  same  thing,  it  is  do<>lared  and  decreed  to 
be  rolihrrii,  iwrjiiry  and  treason  !  And  tlu'v  are  sent  to  prison  for  long 
terms — wliich  is  tlieir  congratulation.  ] 

"Our  judgment  has  been  confirmed  by  the  [packed]  Grand  Jury 
which  has  dismissed  the  charges  against  [the  brother]  and  found  'not  a 
true  bill. '  There  will  be  entire  unaninnty  ]i(>re  [among  the  jiagan  brethren] 
in  congratidating  Mr.  J. . .  upon  this  comph-tt!  [V]  vindication."  [?J 

[Are  not  such  criminals  Avho  are  thus  "  Aiudicated  "  [?]  by  Masonic 
ridden  courts  and  press,  more  chuigerous  to  the  community  and  State  tlmu 
the  plain,  common  burglar,  against  whom  people  lay  in  wait  with  shotguns? 
Then,  whv  discriminate  bi'tirci-u  them  V 

*  * 

* 

"  The  land  stealings  of  tlie  [Masonic]  Mill  companies  during  the  ))ast 
few  years  have  been  estimated  by  a  com2)etent  and  well-informed  pcrsdii 
as  high  as  300,000  acres,  Avorth  on  an  average  SlO  an  acre,  [which  shonlil 
have  been  preserved  for  (trtuul  settlers  under  the  Homestead  act,  and  let 
them  make  what  they  could  out  of  the  timber  growing  on  tlie  tillable  land. 
to  h(dp  tiiem  in  building  their  home,  and  the  rest  they  could  pre.servo  fen 
the  benefit  of  their  children.  ]  Tins  !i?3,000,000  worth  of  land  has  bei-n 
stolen  [by  Masons,  A:c.  J  from  the  iieojiie  upon  whom  this  Territory  de- 
pends for  its  development — the  hard  working  settlers  who  go  into  tlie 
woods  and  hew  out  farms  and  liomes." 

^'To  accomplish  this  enormous  fraud,  the  [INIasons]  have  employed  re- 
gtilar  agents,  who  have  opi-idj/  solicited  individuals  to  make  eutnes  nt 
timber  lands  and  for  that  service  have  paid  from  ^50  to  SlHO  jier  (piartei- 
.section."  [And  thus  "ojieuly"  committed  jjcrjury  and  subornation  of 
perjury,  fraud  and  con.si)iracy.  But  having  the  Government  and  courts 
prostituted,  they  could  do  this  with  impunity,  and  get  to  be  blacklett 
Governors  with  their  plunder.  ] 

"All  the  talk  of  suing  amounted  to  nothing.     I  am  guarded  in 

my  language  when  I  say  that  in  more  than  thirty  years  of  (experience  in 
lumbering  in  California,  Oregon  and  Washington,  and  thus  seeing  over 
fifty  efjually  and  often  times  greater  suits  begun,  t//f>/  all  ffll  tlnvwjh. 
Tlii'i/  amoitiit  to  iiot/iiiii/." 

[They  should  at  least  oi)en  the  eyes  of  the  peoi)le  to  the  prostitution 
of  the  Government  and  courts  by  members  of  secret  brotherhoods  wlio"" 
sworn  to  kerp  each  otfin-'s  criiiiiiud  si-cri'ls.] 

"Sometimes  they  are  settled,  fully  as  often  they  are  withdrawn.  I 
have  known  the  most  stupendous  fraud.s — such,  for  instance,  as  the  I'ii; 


Big  Land  Steam  in  Washington. 


480 


timber  steal  at  Humboldt  Bay.  Tlif.  chaiyes  were  true,  but  yet  nothing 
was  (lone.  I  know  that  not  one  of  these  cases  was  imsheil  to  conviction, 
and  I  liave  no  fears  of  this  case."  [When  Aptnesses  are  \)ent  on  exjicsing 
sui'h  ring  thieves,  jobs  are  frequently  put  up  against  them,  and  these  fi the 
cases  are  "pu.shed  to  conviction."  Whereupon  the  blackleg  Governor 
smiles  and  smiles  and  declares  "we  have  a  good  judiciary,"  and  that  tlie 
"peoi)le  clamor"  for  the  punishment  of  such  victims-,  and  join  the  jirison 
contractors  in  sucking  their  heart's  blood  and  diiving  iron  into  their  souls 
and  a  Haming  desire  of  vengeance.  ] 

*  * 

■X- 

"All  g'"od  citizens  will  rejoice  that  commissioner  Sjiarks  has  deter- 
mined to  check  the  rascally  operations  of  the  [Masonii'j  mill  companies  in 
tlio  future  and  to  hold  them  to  account  for  their  past  crimes.  It  is  noto- 
lions  here  on  Puget  Sound,  so  notorious  as  not  to  excite  remirk.  that 
liiuidreds  of  thousands  of  acres  of  the  best  and  most  valuable  timb.-r  land 
iu  the  territory  have  i)as8ed  and  are  j-et  passing  into  the  hands  of  the 
[Masonic]  mill  companies,  by  means  of  fraud  and  perjury." 

"  This  accumulation  of  immense  bodies  of  land  i:\  the  hands  of  a  few 
woidthy  [I'.nd  clanish]  owners,  is  in  it.self  a  fratid  upon  the  Govermiient 
and  the  jjoople.  It  wati  never  the  intention  of  our  land  laws  to  create  a 
landed  aristocracy,  and  by  so  doing  to  withhold  from  settlement  and  im- 
pidvement  large  areas  of  country.  On  the  contrary,  their  object  was  ami 
is  to  distribute  the  public  land  in  small  quantities  among  a  large  niinilx'r 
iif  peojde,  to  be  by  them  imi)roved  and  made  into  homes  and  farms.  [But 
the  prostituted  court  steps  in  with  its  fraud,  its  bar  (?)  and  expeusi\e 
jugglery,  :aid  gives  license  to  ring  thieves  to  override  the  laws  and  people.] 

"The  [Masonic]  comiianies.  by  hiring  transient  employees  and  sailors 
to  file  claims  upon  government  land,  to  falsely  swear  that  the  necessary 
imjirovenK'nts  have  been  made,  and  ui)on  receiving  a  <'ertificate  from  the 
In, id  office,  [which  would  not  be  given  for  the  benefit  of  outsiders  in  the 
fiice  of  such  l)are-faced  peijury  and  subordination  of  perjury,  but  only  to 
ling  brothers  of  the  land  office  oilicials.]  to  convey  the  land  to  their  cm- 
pliiyors  for  a  song,  are  gobbling  up  government  land  to  hold.  This  steady 
mill  rapid  stealing  of  the  most  conveniently  located  timber  lands  has  bcm 
going  on  for  many  years,  until  now  the  mill  companies  have  a  practical 
monopoly  of  the  timber  land  near  enough  to  tide  water  to  be  at  present 
available.  This  gives  them  an  advantage  over  the  loggers,  which  they  are 
uotslow  to  avail  themselves  of.  This  is  the  way  the  [Masonic]  mill  com- 
panies fleece  the  loggers:  A  logger  applies  for  a  contract  to  furnish  a 
I'oom  of  logs.  If  he  has  timber  of  his  own,  he  is  told  that  the  [Masonic) 
mill  company  has  pK  aty  of  [stolen]  timber.  Unless,  therefore,  he  will 
cut  logs  on  the  mill  company's  [stolen]  land,  at  their  own  price  for 
stnmpage,  he  must  put  iu  his  own  tind)er  at  a  price  to  bo  fixed  by  the 
jMusonic]  company.  'Furnish  your  own  timber  at  our  jirice,  or  cut  logs 
on  our  [stolen]  land  at  our  ju-ice.'  says  the   I^Iasonic]  company  to  the 


ill 

'it 

T 

^  '-x 

'f    ; 

t'  \ 

<.  ■ 

V 

1  *•■ 


ii 


Iff'  :  il 


IWIi! 


im 


U  I'i 


490 


Big  Land  Steals  in  Washington. 


logger.  Sometimes  the  logger  takes  one,  sometimes  the  other.  In  cither 
case  the  jjrice  is  so  regulated  as  to  leave  him  a  bare  subsistence,  ■while  with 
the  enormous  jirofits  of  the  transaction  accruing  to  the  [Masouif]  mill 
companies,  they  buy  ships,  hire  perjurers  to  helj)  steal  more  land,  aiul  buy 
oft"  government  officials.  [The  same,  being  generally  brother  masou.s,  nro 
sworn  to  '  keep  and  never  reveal'  these  ring  secrets.  Otherwise  sucli  cor- 
ruption would  be  more  dangerous  to  themselves  and  less  liable  to  cjcur,  j 
( 'ommissioner  Sparks  will  fail  to  n^dress  the  wrongs  to  which  we  have  ad- 
verted, unless  he  avoids  the  mistake  of  selecting  [Masons]  to  I'onduct  the 
investigation  and  appoints  men  of  integrity." 

[The  gang  had  secret  influence  enough  at  Wasliington  to  have  tSparks 
kicked  out,  as  soon  as  he  began  to  make  trouble  for  the  thieves.] 

*  * 

"This  [Masonic]  mill  company  owns  (?)  some  80,000  aciv;;  of 

timber  land,  about  500  acres  of  it  being  around  the  mill." 


m  It  if ' 


'it. 


■I   ^H 


"What  has  become  of  the  im2)rovements  on  each  quarter  section  of 
land  owned  by  some  of  the  mill  comi)anics  ?  Tlie  improvenumts  must  be 
there  on  the  land,  for  the  employees  of  the  [Masonic]  mill  companies  Imve 
sworn  it.     Certainly!    But  where  are  they  ?  " 

*  * 
* 

"Where  are  the  five  hundred  men  that  took  up  the  land  now  owuoil 

by  one  of  the  great  | Masonic]  mill  companies,  and  used  as  an  iusti'uiiirnt 

to  o2)press  loggers  and  ethers  engaged  in  and  connected  with  the  lumber 

business  ?    Echo  answers,  '  Where  ? '" 

*  * 
* 

"If  ff)urteen  years  imprisonment  in  the  penitentiary  at  hard  liihor  is 
a  i)roper  i)uuishnu'nt  for  a  poor  [outsider]  Avho,  under  the  stress  of  teiap- 
tution  and  cold  Aveathei',  takes  an  overcoat  that  does  not  belong  to  liiiu, 
Avliat  ought  to  be  done  wiih  a  [Mason]  or  gang  of  [JMasons]  for  steiiling 
land  worth  two  millions  of  dollars  ?  " 

[The  blackleg  (jovernors,  in  their  annual  reports  to  the  Secretmy  of 
the  Interior  and  in  their  messages  to  the  Legislature,  had  never  a  wonl  to 
say  as  to  these  and  other  robl)eries  </(»i<;  hi/  llicir  riiKj  hre/hrcii,  wliili>  tliey 
gloated  over  and  increased  the  misery  and  destruction  of  those  wlio  in  their 
distress  and  distrac^tion  had  stolen  only  a  coat  or  a  pair  of  blankets.] 

[Large  bodies  of  prairie  land  is  likfiwise  stolen  by  mendiers  of  the 
gang,  shielded  by  the  prostituted  courts  and  glorified  by  the  ring  press  ou 
account  of  their  "ability  and  enterprise;"  while  outsiders  wlio  only  desire 
to  gain  a  few  hundred  acres  honestly  for  their  homes,  are  stigmatized  a.s 
hogs  and  made  objects  of  attack  and  plunder.] 


!'■*! 


blier.  In  cither 
teuce,  -wliilo  with 
)  [Masonic-]  mill 
re  lanil,  and  buy 
ther  maaonH,  nre 
icnvise  such  I'or- 
liable  to  occur.] 
liich  ve  iiiivc  lul- 
i]  to  vondui-t  the 

u  to  have  Sparks 
hiovos.  J 

s  80,000  acre;;  of 


piartor  section  of 
jvemtmts  must  he 
11  companies  havt 


land  now  owirhI 
as  au  iiistrmiii'ut 
1  with  the  lumber 


at  hard  hilmr  is 
|ho  stretss  of  tciap- 
lot  belong  to  liiiu, 
ions]   for  stealing 

the  Secretary  of 

|l  never  a  word  to 

|///(v;/(,  while  they 

Ithose  whoin  tlicir 

If  blankets.] 

members  of  the 

the  ring  press  ou 

who  only  desire 

L-e  stigmatized  us 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

Big  land  steals  in  Oregon,  California,  etc. — How  it  is  done  there. — Brazen 
perjury  and  nobody  i)uuished. — The  reason. — Wagon  road  Swindles. 
— Sink  arte.siau  wells  to  irrigate  "swamp  lands." — "  T/irce-quartars  nf 
the  land  titles /I'dudidenl." — Murdering  Lomebuilders,  etc. 

'  J3ETWEEN  1804:  and  1869  several  grants  of  land  were  made  [to  gangs 
of  masons]  for  wagon  roads  in  Oregon.  The  [gangs]  failed  to  construct 
the  roads  as  required,  and  in  some  cases  no  road  had  b('(>u  built,  <dlltouijh 
tlic.  \>'in<j\  Oovernor  had  cerlifit'd  to  coiiatrndiou  and  u  Duplet  ion. 

A  special  agent  who  made  a  personal  examination  of  one  of  these 
rtiads  and  took  aHidavits  of  citizens,  rei)orted  construction  a  mere  2>retext, 
a,m\  that  ior  one  httndred  miles  he  could  not  find  the  tnice  of  (i  roctd.  Up- 
ward of  410,000  acres  were  patenttxl  to  the  [gang]  in  1883,  after  this  special 
nport  had  been  made. 

Patents  were  issued  to  another  like  gang  after  information  had  been 
received  that  the  charter  of  the  comimny  had  been  dissolved  by  i)roceed- 
iugs  in  the  State  courts.  The  Oregon  Central  AYagon  road  Avas  located  for 
a  considerable  distance  through  territory  to  which  the  Indian  title  had  not 
luH'U  extinguished,  but  the  lands  were  i)atented  to  the  gang  [by  their  pagan 
brethren  in  oflice  at  Washington]  and  over  1()U,()00  acres  were  certitied 
which  are  within  the  permanent  Indian  reservation. 

"  ^[arch  lith,  18SH.--T\w  Secretary  of  the  Int(>rior  to-day  sent  to  the 
President  the  report  of  J.  B.  McXamee  relative  to  land  grant  Avagon  roads 
ill  Oregon.  The  report  shows  that  grants  of  laud  were  made  by  Congress 
iu  1804  and  18()0  to  aid  in  the  construiition  of  these  roads,  over  2,-'J00,000 
acres.  The  rejxjrt  shows  that  n<nie  (f  these  roads  were  ever  eoustrut'ted, 
although  several  [masonic]  (loveruors  of  the  State  certitied  to  their  com- 
pletion, [for  the  benefit  of  their  brethren  of  the  gang]. 

On  these  certificates  of  the  [masonic]  Governors,  patents  liavt!  l)i>eii 
issued  to  these  [pagan  brethren]  for  1,000,000  ai-res. 

"Immediately  ou  securing  certificates  of  completion,  [by  prostituted 
iim,s()nio  Governors],  the  land  grants  were  sold,  with  a  view  to  jjuttiug  the 
lauds  in  the  hands  of  nominally  'innocent  (V)  purchasers,'  [and  to  thus 
secure  the  i»rotectiou  of  the  nuisouic  i)rostituted  coxirt.s,  the  'good  judi- 
ciary.'] " 

"  With  the  report  the  Secretary  submits  a  draft  of  a  bill  to  bi*  \n-'^- 
sented  to  Congress,  repealing  all  of  said  granting  acts,  declaring  forfeited 
all  rights  and  titles  and  claims  thereunder,  and  I'estoring  to  the  publics  do- 
iiiaiu  all  lauds  granted,  excepting  such  as  may  have  been  sold  to  innocent 
purchasers  who  are  actual  settlers,  to  the  extent  of  one  section  to  each  of 
8uuU  purohasers.     The  bill  directs  the  Attorney -General  to  institute  suit 


I'^B^^H 

if 

11 

Tin  I 

M 

"J 


.<  I 


492     Big  Land  Steals  in  Oregon,  California,  etc. 


to  cancel  all  patents  ami  certifications  ixnder  said  acts,  with  the  exceptiou 
stated  above. " 

[Bnt  there  were  too  many  of  the  gang  brethren  behind  the  Pre^side^t, 
in  Congi'ess  and  the  couris,  to  recover  the  stolen  property,  and  punish  the 
perjurers  and  thieves.  And  this,  M'hile  small,  jilain  burglary  and  ijcnjuiy 
of  outsiders  is  held  to  be  and  punished  as  a  crime  without  mercy  or 

charity  !] 

*  * 
* 

"  In  a  letter  to  Sparks,  T.  S.  Lang  tells  how  the  lands  of  Oregon  have 

been  seized  upon  and  held  by  [linked  i)agan  gangs].     The  N.  P.  li,  the 

W.   V.  and  C,    M. ;   the  D.    M,  and  the   Oregon  Military  road.      These 

gangs,  almost  without  a  shadoic  '/law,  hold  lands  as  follows  :     The  X.  P. 

B.  holds  in  Oregon  alone  279  tonm&liips  ;  the  W.  V.  and  C.  M.  wagou  road, 

1-44  townships  ;  O.  M.  wagou  road,  143  to\vushii)a  ;  the  D.  M.  wagou  mad, 

lO-i  townships,  aggregating  739  townships,  each  containing  23,000  acres, 

aggregating  17,000,000  (/tve.s." 

*  * 
* 

" Hoic  the;/  [the  linked  masons]  <ln  it. — How  many  acres  of  'swamp 
land '  do  you  suppose  is  held  by  one  [mason]  in  this  State  ?  How  many  ? 
Guess  !  Not  niauy  pei-sons  would  guess  a  million  acres.  But  they  would 
have  to  multiply  this  by  thirteen  to  get  at  nearly  the  amount.  O. .  is  uow 
holding  over  thirteen  millions  of  acres  of  'swamp  (?)  laud,'  and  he  has  sold 
uijwards  of  600,000  acres,  on  which  he  has  i)aid  twenty  per  cent,  of  tlie 
purchase  \mve.  On  the  other  13,000,000  acre  farm  he  has  not  paid  a  cent, 
nor  is  the  State  or  Government  deriving  a  cent  of  revenue  from  this  land. 
On  one  filing  he  'took  up'  1,336,000  acres,  which  laud  extends,  in  town- 
ships, from  six  miles  east  of  Lebanon,  southeasterly,  entirely  through  the 
State.  These  figures  are  commended  to  the  point  of  investigation,  aiul  a 
refutation  of  their  truthfulness  challenged." — Astoriau. 

[Such  are  the  jmwtiad  workings  of  secret  sworn  brethren  as  qificinh  in 
our  Governments  loitl  courts.^ 

"In  a  valley,  thirty  miles  long,  ditches  were  dug  from  the  stream,  dams 
l.uilt,  the  laud  flooded,  and  then  taken  up  [by  the  brethren]  under  the 
swamp  land  act."  [Brazen  perjury,  its  subordiuation  by  brethren  in 
office,  and  their  protection  by  prostituted  courts.] 

*  * 
* 

"In  Harney  Valley,  Or.,  is  a  tract  of  land  which  was  taken  up  as 
swamp  land,  but  upon  which  the  oAvuer  is  sinking  an  artesian  well  for  irri- 
gating i)ur2Joses.  An  e\-St(tte  ojficidl  holds  a  large  block  of  these  '  swamp' 
lands,  which,  he  informed  some  pos.sibleimrchasers,  were  "capable  of  enlti- 
vatiou  if  thoroughly  in-igated." 

[Tims  do  mystic  lurking  blacklegs  grow  sleek — and  influential  at 
court— with  stolen  abundance.]  "While  the  poor  man  [and  outsider]  is 
satisfied  with  160  acres  and  thereby  helps  to  build  ui^  a  substantial  eom- 


ii.m%d] 


4   ''S! 


:li  the  excejjtiou 


ren  as  qjficiitls  in 


Big  Land  Steals  in  Okegon,  California,  etc.    493 

muuity  that  euriehes  a  State  by  poijulatioii  aucl  wealth,  giving  life  aud 
uctinty  to  mauy  iiulnstries.  If  he  fails  to  comply  -with  eveu  the  techuical 
it'i^iiiremeuts  of  the  laud  laws,  ou  accoiiut  of  siekues.s,  jjoverty  or  iguor- 
iiuce  of  the  laud  laws  [wherein  judges  disagree]  the  actual  settler  who  has 
luid  the  courage  to  go  ui)OU  laud  covered  with  timber,  lea\-iug  behind  him 
frieuds,  kindred  and  society,  erect  an  humble  home,  endure  jjrivations  and 
suffer  great  hardships,  the  pioneer  of  this  western  country,  in  jjaviug  the 
\vuy  for  the  march  of  civilization,  fi-equently  loses  his  claim.  Is  there  any 
justice  in  this  ?  Has  not  Congress  [and  the  courts]  favored  [masonic] 
C'or2)orations  and  individuals  into  great  iutlueuce  ?  [Masonic]  corixira- 
tions  [and  masonic  indi\'idiials  and  gangs]  should  be  treated  as  common 
individuals." 

"Is  there  any  wonder  at  the  murmurings  of  the  people  ?  If  Congress 
[and  the  courts]  does  not  listen  to  them  more  they  will  become  as  resi.st- 
li'ss  as  Niagara,  and  then  our  country  will  Avitness  a  crisis  Avhii-h  will 
astonish  the  world  !  "  [For  "  they  know  their  rights,  and  knowing  dare 
maintain. "] 

* 

"  Depredations  upon  public  timber  are  universal,  flagrant  and  limit- 
kss  [by  members  of  the  gang,  outsiders  being  snatched  uj^  and  punished 
too  ipiick].  Whole  ranges  of  townships  covered  with  timber,  the  forests 
at  headwaters  of  streams,  and  timber  land  lying  along  water  courses  and 
railroad  lines,  have  been  cut  over  by  [masonic]  lumber  companies  under 
preten-se  of  title  derived  through  pre-emption  and  homestead  entries  made 
by  their  employees,  and  afterward  assigned  to  the  comi)anies  [of  subordin- 
ation and  perjury.]  Steam  saw-mills  are  established  promiscuously  ou 
public  lands.  Large  operators  emiiloy  hundreds,  and  in  some  cases  thous- 
ands of  men,  cutting  government  timber  and  sawing  it  up  into  lumber  and 
shingles,  which,  when  needed  and  ])urcha.sed  by  local  citizens,  can  only 
bo  obtained  by  them  at  inicoa  t/orenwil  hj/  lliemdrh't  rdlnei/  tiinhi't-  brotajht 
over  e.cpcHsire  (I'diisjxirtiition  ruuica from  poi iitu  of  leijitimate  stipphf." 

"The  Montana  [masonic]  Improvement  company,  a  coii)oration 
.stocked  for  82,0(1(),()()0  and  in  which  the  N.  P.  IJailroad  Co.  is  reputed  to 
be  the  i)rincii)al  owner,  was  formed  in  bSSIj  for  the  purpose  of  monopoliz- 
iug  the  timber  traffic  in  Idaho  and  Montana,  and  under  a  contract  with  the 
railroad  company,  running  for  twenty  years,  has  exploited  the  timber  from 
ui(siirrfi/f'(l  public  lands  for  great  distances  along  the  line  of  said  road, 
sliijjpnig  the  i)roduct  of  the  joint  trespass  and  controlling  ratos  in  the  gen- 
eral market.  Suits  have  been  commenced,  and  others  are  in  progress 
airaiust  the  companies  for  the  recovery  of  damages  to  the  amount  of  several 
hundred  thousand  dollars.  [Ibit  the  court  officials  being  masons,  the  suits 
were  a  farce,  and  the  gangs  were  protected  from  puni.shment,  while  out- 
siders were  being  sent  to  prison  for  little  crimes.] 

"These  lands  were  unsurveyed.  No  i)atents  had  been  issued  for 
them.     The  railroad  had  not  attempted  to  be  detinitely  located  past  the 


■:      it 

I.    I, 

1 

; '    ■  ..  :' 

1 

(fcf 


^^^mutk 

h  h  •' 


^^\ 


>  1 


494    Big  Land  Steals  in  Oregon,  Caijpornia,  etc. 

lands  iu  question  until  after  the  dtite  hi/  lam,  July  4th,  1S77,  for  its  com}>l<-. 
tion,  and  there  is  no  provision  of  lam  hi/  irhich  riyhfs  can  be  acquired  aflfr 
the  ej-piralion  <f  tin  t  time.  Tlio  roiul  liad  not  been  definitely  Iocato<l  its 
entii'(!  loni^th.     //  hml  no  rii/J/l  to  thrse  or  o/hfr  lumls." 

"Tho  law  allowing  'rij;ht  of  wtiy,'  and  land  grant  railroad  companies 
to  obtain  timbor  and  other  material  for  tlio  eonstnu-tion  of  their  roads 
from  public  lands  adjiwcnt  to  tho  line  of  tl>o  roads  was,  in  effect,  extended 
to  permit  timbi-r  to  bo  cut  whercjver  tli(>  [masoniej  eomi)auies  desired,  tin; 
word  'adjacent'  being  interpreted  [by  the  'good  judicially 'J  to  nicau 
practically  anywhere  in  the  Unit(Hl  States,  Such  liberality  of  intcnprcta- 
tion,  amounting  to  almost  ntdiinilcd  j)riril<ys  nut  warranted  hi/  lair,  uml 
resulting  in  detriment  to  tho  interests  of  settlers  already  iipon  tho  lauds, 
or  of  i)ersons  desiring  to  settle  in  future  upon  such  hinds,  is  entirely  dispro- 
portionate to  the  benefit  which  tliey  aro  likely  to  derive  from  th(!  raih'oiids 
which  have  thus  been  permitted  [by  tlio  i)rostituted  courts]  to  despoil  tli(! 
lauds  of  their  timber."  There  have  been  various  misinterpretations  of  Imv 
[by  the  brethren  acting  as  courts  (?)]  and  rulings  and  instructions  to  /mi- 
inote  and proteet  [linked  masonic]  trespassers  upon  public  timber.  [Wliilo 
outsiders  are  stripjied  of  their  i)roperty.  ut  to  prison  and  held  there  as 
"criminals"  by  the  secret  influence  of  the  worthy-grand-chief-criniinals 
of  the  lodge,  as  scapegoats  for  their  own  i)rotectcd  crimes.] 

* 
"B . . ,  having  i)aid  men  ^50  each  for  swi-aring  on  government  timber  land 
Tinder  pretense  that  they  were  going  to  live  on  said  land,  hut  really  for 
the  purpose  of  surrendering  their  right  to  him  [if  they  refused  or  raised 
on  tho  price  they  would  bo  prosecuted  for  perjury,  but  complying,  thev 
are  protected  by  the  'good  judicji^ry']  by  which  he  gobbled  up  (it.OIH) 
acres  of  valuable  timber  land  [the  masonic  officials,  of  course,  winking 
at  and  concealing  the  job]  was  yesterday  con^-icted  of  subordination  of 
perjury,"  [he  e\-idently  had  a  quarrel  with  othei-s  in  the  gang,  otherwise, 
he  will  not  bo  i)unished  very  much,  if  at  all,  (N.B. — H(!  was  turned  loose) 
and  note,  the  pile  he  has  made  at  $10  or  §20  per  acre  while  under  the  i)ro- 
tection  of  brethren  in  office.  ] 

* 
"A  man  who  claims  to  know,  asserts  that  he  knows  of  his  own  person- 
al knowledge  that  about  three-fourths  of  all  the  lands  proved  up  on  and  paid 
for  in  the  last  ten  years  in  the  United  States  land  office  in  San  Francisco 
have  been  patented  contrary  to  tho  laws  of  the  United  States." 

*  * 

* 

"  According  to  tne  Government  reports,  in  twenty-four  townships  in 

Colorado  no  evidence  was  found  that  any  surveys  had  beeu  made,  althoup^h 

surveys  had  been  paid  for  [to  the  brethren].     No  work  was  done  under 

t'le  contract  for  surveying  tho  Ut(>  Indian  lands,  l)iit  fictitious  ficdd  notes 

[sworn  to  as  genuine |  were  furnished.     N(>arly  the  whole  of  the  Territory 

of  Wyoming  and  large  portions  of  Montana  have  been  surveyed  under  the 


'M 


Li. 


Bici  Land  Ste.yls  in  Oregon,  California,  etc.     495 

[fninduleut]  deposit  system,  and  the  lauds  ou  the  streams  fraudulently 
taken  up  nudcr  the  desert  laud  aet,  to  the  exclusion  of  future  settlers  de- 
siring honn^s  in  these  Territories." 

"  Among  the  indictments  found  are  three  against  the  survoyoi  general 
of  San  Francisco."  [Sucli  "indictments"  of  masons  are  done  for  a  hlind, 
to  make  some  little  show,  as  tluiugh  they  were  subject  to  the  penalties  of 
law  like  other  m(>n,  they  being  finally — at  great  expense  to  the  people  and 
profit  to  the  gang — "aceiuitted"  and  "completely  vindicated,"  (V)  wiiil  ■ 
j)Oor  devils  of  the  comnuju  people,  for  stealing  a  few  dollars  ojjenly,  are 
scut  to  State's  jjrisou  for  life  !j 

* 

"This  Maxwell  land  grant,  called  'the  Elkins  steal,'  oinginally  in- 
cluded 02,000  acres.  Patents  wei'o  granted  to  the  [masonir  ]  claimuntssoine 
years  ago,  however,  to  the  amount  of  nearly  tin)  inif/idiix  of  acres.  This 
faculty  of  expansion  is  jieculiar  to  the  [masonic j  land-grabbers'  posses- 
sions. There  is  always  a  little  more  to  take  in  [when  the  ofUcials  are 
brethi'en  sworn  ^ to  ever  cottc'd  ntnl  m'rcr  n'rcaC]  and  [masonic j  surveyor 
gcmerals  in  the  Territories  hr.ve  been  remarkably  complaisant  in  allowing 
it.  The  protests  of  the  citizens  of  New  Mexico  who  alleged  fraud  in  the 
location  and  boundaries  of  this  claim,  receiv(>d  no  attention.  There  was 
not  only  no  investigation,  but  the  claim  was  rushed  thi'ough  the  land  ollice 
by  [masonic]  oflicials  without  regard  for  the  interests  of  the  Government 
or  Iha  7-if/hts  of  till',  occitpants  of  the  land.  The  [fraudulent^,  boundaries  were 
aeceijted  as  geuuino,  and  a  domain  given  to  a  fraudulent  [masonic  j  syiidi- 
cato  that  would  have  made  comfortable  homos  for  a  hnndrcd  t/iounaud 
jiraplc." 

"  A  great  many  flaws  have  been  discovered  in  the  robbery  by -which 
the  2)atents  to  this  land  were  acquired,  and  Commissioner  Sparks  has 
availed  himself  of  them  to  re-open  the  question  of  title.  [So  he  was 
kickeil  out]  and  the  [masonic]  thieves  have  evicted  the  settlers  and  rioted 
iu  jiossession  of  their  ijlunder. " 


^  '\  l\i 


i   ' 


I 


"  It  is  interesting  to  note  how  a  modest  [secret  ring]  contract  survey- 
or could  make  a  milli(jn  dollars  in  so  few  years.  It  Avas  under  the  cover 
of  a  law  ostensibly  designed  to  facilitate  the  settlement  of  public  lauds. 
It  was  in  fact  the  device  of  a  cunning  [secret]  ring  of  [masons]  to 
seize  uptni  largo  quantities  of  the  public  domain,  [under  tho  protection 
of  the  '  good  judiciary.']  " 

"It  is  notorious  that  large  tracts  of  useless  alkali  laud  were  surveyed 
iu  Nevada,  which  will  not  be  settled  uji  in  a  century's  time,  and  lines 
floro  alleged  to  have  been  run  over  precipitous  and  almost  inaccessible 
mountains.  Instead  of  the  [masouii-]  ring  comjdying  with  tho  law, 
which  required  the  surveyor  to  deposit  his  original  field  notes  with  the 
surveyor-general,  B. .  had  a  bureau  [of  brethren]  iu  this  city  in  Avhich  the 
field  notes  were  carefully  edited.     After  he  bad  manii)ulated  them  they 


in 


•1 


P 


l 


'mu 


1 


1     ! 

; 

i 

> 

j^ 

4 

1 

t  n 

f 

"4 

h] 

496     Big  Land  Steals  in  Oregon,  California,  etc. 

were  turned  over  to  the  snrveyor-general  [with  a  wiuk  and  «igu]  aceom- 
pauied  hi/  t/ie  usual  onHi  that  they  were  the  original  fiehl  notes." 

"  Is  there  any  wonder  that  among  the  assets  of  a  man  who  headed 
such  a  ring  such  items  as  those  sliouhl  lignro  :  11520  aeros  of  i):iuntt'd  land 

$1G5,000.     One-tifth  interest  of  stock  niueh,  Big  Horn,  §20,000.    Five 

thousand  live  hiindred  aeres,  more  or  less,  ^110,000.  Fifteen  thousand 
aiTos  of  '  swamp'  and  overflowed  land,  ??:57.r)O0.  C)ue-thii"d  interest  in  cattlf 
niiiches  and  stock,  8150,000.  Six  hundred  and  forty  acres  of  rcdwuod 
land.  But  it  is  not  only  the  amount  of  money  which  the  [masonic]  riuj; 
has  '  secured, '  much  trouble  will  result  in  the  future  from  the  liliuf,'  of 
idats  based  upon  purely  imaginary  surveys." 

"The  Chnmidti  in  vain  demanded  that  the  land  office  at  Washington 
should  investigate  and  break  up  the  fraudulent  system.  Irrofragalile 
proof  of  the  correctness  of  our  charges  was  produced,  but  no  notice  was 
taken  of  u\\ki\\,  hi-canse  the  WtD^hiniitdn  luml  (yffice  formed  part  of  thi' riict, 
[they  being  masonic  brethi'on,  of  course  they  could  not  reveal  eav/i  iilliri:< 
secre/s.]" 

"If  the  tragedy  of  Friday  results  in  the  investigation  of  this  [nia- 
sonicj  ring,  blood  will  not  have  beenspiltiu  vain.". . . .  "Mr.  B. .  declined 
that  '  he  would  live,  Goil  willing,  to  steal  some  few  more  acres  from  Uncle 
Sam.'  Previous  to  the  death  of  his  daughter,  a  year  ago,  he  was  a  2)romi- 
neat  member  of  masouri/  and  other  secret  societies," 

*  * 

* 

"It  is  not  alone  in  California  that  antagonisms  are  growing  up  lio- 
tween  [masonic]  corjtorate  interests  [with  their  siiecial  i)rivil(>gesj  and 
those  classed  as  agrici;ltural  pursuits.  The  farmer  feels  that  his  rights  are 
being  invaded  alike  by  the  [masonic]  railroads  and  cattlemen.  Elsewlicro 
the  antagonisms  are  assuming  an  even  more  formidable  asi)ect.  Tlirougli 
the  monstrous  and  illegal  usurpations  of  jjublic  lands  by  [masonic]  cattle 
raising  comi>anies,  many  of  them  foreign,  the  citizen  of  the  Western  Tti- 
ritories  is  practically  denied  the  possibility  in  many  localities  of  obtainiuf,' 
a  homo  for  himself  and  family.  If  he  can  find  a  vacant  tract  which  sonie 
IKMiniloss  cowboy  has  not  pre-emi)tied  for  his  employers,  and  takes  it  iqi. 
all  the  ju'essure  of  [masonic]  greed,  cruelty  and  lawlessness,  backed  In' 
unlimited  resources,  [such  as  prostituted  officials  and  courts]  is  oxcnist'd 
to  drive  him  away;  iudeoil,  the  scandals  of  tlie  (masonic  tainted]  Interior 
Dojjartment  show  us  that  the  small  farmer  has  not  one  chance  iu  a  thous- 
and to  succ^eed  in  all  that  vast  domain  whore  now  the  beef-grazier  has  lixod 
his  gonfalon.  Congress  has  been  led  [by  secret  influences]  to  encom-afc 
these  spoliations  out  of  all  reason  and  sense  of  justice.  Foreign  cattlo- 
raising  [masonic]  syndicates,  to  sai/  iiothin;/  of  our  own  [(/(iui/s\  control 
iihont  fffi/  millious  of  acres  of  the  richest  lands  on  the  continent.  The  ab- 
8or2)tion  of  such  vast  district  '  is  not  with  a  view  of  raising  cattle  for  im- 
mediate market  supply,  but  to  lay  the  bases  for  immense  fortunes  iu  the 
future.     It  is  so  iu  Arizona,  New  Mexico,  Colorado  and  Wyoming.      The 


Bia  Land  Stevls  in  Oueqon,  Califounia,  ktc.      497 

gigautio  shadow  of  these  growiug  inouopolies  has  abeatly  begun  to  darkeu 
ull  the  Rocky  mouutiiiu  country.  Yet  there  are  tliousauds  of  iudividual 
citizens,  who  would  ghidly  exchange  i)overty  in  over-ijopuhited  centres  for 
comfort  on  their  own  acres  in  the  West,  if  fraud,  violence  and  rajjine  [by 
the  linked  masonic  gangs  and  i)rostituted  courts]  had  not  kept  them  out 
of  their  natural  birthright." 

* 

[By  the  connivance  of  secret  brethren  in  office]  "There  is  hardly  a 
title  to  one  of  the  tracts  of  territory  used  by  any  one  of  the  large  cattle 
companies  of  the  West  which  will  bear  [honest]  insjiection."  [And  the 
same  can  be  said  of  the  large  tracts  of  farming  and  tindjer  lands,  acipiired 
by  gangs  and  iudividual  masons.]  "The  laud  frauds  in  the  West  have 
grown  to  such  a  degree  [by  the  connivance  of  secret  ring  officials],  that  the 
honest  title  has  become  the  exception,  ninety  per  cent,  of  the  eutiies  of 
land  in  New  Mexico  in  the  last  ten  years  are  fraudulent.  Lauds  would  bo 
entered  [by  i)laiu  perjury  and  subordination  of  i)erjurv]  in  the  names  of 
people  who  have  never  existed,  or  of  people  who  are  dead.  Proof  would 
be  submitted  in  the  shape  of  forged  papers  [and  received  as  genuine  with 
a  wink  by  the  brethren  in  office].  After  the  patent  was  issued  in  the  name 
of  the  fictitious  or  dead  personage,  then,  within  a  few  days,  a  deed  of  sale 
to  some  [masonic]  capitalist  would  be  placed  upon  record  signed  with  a 
forged  name  of  the  alleged  person  to  whom  the  patent  was  issued,  [thus 
making  it  necessary  for  the  gang  to  secure  the  election  of  breth  n  as 
county  clerks  and  auditors  as  well  as  to  have  as  land  office  officials  br(>th- 
reu  who  are  sworn  to  *  ever  conceal  and  never  reveal '  each  othex"s  secrets] . 
Through  wholesale  ring  swindling  of  this  character  enormous  tracts  of 
laud  have  been  gotten  together. "  [Herein  can  be  seen  the  cause  for  the 
howl  against  Sparks,  by  theganganditsjjress,  for  delaying,  pending  investi- 
gation, the  issuing  of  laud  patents,  and  the  secret  influence  that  kicked 
Sparks  out  of  office.  I  never  knew  of  an  honest  settler  complaining  of 
Sparks;  tliei/  are  in  no  hurry  about  their  patents  which  often  remain  un- 
called for  in  the  laud  office  for  years  aft«'r  their  receipt  has  been  adver- 
tised.] 

#  ■» 

» 

"  Murdei'iiig  honest  locn/nrs.  —  [I  give  this  as  an  example  of  what  is  be- 
ing done  against  the  homebuilder  in  the  West  and  Northwest  nil  tin-  tii>i>\ 
iu  one  way  or  another,  on  account  of  the  prostitution  of  the  government 
offices,  which  are  thus  made  a  flaming,  blistering cnrse  to  the  good  eiti/en.  ] 
A  letter  from  a  brother-in-law  of  a  m»>nd)er  of  a  former  Cabinet,  vho  is 
now  in  New  Mexico,  gives  an  interesting  picture  of  the  way  one  of  the 

rii'liest  valleys  was  captured The  [linked  Masonic]  ring  had  their 

eves  upon  this  valley  for  a  hmg  time.  They  were  the  first  to  get  their 
agents  upon  the  ground  (after  the  driving  out  of  the  Indians),  to  capture 
the  entire  valley  and  sell  it  to  an  English  syndicate.  C. . . ,  the  then  Judge 
of  the  Supreme  Court,  F. . . ,  the  Eegister  of  the  Land  Office,  Surveyor 
32 


it 

a  "\ 

m  -' 

\.'\ 


m 


•i  \ 


I 


498      Big  Land  Steals  in  OitEaoN,  Caufornia,  etc. 


IF  )      Kr 

HP'S''  'I'        '  '   "f 


!l  ifi;;':'  1 


1'  -•     'i 


General  A. . .,  U.  S.  Murshal  M. . .,  and  other  [Masonic;]  citizens  who  are 
appUcauts  for  olliiu!,  ungiueered  the  scheme. 

By  sending  ont  frauduhmt  locators  in  great  numbers  they  were  ahlo 
to  secure  the  bettor  part  of  the  land  in  this  valley.  Tliey  fonud  one  vcrv 
important  obstacle  in  their  way,  however.  Two  settlers  by  the  uaiiicH  of 
G. . .  and  E. . .  had  located  lands  near  two  of  the  most  iilentiful  si)riiiL;s  in 
the  valley.  The  [gang]  found  tliat  it  was  necessary  to  have  these  spring's 
in  oi'dcr  to  negotiatis  the  sale.  The  young  Kansas  City  men  refused  to 
sell  their  claims.  They  were  so  well  satisfied  tliat  tlicy  had  made  up  their 
minds  to  live  and  die  in  the  American  valley.  So  a  charge  was  triuiipcil 
wp  by  the  U.  S.  ^Marshal  against  the  hohlcirs  of  the  land  near  the  vuluuhli' 
fipnngs,  and  two  deputy  marshals  were  sent  to  make  the  arrests.  The  V. 
S.  Marshal  was  in  the  plot  to  obtain  these  lauds,  and  so,  as  is  alleged,  wus 
the  [Masonic]  Judge.  It  was  e\ident  that  they  had  the  i)()wcr  to  harass 
and  annoy  G. . .  and  E. . .  into  giving  up  their  valuable  locations.  Tlu; 
two  deputies  sent  out  were  very  desperate  characters.  No  one  charges 
that  the  [IMasonic]  ring  directed  them  to  kill  the  two  locators,  but  it  was 
well  understood  that  they  had  tinlimittid  authority  in  enforcing  the  order 
of  arrest.  The  two  locators  were  plucky  men.  They  doubtless  under- 
stood the  bogus  order  of  arrest,  [as  such  jobs  are  very  common],  and  re- 
fused to  obey  it.  The  [Masonic]  secret  of  the  struggle  at  the  sjirings  luis 
never  been  made;  known.  The  two  locators  were  killed.  There  is  no 
doubt  that  they  were  killed  by  the  tAvo  [brethren]  who  were  sent  out  to 
arrest  them.  IVIessrs.  C. . .  and  M. . .,  who  were  members  of  the  conibinii- 
tion  to  capture  these  lands,  were  seen  in  the  neighborhood  of  (r. . .  's  place 
the  afternocm  of  the  murder.  The  bodies  of  the  two  locators  were  left  as 
they  were  shot  for  .six  or  eight  days,  before  the  murder  became  jrabliely 
known.  Mean:vhile  the  two  deputies  had  been  furnished  with  two  horses 
and  plenty  of  money  and  had  esciaped.  [Of  course,  they  feared  nothing' 
from  the  Masonic  courts,  but  the  people  woiild  have  lyni-hed  them  and. 
perhaps,  would  also  have  lulled  the  '  good  judiciary,' which  needs kilhiig.j 
A  great  excitement  followed  the  discovery  of  the  murders.  [In  si)ito  of 
the  ring  i>re.S3  that  lied  about  the  facts,  threw  dirt  in  the  eyes  of  the  iieople 
ixuil  justified  the  'officers  of  the  law.']  Public  oi^inion  forced  the  GoveriKH 
to  offer  a  reward  for  the  arrest  of  the  two  '  officers  of  the  law,'  [wliii  h  is 
very  unusual.]  They  were  afterwards  arrested,  but  were  released  by  tlie 
gang,  who  attacked  the  jail  and  let  out  all  of  the  prisoners,  [withimi)iiiiit_v, 
because  the  county  officials  were  brethren.]  When  the  liveryman  wlie 
furnished  the  horses  to  the  escaping  murderers  learned  for  what  purpose 
they  had  been  used,  he  went  to  Judge  C. . .  and  demanded  pay  for  bi.- 
horses.  He  also  j) referred  the  same  reqtiest  to  the  then  Surveyor  Geuei'al. 
They  tried  to  resist  his  claim,  but  he  told  them  that,  if  they  did,  Jtc  inmhl 
tell  all  that  he  knew  about  the  American  Yalley  transaction.  His  claim  was 
paid. 

It  is  needless  to  sav  that  the  land  stained  with  the  blood  of  tAvo  honest 


11 


H  Hid 


ETC. 


tizciis  ^vllo  are 

tlioy  wpr(>  a1)lo 
found  one  very 
(y  tlio  uaiiH'S  (if 
itifnl  spring's  in 
vo  tlieso  Hpriiij^s 
men  rofnscil  to 
(1  made  np  tlicir 
^0  "was  triuniii'il 
icar  the  valualili' 
arrests.     TUe  V. 
xs  is  allef:;cil,  wiis 
1  power  to  harass 
.  hx-atious.     Till' 
No  one  cliarp;os 
lators,  hut  it  wus 
iforeing  the  order 
douhttess  nnder- 
-ommon],  and  re- 
at  the  spriuKi^  l'^^^ 
ctl.     There  is  iv< 
■were  sent  out  ti> 
•s  of  the  eoiuhiiw- 
0(1  of  (I.  ..'s  place 
lators  were  left  as 
•  l)oeame  publicly 
'cl  with  two  horses 
>v  feared  notliiuj.' 
ynehed  them  aiul 
ieh  needs  killing.; 
lers.     [In  spite  of 
eyes  of  the  pei-pl'' 
reed  the  Governor 
he  law,'  [which  is 
re  released  hy  tlie 
•8,  [with impunity, 
lie  liveryman  wlm 
for  what  purpo-^o 
inded 


pay 


for 


1:;.^ 


sur 


veyor  General 
Ithey  did,  he  >'■ 
In.     His  claim 


hi 


was 


lood  of  two  honest 


Bia  La.n'D  Stfals  in  Oiieoon,  Califounia,  ktc.     499 

Hctth'rs  was  finally  captured  [?]  by  this  [Masonic  ]  gang,  and  sold  by  them 
to  a  body  of  English  caintalists  for  a  largo  sum. 

That  the  Government  will  ever  bo  able  to  get  at  tho  real  facts  of  the 
case,  so  as  to  award  tho  jiroijor  i)uuishment  and  to  set  aside  these  fraudu- 
lent titles,  remains  to  be  seen.  Higli  social  iuiluem-es  and  i)o\verful  [liidi- 
iil  secri'tj  ones  stand  bi-tweeu  these  men  and  i)unishment.  It  must  be  re- 
membered that  tho  \Miis()nic\  iiijiueiices  o/  both  political  part  icn  in  Un'.  trrri- 
lurit's  work  hmul  in  hdnd  to  airrif  out  scltrmi's  of  jilundvr.  [Witness  un- 
case. ] 

Some  of  tho  largest  fortunes  of  Washington  have  been  made  in  thi.s 

rich  and  fruitful  field  of  the  public  lands  (and  perjury,  at  the  exi)ense  and 

often  the  hearts'  blood  of  homebuilders.]     To  be  Surv(^yor  (Jeneral  of  a 

territory  for  even  a  short  time,  has  been  enough  to  secure  an  indepeudeut 

fortune." 

*  * 

"One  of  tho  richest  [Masons]  in  Wasliington  to-day  is  General  B. .  . 
He  is  a  jjolished,  diplomatic  gentleman  who  has  represented  us  abroad. 
I  asked  tho  source  of  his  fortune  and  was  informed  tliat  lie  was  once  Sur- 
veyor General  in  California,  at  which  tiiue  he  laid  tho  foundation  of  his 
fortune.  A  gentleman  who  recently  })assed  over  tlie  Southern  Pacific  iJail- 
road  said,  that  when  he  i-eached  a  certain  i)lace  in  California,  tho  :!onduc- 
tor  called  tho  i)assengers'  attention  to  the  fact  that  th(>y  were  riiling 
through  the  domain  of  General  B. . .  For  an  hour  this  swift  moving  tniiu 
was  in  constant  sight  of  his  %uds. " 

[But  the  courts  are  clogged  when  they  undertake  to  work  against  the 
interest  of  such  brethren. 

Instead  of  killing  settlers  on  the  spot,  to  steal  and  ravage  their  homes, 
it  is  found  to  be  more  profitable  to  the  gang  to  drag  them  into  court  (V) 
which  is  the  more  usual  way;  when  they  are  betrayed  and  robbed  by  their 
attorneys  (V),  'members  of  the  bar,'  (court  gang),  and  railroaded  through 
to  State's  prison,  the  officials  of  which  l)oing  brethren  in  the  gang.  And 
then  by  these  brethren,  exerci.sing  a  censorship  over  tho  victims'  letters, 
tlio  real  facts  in  the  cases  can  be  concealed  from  tlie  pubUc  (as  in  my  case), 
while  the  robberies  are  being  completed,  the  plunder  sjjent  or  secured, 
aud  the  grasping  midnight  gentry  grow  sleek  with  stolen  abundance,  while 
their  victims  are  waiting,  sufi'ering  and  i)leading  in  vain  for  justice  !] 

"Beware,  my  Lord,  of  jealousy. 

It  is  the  green-eyed  monster,  which  doth  make 

The  meat  it  feeds  on. " 

* 
"The  acting  commissioner,  in  making  this  report  to  Congress,  says 
that  the  [numerous]  cases  mentioned  are  to  be  regarded  as  merely  'in- 
dicative of  the  situation.'  There  has  never  been  any  si)ecial  investigation 
to  determine  the  entire  amount  of  public  lands  thus  illegally  held.  Re- 
iiortfl  from  various  agents  printed  in  the  document  just  mentioned,  show  a 


j 


f  ■".. 


\i        '  1 


fl)^ 


l-luV 


■f , 


!    [| 


.1' 


1 1 


500     Bia  Land  Steals  in  Ohe<ion,  California,  ejc. 

coudition  of  things  Himilar  to  that  in  Colorado  in  all  the  Sldtcs  nml  Ta  ,i. 
loru's  of  tli<!  Nm'th  ircst. 

The  (locnment  i-outainH  n  small  vnlnme  of  vniliiig  nppedhfrmn  sdtli;-^ 
who  hfivif  been  drivffu  off /mm  f/nnr  propartifis,  [hy  nij'Htio  gauj^s  witli 
Hiiprcniu  inflnenco  at  court,  while  their  phindcrcd  victims  cannot  even  {,'rt 
a  hearing  in  the  press.] 

This  report,  filled  to  overflowing  with  stories  of  the  tranipliui,'  df 
[MasonieJ  corporations  (many  of  them  foreign)  over  the  rights  uihl 
I)rf)pertics  of  our  AVestern  pioneers,  did  not  attract  the  slightest  iiotict'  ju 
the  [Masonic]  Senate." 

"These  powerful  individuals  command  some  of  the  most  powerful 
political  and  [Masonic]  influences  at  Washington.  The  i)reHent  ollicial, 
wlu)  lias  been  trying  to  put  a  stop  to  the  gigantic  frauds  in  the  West,  is  al- 
ready being  made  to  feel  the  influence  of  the  gi'eat  [Masonic^]  rings.  Ho 
finds  the  task  before  him  greater  than  any  one  man  can  hoi^eto  acconiiilish, 
unless  steadily  and  untiringly  backed  by  the  moral  influence  of  the  wlmli. 
administration,  [which  kicked  him  out]. 

To  seek  to  control  and  punish  the  [Masonic]  thieves  who,  under  cover 
of  nfftcidl proU;ction,  unchecked  have  i)lundercd  the  i)ubli(!  domain  of  fji'iiit 
royalties,  are  tasks  Avhich  may  well  stagger  the  most  energetic;  and  most 
ambitiously  honest  of  men.  T.   C.   ('." 

[The  General  Government  must  be  reformed  bv  the  ballots  of  ,mti- 
Masons,  and  made  supreme  over  all  the  secret-midnight-clanisli-liip;li- 
biuder  governments  that  exist  Avithin  the  same  and  are  gnawing  at  its  vitals 
and  sucking  the  hearts  blood  of  its  best  citizens.  Or  the  time  is  near  at 
hand  when  the  suffering  children  and  children's  children  of  the  roblieil 
and  ravaged  will  ihirKtml  a  settlement,  and  that  their  stolen  heritage  he  re- 
stored from  the  spoils  of  lurking  Masonry — that  ecjual  justice  shall  lie 
done  I 

Nor  will  it  be  ;nich  a  tame  affair  as  that  now  transpiring  in  Irolaud, 
but  ■.vill  be  discussed  with  cold  steel  and  dynamite  by  the  hniulreil 
tons  instead  of  hot  mush  and  palaver.       Press  not  falling  men  too  far!] 


"Certain   residents   of  California   have  been  of  late  spendini^  some 
time  in  Oregon  in  the  effoi't  to  discover  whether   they  own  any  swamp 
land  in  this  State.     They  claim  to  have  been  taken  in  by  that  loveliest 
of  swamp  angels  who  lived  so  long  in  Lane  county,  ami  who  deposited  i 
Ills  slender  form  in  an  old   arm  chair  in  the  Secretai'y  of   State's  oilice 
at  Salem  when  the  bill  relative  to  swamp  lands  was  peuding,  and  wlieu  i 
he  learned  that  the   Governor  had   ajjproved   it,    offereil   for  filing  liis| 
modest  claim  for  all  of  Eastern  and  Southern  Oregon  that  was  not  prove 
to  be  liigh  and  dry  land.     Then  the  legislatui'es  met  in  the  old  Holiuau  I 
block  on  Commercial  street,  and  Hen  Owen  was  too  cumbersome  to  move  I 
far  or  move  qiiickly,  so  he  j^lanted  his   armchair  within   reach  of  Sam  I 
May,  then  Secretary  of   State,  to   be  convenient.      There  was  a  system  j 


M 


lo,  nndor  cover 
lomaiu  of  givat 
rgetio  luul  most 

T.  f".  ''•" 
lyallots  of  .mti- 
lit-clanisli-liiRli- 
kviiig  ftt  if  H  vitals 
time  is  ufar  -A 
of  the  roblieil 

lieritago  Imro- 
justiee  Hlinll  lie 


Bio  Land  Steals  in  Oiieoon,  Califouma,  etc.     501 


of  grapovino  telegraph  in  vogne  among  tlin  conspirators,  and  the  moment 
tlio  exocutivo  signature  was  affixed  this  vino  was  Hct  ii'  motion,  anil  less 
than  two  Beconds  had  not  intervened  before  Hen  Owens  was  Hho\'ing 
Ills  document  into  Sam  May's  iiand  and  demanding  that  it  bo  put  on 
tile.  Some  simple  souls  may  think  this  is  exaggerated,  but  they  don't 
know  the  liiatory  of  Oregon  swamp  land  legislation,  if  they  treasure  such 
a  thought.  The  innocents  from  CaUfomia  are  trying'  to  i)rovo  their 
right  to  some  of  this  land  by  i)urchase,  and  have  got  so  fur  as  to  h'arn 
that  they  are  badly  sold.  One  thing  they  all  agree  on,  and  that  is  that 
Oregon  swamp  land  matters  are  muddled,  that  many  a  swindle  has  been 
practiced,  and  that  government  agents  who  eamo  hero  on  the  trade 
were  taken  into  partnership,  while  the  one  who  made  an  honest  inves- 
tigation was  suddenly  recalled.  Those  are  the  conclusions  the  California 
visitors  have  come  to." 

[Such  IS    practical    masonry — they    do  this    with  imi)uuity,  because 
their  brethren  are  in  ojfice.] 


I- 


i: 


Pacific  N.  \:'.  History  Dopt  ~ 


PROVINCIAL-   LIBRARY 
VICTORIA,  B.  C. 


1      i;» ' 


V     1 


I  V      f*jl 


'  ^  *! 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

Itailroads  big  grants,  etc.,  in  the  Northwest,  etc. — How  they  are  worked. 
— What  they  cost  the  gangs. — What  they  control. — A  sem)(i  and  pur- 
chased press. — Advice  to  settlers. — What  a  ''territorial  pioueor" 
says.— What    the   people    say. — "Awake!  Ahise  !    or    be    foueveh 

FALLEN  ! 

iVlR.  S..,  agent  of  the  N.  P.  Railroad  company  [masonic],  -visitod 
several  towns  hereabouts  [in  Washington  Territory]  and  finally  left  fur 
the  East.  Immediately  ui^on  his  dejjarture  it  was  noticed  that  nearly  all 
the  jnirchasable  pajiers  in  this  section  became  strenuous  supiJortei-s  of  the 
[masouic]  comjiany,  and  were  vociferously  oiijDosed  to  forfeiture  of  its 
unearned  land  grant." 

•'When  Mr.  S. .  returned,  he  wrote  some  lettei"s  for  the  i^i'css,  horn 
one  of  these  the  following  extract  is  taken.  It  refers  to  the  Cascade 
Branch  of  the  N.  P.  Raih'oad  iu  Washington  Tenitory." 

"The  cost  of  the  branch  will  be  about  $7,000,000,  of  which  the  great 
tunnel  will  consume  about  82,000,000.  The  company  expect  to  obtain 
the  money  for  construction  by  the  issue  of  bonds  fit  the  rate  of  825,0(11)  a 
mile.  It  is  thought  there  will  bo  a  margin  between  the  actual  cost  of  cou- 
strnction  and  the  ijroeeeds  of  the  sale  of  the  bonds  nearly  sufficient  to 
build  the  tunnel." 

' '  The  length  of  this  branch  is  245  miles.  Its  construction,  including 
two  miles  of  tunnel,  will  cost  87,000,000.  The  land  grant  'in  aid'  of  its 
bviilding  is  forty  square  miles,  or  25,G00  acres  for  ereri/  luiftl  mik  '/ 
rcml,  that  is  to  say  for  building  this  branch  the  comimny  Avill  claim  title 
to  0,272,000  acres  of  i)iiblic  land,''  [and  o^\-n  the  railroad  besides.]  "This 
laud  lies  iu  alternate  sections,  Mith  those  reserved  by  the  Governineut. 
Not  an  acre  of  public  land  within  the  limits  of  the  railroad  grant  cau  be 
purchased  of  Government  at  less  than  82.50  per  acre.  The  large  area  of 
coal  lands  Iving  theroiu  is  obtainable  from  Goveniment  onlv  bv  pavni!,' 
820  per  acre.  At  Government  i)rice  (82.50  per  acre)  the  \alue  of  the  laud 
grant  to  the  railroad  for  this  branch  aggregates  815,080.000,  ccusideraldy 
more  than  double  the  [liberal,  not  countiug  inside  stealing]  estimated  cost 
of  the  whole  line,  tunnel  and  all.  In  this  we  have  not  included  the  larj^elv 
increased  value  of  lands  containing  coal  and  iron,  thousands  of  acres  of 
which  are  included  in  the  grant.  Nor  has  the  real  value  of  the  land  beeu 
given.  On  the  west  side  of  the  mountains  the  average  value  of  tlie  land 
gi'ant  is  not  less  than  810  per  acre.  The  average  value  along  the  whole  liiu' 
of  road,  at  a  low  estimate,  is  not  less  than  85  per  acre,  or  a  valuatimi  of 
8.51, 360,000,  nearly /««/•  and  one-lmlf  times  the  cost  of  Us  consln/ction. "  Ujiou 
what  grounds  is  this  enormous  surrender  of  public  property  demanded '! 
Ulion  what  reasoning  can  it  be  justified  ?    Why  should  fmasouio  riugsj 

(Mat 


if 


hey  are  worked. 
.  sei-vH'.  and  piir- 
itorial    iiiouecr " 

OB     BE     FOHEVER 


masonic],  ^•is!tell 
cl  finally  left  for 
>d  tliat  nearly  all 
mpporters  of  tlie 
)  forfeiture  of  its 

r  the  press,  from 
•s  to   the  Cascade 

)f  which  the  groat 
expect  to  obtain 
le  rate  of  S'25,0()0  a 
actual  cost  of  oon- 
iearly  sufficient  to 

ruction,  including 
ant  'in  aid'  of  its 
\fen/  Utieitl  mile  <]f 
y  -will  claim  title 
d  besides.]    "This 
the  Governniiut. 
[road  grant  can  be 
JThe  large  area  of 
lit  only  by  paynig 
^■alue  of  the  lau.l 
1,000,  ccusidcrablv 
u;:;]  estimated  cost 
cduded  the  largely 
iisauds  of  acres  of 
L  of  the  land  beeu 
[value  of  the  laud 
ong  the  whole  line 
or  a  valuation  of 
,n>itruction."    Tpou 
iperty  demandtnl '/ 
lid  f  masonic  riug»i 


Advice  to  Seitlers. 


503 


be  thus  exceptionally  favored  ?  ^liy  should  public  ijroijerty  be  used  to 
build  railroads  for  private  ownership  ?  Why,  in  addition  to  presenting 
a  complete  railroad  to  a  [masonic]  coiiioration  should  it  be  given  a  sub.sidy 
qniiiln(i>!e  its  valid' '?  Have  [Unked  masons]  any  greater  claims  ui)ou  the 
public  than  other  men  ?  Are  they  entitled  to  more  consideration  than 
other  citizens  ?  [Out.siders  cannot  get  any  such  concessions.]  Is  not  this 
[gang]  entitled  to  less  ?  Has  it  not  forfeited  its  right  to  its  claim  by  long 
continued  and  exasperating  delays  ?  For  more  than  twenty  yeara  it  h.is 
jilayed  fast  and  loose  with  the  Government.  It  was  conceived  in  [mystic] 
fraud.  The  original  owners  of  its  franchi.se  never  contributed  a  dollar 
to  building  its  road.  The  common  stock  of  the  company  to-day  re2)re- 
souts  not  a  dollar  contributed  to  its  construction.  It  is  purely  water. 
Every  mile  of  the  road  has  been  constructed  with  borrowed  money  [on  the 
grant  from  the  Government].  The  President  of  the  company  says  that 
the  Cascade  branch  will  be  built  by  the  same  means.  It  ought  not  to  be 
very  difficult  to  raise  625,000  i)er  mile  on  a  land  grant  worth  at  Govern- 
ment iirices  more  tlian  twice  that  sum.  An  unencumbered  company  could 
raise  double  the  amount." 

» 

"The  proposi^'"'""  to  confirm  to  the  Northern  Pacific  a  land  grant  for- 
feited July  i,  1S77,  is  identical  with  making  a  new  grant.  It  is  in  conflict 
with  law  and  justice.  It  is  opijosod  to  the  declarations  of  the  republican 
[and  democratic]  parties  in  National  conventions.  [For  a  blind,  as  they 
are  both  controlled  by  the  secret  brethren].  It  is  an  outrageous  att(>mpt 
to  pervert  a  gift  wliich,  when  made,  was  [supposed  to  be]  foi  the  pubHc 
good,  into  an  engine  of  oppression  and  injury  of  indefinite  duration.  It 
is  an  assault  upon  the  landed  heritage  of  tlie  people  of  the  United  States. 
unv»arraut(>d  and  indefensible.  It  is  an  outrage  against  which  the  jx^nple. 
uot  alone  of  Washington  Territory,  but  of  the  whole  nation  iudignanth" 
protest,"  [but  they  pn  tested  in  vain,  as:  the  gang  was,  and  is,  in  jjower.] 

"But  if  it  be  wrovig  to  c(uifirm  to  the  N.  P.  laixls  along  the  line  of  its 
comploted  road,  I's  it  built  within  the  tii'ie  sjjecified  in  its  charter  [and  ai; 
extension  of  time  on  top  of  tliat],what  shall  be  .said  of  tlui  propositicm,  now 
made  by  its  ayeuts  ard  lobbyists  [bretluen]  to  aUow  it  to  goon,  au<l  by 
Imilding  more  miles  of  road,  obtain  a  large  additional  area  of  the  public 
laud,  the  best,  the  most  valuable  \n  the  Territory  V  What  shall  l)o  said  of 
a  claim  to  eai'U  public  lands,  worth  not  h'ss  on  an  average  than  8125,000 
P'T  rnih',  by  building  railroads  in  Washington  Teriitory  in  ISSi.  1885. 1886 
ud  1SS7  V  This  is  the  claim  of  the  N.  P.  Co.  for  building  tlie  Cascade 
branch,  which  its  officers  and  organs  do  not  hesitate  to  say  will  be  imme- 
diately remunerative. " 

"  Is  it  uot  monstrous  ?  Is  it  not  insulting  to  ask  the  jieople  to  justify 
or  advoct.'.o  dvch  an  outrageous  demand  ?"  [By  voting  iov  the  bretlireu 
iu  the  gang  for  office  ?] 

■'Commissioner  Sparks  says,  'tlie  N.  P.  ioad  had  not  attempted  to  be 


vfr 


I  ■ 


Wifrii 


m  - '  I 


0 


„  1 ,  i 


*.' 


504 


Railroad  Grants,  etc. 


definitely  located  [West  of  the  Missouri  river],  until  after  the  date  bv 
)iiw,  July  4th,  1877,  for  its  eoiupletion,'  and  that  there  is  no  i)rovision  of 
law  by  Avhich  rights  to  the  land  can  he  acquired  after  the  expiration  of 
that  time." 

* 

"/«  Mexico,  a  few  years  ago,  a  valuable  land  grant  was  given  to  the 
Mexican  National  Railroad  Company,  on  condition  [like  v  rojids]  that 
the  line  be  completed  within  a  certain  time.  The  time  expired  a  few- 
weeks  ago,  the  line  was  not  built,  and,  without  any  ceremony  whatever, 
the  land  grant  was  declared  forfeited.  That  was  all  there  was  about  it. 
So  with  the  Mexican  Central  Railroad.  Before  this  line  was  built  the 
Government  granted  it  certain  i>rivileges  on  condition  that  it  woiild  niako 
no  discrimination  between  shippers  or  between  towns,  and  that  its  freight 
tariffs  should  not  be  changed  withotit  the  Government  being  n  tiii' -^  iu 
advance.  The  company  having  violated  both  of  these  ijorfitir  ,  Iio 
authorities  are  coming  down  upon  it  with  a  determination  and  vi  ^»nv  .i 
amazes  the  stockholders,  who  are  accustomed  to  the  Americm  (^Mn'-oi.ic] 
way  of  doing  things;  letting  [Masonic  gangs]  do  as  they  ijlease  Avith  the 
people's  propertv." 

* 

"It  IS  not  true  that  these  lands  have  been  opened  for  settle- 
ment by  the  [Masonic]  N.  V.  R.  Co.  It  is  not  even  true  that  lands  e(iniil 
to  those  in  its  grant  have  been  so  opened.  On  the  contrary,  from  the  in- 
ception of  its  work  it  haH/olloirctl  settlement.  It  is  even  now  claiming  the 
right  to  locate  lands  in  Washington  Territory  in  lieu  of  lands  within  tlie 
limits  of  its  grant  in  Minnesota  and  Dakota,  because  before  its  roiid  was 
built  there  were  not  left  enough  unsettled  lands  to  tatisfy  its  claims. 
Does  this  indicate  pioneering  ?  It  is  a  fact,  that  ahead  of  its  railroad  cou- 
struction,  aAvay  ahead,  marched  the  pioneer  settler;  that  from  the  time  its 
granting  act  was  passed,  20  miles  outside  the  limits  of  its  grant  have  been 
withdrawn  from  sale  by  the  Government,  to  recomi)euse  it  for  those  lauds 
.  within  Haiti  limits,  occupied  by  settlers  [even  \)efore  the  location  of  the 
railroad.]  Its  great  difficulty  to-day  in  this  territojy  is  to  find  enougli 
land  nnocciipied  to  cover  its  huge  claim.  Of  the  nearly  I^'j, 000,000  ai'ios 
of  i>ublic  land  in  this  temtory  this  [Masonic  gang]  lays  claim  to  more  thnn 
()iH'-/Jiirtf.  What  has  it  opened  to  settlement  by  construction  of  its  railroiid 
here,  Avhich  have  in  any  measure  compensated  for  the  surrender  of  so 
great  a  proportion  of  our  landed  area  ?  We  allege  that  it  has  prevented  tlic 
construction  of  other  railroads  [and  the  opening  to  free  navigation  of  tlie 
Columbia  river,  of  far  greater  importance  than  all  the  railronila  in  the  tem- 
lori/.]  That  but  for  the  enormous  ad  untago  [corriiplli/]  given  it  by  tlii-^ 
land  grant,  other  roads  would  ere  this  have  been  traversing  this  territor 
in  several  directions;  that  but  for  this  land  grant  a  railroad  would  lou 
ago  have  been  built  from  Puget  Sound  across  the  Cascade  mountains; 
[two  are  now  building  without  any  Government  aid.]  That  but  for  the 
laud  grant  a  railroad  would  be  at  once  built  from  Pu.ret  Sound  to  tlie 


m 


er  the  date  by 
ao  provision  of 
e  expiration  of 


18  givon  to  tlie 

"r  roads]   that 

expired  a  few 

[uony  whatever, 

i  was  about  it. 

3  was  built  the 

t  it  wonlil  make 

[  that  its  freight 

leiug  n  tiii'  '^  iu 

<3ori'iti.'"-     ,    ho 

and  vi  ^lU'  v      .1 

iriciii  LMn^oi.ic] 

please  with  the 

pened  for  settle- 
that  lands  eijual 
ary,  from  the  in- 
jow  claiming  the 
ands  within  tlio 
fore  its  road  was 
tisfy  its   claims, 
its  railroad  con- 
•c)m  the  time  its 
;raut  have  been 
for  those  lauds 
locatkm  of  the 
to  find  enough 
,1,000,000  a<':<'s 
lim  to  mo7e  then 
>n  of  its  railroaJ 
siirrender  of  sn 
prevented  the 
ivigation  of  tin' 
—(xtilit  in  Ok;  tcrri- 
given  it  by  this 
g  this  territor 
oad  would  loi' 
■ade  mountains; 
lat  but  for  the 
^et  Sound  to  the 


Advice  to  Settlers. 


505 


navigable  watei-s  of  the  upjier  Columbia;  that  but  for  this  grant  coal 
mines  and  iron  mines  Avould  be  now  ojiened  and  in  successful  production; 
that  a  large  a:'ea  of  valuable  agricultural  laud  would  be  immediately  oc- 
cupied, that,  in  shori.,  the  territory  would  grow  rapidly  in  ijojiulation  and 

wealth." 

#  * 
* 

"  Advice  to  Settlers. — We  mean  settlers  on  the  lieu  lands.     They  must 

combine  together  and  refuse  to  abandon  the  lands  they  have  settled  upon, 

if  the  [Masonic]   company  aims  to  eject  them  because  of  not  paying  six 

prices  for  said  lands.    Don't  i>ay  such  high  prices  for,  but  hold  on  to  your 

lands,  hi/ force,  if  necessary;  and  if  Congress  is  not  a  den  of  thieves,  relief 

will  come." 

* 
"The  [masonic]  company  had  better  stop  altogether  the  sale  of  lands 

to  which  it  has  not,  and  cannot  obtain,  title,  and  so  save  itself  and  innocent 
l)urchasers  from  a  vast  deal  of  future  trouble.  [When  outsiders  do  this 
they  are  called /(?/w).s'  and  'made  example  of  by  making  them  deliver  all 
their  property  to  the  court  gang  and  sending  them  to  State's  prison,  where 
the  blackleg-flunkey-of-the-railroad-gang-Goveruor  tells  them  that  '  crime 
Hhould  be  made  hideous,'  and  'that  we  have  a  good  judiciary,'  because  it 
stands  iu  Avitli  the  gang.] 

* 
' '  [Masonic]  railroads  must  have  many  extensions  of  time  in  which  to 
comply  with  the  law,  in  order  to  get  land  for  nothing.  Who  ever  heard 
of  a  settler,  a  homesteader,  or  i)re-emptor  being  given  an  extension  of  time 
w  hen  he  had  failed  to  comply  with  the  law  ?  Although  he  could  give  a 
much  better  excuse  than  railroads  ever  offer.  Sickness  or  death  iu  a 
settler's  family  or  losses  by  fire  or  flood  are  no  excuse  for  an  individual 
'outsider],  but  [masonic]  corporations  [with  their  special  pririle(/f's\  must 
ua\  e  the  land  whether  they  comply  with  the  laAv  or  not.     Robbery  is  too 

mild  a  term." 

*  * 

■X- 

"In  rei^ly  to  [blackleg]  editors  of  papers  owned  by  the  [masonic]  N. 
P  a.  R.,  who  never  Mre  of  claiming  that  if  any  portion  of  the  land  grant 
was  forfeited  that  the  road  would  be  so  erijipled  that  it  could  not  be  com- 
pleted. We  refer  to  the  following  imragraph  from  a  pamphlet  publislied 
by  the  [masonic]  company  :" 

"TheN.  P.  grant  is  twenty  times  as  large  as  the  Illinois  Central's 
[which  pays  to  the  State  a  part  of  its  income  while  the  N.  P.  doesn't  (>ven 
imy  its  taxes],  and  on  the  que.stion  of  the  comparative  intrinsic  worth  of 
two  grants,  Ave  give  the  opinion  of  John  Wilson,  who  organized  the  land 
department  of  the  Illinois  Central  road,  and  was  for  many  years  its  honored 
ooiumissioner.  Ho  says,  'I  consider  the  grant  to  the  Northern  Pacific 
worth  from  fifty  to  one  hundred  per  cent,  per  acre  more  than  the  Central's. 
It  is  a  small  estimate  to  say  that  if  this  grant  is  properly  managed,  it  will 
huild  the  entire  road,  connecting  with  the  pi-csent  terminus  of  the  grand 


1 


'^■.'  -■■■■ 

I    ■      W  V 

Mi 


r 


'i 


506 


Eailroad  Grants,  etc. 


truuk.  through  to  Puget  Sound,  aud  head  of  uaNigatiou  on  the  Columhia 

— Jit  out  an,  entire  fleet  of  Sdiliuy  fessel.s  and  s/eamers  for  the  China,  Enst 

India,  and  coasting  trade,  and  leave  a  surplus  that  vnll  roll  vp  to  mil/inns." 

"Then"  greed  is  so  great  that  not  only  do  they  claim  land  where  tliey 

have  but  the  shadow  of  a  title,  hut  they   claim  land  along   the  brancli 

from  Portland  to  Tacoma,  even  when  the  joint  resolution  of   18G9,  au- 

thoiizing  the  building  of  that  branch  expressly  stated  that  it  should  claim  no 

land  from  the  United  States  by  reason  of  the  huildinij  of  that  road," 

*  * 

* 

A  "  Tej-7' itoj'ial Pioneer"  writes. — "I  wish  to  ask  whose  land  this  is 

that  [masonic]  officials  gave  away,  and  where  they  got  the  light  to  give  the 

I   spin's  land  away  to  a   thie^'ing,  l)oxed-up   ] masonic]    monopoly,  roh- 

L   I  lican  citizens  of  their  rights,  and  dri\'ing  old  settlers  off  tlu'ir 

lauu  the    poor    ho'^""    '^".1    i.iie   clam   beach,    the  tax-payers  furu- 

isliiiig  j^ablic   land  to  give  away  to    [masonic]    railroad  thieves   to  sell 

back   again   to   the   peoijle   at  810  per  acre,  so   the  [linked   brethren] 

thieves  can  buy  up  a  rotten  Congress  and  to  put  up  [masonic]  railroad 

jobs  ?     What  is  the  good  of  the  raib-oad  ?     They    charge  so    much  you 

can  never  ride  on  one.     They    charge    a   man   ten    cents   a    mUe.     Tlio 

[masons]  have  given  [to  their  brethren]  about  all  the  country.      There 

is  no  other  to    give  excejit   Alaska,  and   they  will    give  that   away  next 

si)riug  as  soon  as  it  thaws   out."     [And   you   will   vote   for   the   secret 

brethren  for  office,  Avill  you  ?] 

"The  Northern  Pacific  holds  [fraudulently]  2,080,000  acres  of  land  iu 
Washington  Territory  as  a  gift  for  building  a  road  from  Calama  to  Ta- 
coma alone,  enough  to  build  the  road  three  times  over,  yet  the  rates  of 
transportation  between  these  two  places  is  about  all  the  produce  is  worth 
and  just  as  high  as  they  can  be  without  interdicting  trade  altogether," 
[in  plain  violation  of  law,  but  they  do  it  with  impunity  becaiise  their 
brethren  are  in  office  and  they  own  the  courts.  ] 


u 

i; 


.  <  I 


'  •  It  seems  to  think  it  makes  no  difference  whether  it  completes  the 
road  in  the  time  stipulated  in  the  charter,  or  ten  or  fifteen  years  thereafter. 

It  goes  into  our  legislature  and  so  warps  a  bill  on  taxation  of  raihoail 
lands  that  the  company  is  forever  free  from  taxes  on  them.  On  taxation 
of  the  railroad  proper  iinder  the  'gross  earnings  law,'  all  its  [stolon] 
millions  of  dollars  worth  of  timber,  coal,  iron  mines,  shops,  bridge's, 
stations,  road  bed,  rolling  stock,  and  lauds  iu  a  belt  80  miles  wide,  are  ex- 
empt." 

"It  has  come  into  this  valley  after  it  had  been  settled  twenty  years,  de- 
stroyed the  legal  and  commercial  capital  of  the  settlers,  in  order  to  buiM 
u^ion  its  ruins  another  town,  the  profits  from  which  speculation  gois 
into  the  pockets,  not  of  the  stockholders,  but  a  syndicate  [of  masons] 
constituting  a  wheel  within  the  system  of  that  great  clock,  whose  hands 


Advice  to  Settlers. 


507 


U:  ili^ 


the  Columbia 
le  China,  East 


indicate  on  the  dial  jjlate  tho  wreck  of  private  fortune  and  the  blast- 
ing of  the  hopes  of  frontier  settlers,"  [and  so  they  are  a  secret  ring 
within  our  Government,  making  of  it  a  machine  of  opi^ression  against 
the  full  fledged  citizen,  and  a  shield  for  their  own  crimes.] 

"It  controls  the  timber  trade,  the  elevator  business,  the  grain  trade, 
beef  trade,  and  nearly  every  avenue  of  business  is  made  to  pay  homage 
and  revenue  to  it,  and  any  man  who  does  not  favor  and  crook  the  hinges 
of  his  knee  in  craven  obedience  is  ostracised  by  this  i^owerful  tyrant. 

' '  The  whole  country  is  terrorized  by  the  multiplicity  of  evils  contin- 
ually sprung  by  this  hydra-headed  [masonic]  monster." 

"The  people  bear  tho  burdens  of  taxation  [and  of  jjlunder]  and  the 
great  ['charitable  order']  receives  the  ijroiits  of  the  people's  labor,  and 
proves  by  its  acts  that  it  has  not  for  us  the  sympathy  that  formally  ex- 
isted between  master  and  slave,  but  that  it  is  continually  whispering  to 
itself,   'the  people  be  d^ d  ! '  " 

"Its  rates  of  freight  are  so  high  that  farmers,  miners,  and  stock 
growers  find  it  i^rofitable  to  freight  by  w  gou  150  miles  alongside  of  the 
[masonic]  railroad." 

"It  enters  conventions,  dictates  i)latforms  and  candidates,  and 
[secretly]  conducts  cami)aigus;  it  bribes  newspapers;  it  employs  [ma- 
sonic] orators  to  address  the  intelligent,  and  thugs  to  crack  the  party 
whip  over  the  heads  of  the  ignorant ;  it  continually  strives  not  only  to 
make  its  own  property  very  valuable  but  to  make  that  of  its  neighbors 
worthless ;  [owning  the  courts]  it  is  a  continual  litigant ;  it  hoods  not  the 
rights  of  others  and  legahzes  injustice  by  vontrolliny  Jndi/i's  and  Juries," 
[yet  i^eople  vote  for  their  secret  sworn  brethren  for  office.  ] 

"It  is  a  swindler  ;  it  sells  lands  which  do  not  belong  to  it,  evades  the 
payment  of  taxes,  and  obtains  money  under  false  pretenses." 

"The  matter  has  got  down  to  this  :  Shall  the  peoiile  do  the  legislat- 
ing, or  shall  the  [Unked  masonic]  railroads  do  it  ?  Shall  the  i)eoi)le  rule 
or  shall  the  [linked  masonic]  railroads  rule  them  ?  We  are  bound  hand 
nud  foot  in  the  [linked  masonic]  railroad  chains.  We  should  struggle  and 
fight  till  they  are  lirokca." 

* 

...."Conventions  have  been  packed  [by  the  gang],  moeting.s  have 
been  broken  up  or  controlled,  legislatures  have  been  captured.  While 
this  has  been  going  on,  the  vast  majority  of  the  journals  of  the  Territory- 
many  of  them  corrupt,  others  bUud— have  not  only  failed  to  raise  their 
voices  in  behalf  of  i)opular  riyhts,  but  have  given  themselves  over  body 
and  soul  to  a  soulless  master ;  have  failed  to  keep  faith  with  the  people, 
but  have  been  ever  ready  and  Avilliug  to  aid  in  any  measure  to  strengthen 
the  hold  which  the  [linked  masonic  gang]  has  already  secured  in  the 
politics  of  the  Territory.  As  a  rule,  the  press  has  sacrificed  the  interests  of 
thi-  people  for  paltry  bribes,  or  because  of  the  insolent  threats  of  a  domineer- 
ing [linked  masonic  gang]  and  its  .strikers. " 


II 


s 

■  i 


f  If  ;|: 


!»*  ' 


Tf^ 


;■  rii' 


508 


Railroad  Grants,  etc. 


"Every  trick  of  the  corrui)t  politician,  every  device  for  blinding  the 
lieople,  has  ceen  made  use  of  by  the  hirelings  of  this  [mystic]  gang.  Not 
only  have  newsi)aper3  been  bribed  and  bullied,  but  votars  have  been  pnr- 
chased  and  intimidated.  A  determined  effort  has  been  made  to  control 
Washington  while  it  is  yet  a  Territory,  to  bind  it  hand  and  foot,  so  that 
upon  its  admission  to  the  Union  it  would  be  a  mere  pocket  burrow  [aiul 
so  it  is]  of  which  the  offices  would  be  doled  out  as  rewards  to  those  wlm 
by  their  unscrupulousness  or  their  activity  in  the  cause  of  their  master 
had  won  the  approbation  of  the  [masonic]  land  thieves  and  railroad 
kings."  [Even  their  most  abject  flunkeys,  the  ex-blackleg  Governors,  are 
being  puffed  np  by  masonic  blackleg  editors  for  United  States  Senators 
of  Washmgton  State.] 

"That  one  may  smile,  and  smile  and  be  a  villain." 

"  WouhVsl  thou  have  a  set'pent  sting  thee  tirio;  ?  " 


(During  the  building  of  the  N.  P.  road,  the  masonic  officials  and  their 
friends  had  a  ijicnic  over  the  same,  and  their  secret  ring  brethren  and 
flunkeys  of  the  ju-ess  urged  the  people  to  receive  and  cheer  them  as  the 
more  degraded  Russian  subject  does  their  Czar.]  "The  great  moving 
menagerie  contains  336  pei'sons,  the  estimated  expense  of  whom,  during 
the  trip,  will  be  half  a  million  dollars,  or  a  little  over  $1,488  each.  The 
suj^ply  of  wines  and  liquora  costing  §23,000.  The  odd  sections  of  the 
people's  laud  built  this  road,  and  we  may  expect  that  the  proceeds  of  the 
even  sections  in  the  hands  of  the  settlers  will  pay  this  half  million  of  ex- 
peii-.es  of  this  great  menagerie,  and  the  American  people  are  expected  to 
do  homage  to  the  progi'amme.     What  a  country  !     What  a  people  ! 


"In  the  bituminous  coal  field  the  N.  P.  Co.  'owns'  480,000  r/'ccs, 
valued  at  the  low  government  price  of  §20  per  acre  would  amount  to 
$9,600,000,  not  one-fourth  their  real  value,  for  the  coal.  This  belt  of  coal 
land  embraces  the  most  hea\'ily  timbered  region  of  like  extent  in  the 
world.  Monster  flr  and  cedar  trees,  many  of  them  from  six  to  nine  feet 
ill  diametei",  and  from  300  to  400  feet  in  height,  cover  the  earth  so  thickly 
that,  standing  in  the  midst,  the  range  of  vision  is  confined  within  a  few 
hundred  feet  on  all  sides,  as  by  a  dense  wall  of  wood.  This  estimated  at 
60,000feet  to  the  acre,  worth  seventy-five  cents  per  thousand,  that  is  845  iier 
acre,  or  $21,600,000 ;  this  added  to  the  S9,600,0(Wand  we  have  831,200,0(MI, 
which  is  exclusive  of  the  lignite  belt. 

This  estimate  is  for  a  strip  of  twelve  to  fifteen  miles  in  width,  reaching 
one  hundred  miles  in  length.  It  does  not  include  their  value  for  agricul- 
tural piu'poses  after  the  timber  is  removetl,  and  while  the  coal  i«  being 
mined,  nor  as  town  sites  for  mining  centres.  It  does  not  include  the  value 
of  other  coal  fields  adjacent,  nor  iron  mines  contiguous,  nor  of  the  thous- 
ands of  acres  of  rich  bottom  lands  along  the  streams.     It  is  the  estimated 


Advice  to  Settlers, 


501) 


111 

1 

;     'i 

rl 

il 

■  blinding  the 
c]  gang.  Not 
ave  been  pnr- 
ule  to  control 
I  foot,  so  that 
t  burrow  [and 
,  to  those  Avlui 
f  their  master 
1  ami  raih-oiul 
Governors,  are 
(tatos  Senators 


Rcials  anil  their 
I  brethren  and 
er  them  as  the 
B  great  moving 
f  whom,  during 
488  each.  The 
sections  of  the 
proceeds  of  the 
I  million  of  ex- 
are  expected  t<> 
people  ! 


480,000  w.-vi'!'. 
inkl  amount  to 
hia  belt  of  coal 

extent  in  the 
lix  to  nine  feet 
arch  so  thickly 
within  a  few 

3  estimated  at 

that  is  $45  per 
,ve  $31,200,0(10, 

Iwidth,  reaching 
]lue  for  agi-icul- 

coal  is  beiug 
Icludo  the  vahie 
Ir  of  the  thous- 

the  estimated. 


value  of  a  strip  of  land,  over  two-fifths  of  which  lies  in  this  (King)  I'ounty. 
Whut  is  the  value  of  its  whole  claim  within  King  county  alone  ?  " 

[If  honestly  managed,  at  820,000  per  mile,  "§31,200,000"  would  build 
over  1,500  miles  of  railroadsyo^'  the-  countt/,  and  the  jieople  on-ti  the  roads  ; 
and  so  on  all  along  the  line.  This  would  bo  some  of  the  benefits  of  a  Gov- 
ernment (supreme  over  all  the  secret,  alien  ring  governments  within  it)  by 
the  people /or  the  people.  Now  it  is  by  the  secret  rings  fur  the  secrt>t 
rings.     By  the  masons/o/'  the  masons.] 

*  * 
* 

"If  the  land  and  jiroiierty  of  the  railroads  iu  Dakota  were  taxed  us 
other  projierty,  the  [masonic]  company  would  pay  about  a  million  and  a 
half  dollars  into  the  treasury.     As  it  is  it  pays  §170,000 — [sometimes]. 

At  this  time  the  company  is  in  an'ears  8103,000.  The  Treasui'er  levied 
u^jon  eight  locomotives  to  compel  its  iiayment,  but  [of  course]  the  court 
decided  iu  favor  of  the  [masons."  Who  else  will  the  coiirts  j^;*o/''c/  aydinsl 
IK tt/inq  taxes  ?\ 

* 

' '  The  Union  Pacific  was  built  and  etiuipped  by  the  people  of  the 
United  States,  for  it  is  well  known  that  the  i)rojectors  paid  iu  only  about 
one  and  a  half  million  dollars  towards  its  construction." 

*  * 
* 

"The  original  stockholders  of  the  Northern  Paeifie  never  contributed 
a  dollar  toward  building  that  road.  The  only  expenditures  made  by  those 
[masons]  among  whom  the  $100,000,000  in  stock  was  divided,  and  to  whom 
it  was  practically  delivered,  were  those  iov  procuring  [in^steriousl;/]  the 
passage  of  the  original  charter  and  land  grant  act  and  subseipient  amenda- 
tory resolutions  through  C'ongress."  [Secret  brethren  in  Congress  can 
secretly  and  safely  trade  Avith  their  brethren  out  of  Congress  in  despoil- 
ing the  i)eoi)le's  wealth,  because  they  are  so  strongly  obhgated  and 
sworn  to  "ever  conceal  and  never  reveal"  each  others  secrets,]  and 
some  few  thousand  dollars  advanced  afterwards  by  Jay  Cooko  k  Co.  to 
pay  for  in-eliminary  examination  of  the  route  pric»r  to  the  execution  of  the 
contract  made  with  that  firm  to  sell  bonds  of  the  road  for  the  purpose  oT 
its  constnictiou.  In  all,  the.se  expenditures  did  not  exceed  $150,000,  in 
fact,  it  was  stipulated  in  a  written  contract  that  the  shareholders  in  the 
franchise  should  not  V)e  assessed  to  exceed  the  above  sum  in  the  aggregate. 

At  this  date  these  contracts  are  interesting  reading.  Much  has  been 
written  about  the  hardships,  struggU\s,  losses,  etc.,  of  the  original  pro- 
jectors of  the  Northern  Pacific  (H)mpauy.  The  facts  are  that  only  the  un- 
suspecting public,  who  bought  shares  at  fictitious  values  of  men  wlujm 
they  cost  nothing,  have  been  victimized.  Not  a  dollar  received  from 
saU^s  of  stock  in  that  company  was  investtnl  in  its  constnictiou.  The 
first  500  miles  were  constructed  between  1873  and  1870  with  the  i)roceeds 
of  tlu!  sale  of  §80,000,000  bonds  of  the  road,  and  its  land  grant.  Up 
to  that  time,  since  the  road  was  chartered,  six  years  had  elai)sed  during 


.      1 


I  i 


(    I 


1  ..i 


<<;  r 


610 


Eailroad  Grants,  etc. 


which  the  original  stockholders  had  divided  among  themselves  or  as- 
sigued  to  Jay  Cooke  &  Co.  the  whole  capital  stock  of  the  company 
and  issued  to  i)arties  to  the  contract  a  large  portion  of  its  jmid  up  shares. 
Here  are  a  few  details  of  one  of  the  most  bold-faced  frauds  and  iniquitous 
agreements  on  record.  The  franchise  of  the  N.  P.  li.  R.  was  in  1807  the 
l)ro23crty  of  Smith  and  [other  brethren].  The  cost  of  lobbying  [secret 
intrigue]  the  act  of  18G4  throiigh  Congress,  and  incidental  expenses  up  to 
that  date,  amounted  to  8102,000.  In  January,  1807,  a  contract  was  made 
\\  hci'eby  this  property — the  charter,  etc., — was  divided  into  twelve  shares 
t)f  S:3,500  each.  This  contract  provided  that  subscribers  should  become 
jointly  interested  with  Smith  'in  jiroportion  to  the  shares,  or  parts  of 
shares,  taken  in  the  charter  or  franchise  of  the  N.  P.  li.  E.  with  all  its 
rights,  powers,  privileges  and  immunities.'  It  further  provided  that  all 
l^arties  thereto  should  unite  to  get  aid  fromCongress  [more secret  intrigu- 
ing, in  which  an  outsider  could  not  hope  to  succeed]  by  further  legislation, 
and  contribute  pro-rata,  according  to  the  interest  held  by  each  for  that 
purpose  [for  lobbying,  intriguing]  and  that  as  soon  as  Congress  granted 
further  aid  [siieeial  privileges  and  exemptions  denied  to  other  men]  an  or- 
ganization should  be  effected  to  commence  construction  of  the  road,  and 
secure  the  [people's]  laud  granted  by  the  [masonic]  act.  On  July ;?, 
1867,  three  years  after  the  charter  had  been  granted,  the  above  agreemeut 
was  amended  by  stipulating  that  the  total  amount  which  each  of  the  twelve 
shares  should  be  compelled  to  contribute,  should  not  be  over  $12,500,  in- 
cluding the  amount  already  paid  ($8,500)  making  a  total  of  $150,000,  as 
the  limit  of  the  amount  which  the  owners  of  the  charter  could  be  com- 
pelled to  contribute. 

Thus  matters  remained  until  1869,  no  railroad  yet  having  been  com- 
menced. In  that  year — May  20,  1869 — an  agreement  was  made  by  the 
holders  of  the  franchise  with  Jay  Cooke  &  Co.  by  which  the  shares  were 
increased  to  eighteen,  six  of  which  were  to  be  given  to  Jay  Cooke  &  Co. , 
and  the  capital  stock  divided  as  follows  :  $100,000,000  stock,  $80,001,000 
to  be  issued  in  full  paid  up  stuck  pro  rata  among  the  eighteen  shares  as 
follows  :  $124,500  per  share  immediately,  and  $54,000  per  share  "as  often 
;is  each  twenty -five  miles  of  road  is  constructed."  The  balance  of  the 
capital  stock  ($19,999,000)  to  be  delivered  to  Jay  Cooke  &  Co.  in  paid  up 
[in  fraud]  stock  as  follows  :  As  often  as  said  Jay  Cooke  &  Co.  shall  sell  a 
$1,000  bond,  $200  of  the  stock  shall  be  delivered. 

One  hundred  million  dollars  ($100,000,000)  of  7:5-10  bonds  were 
ordered  issued,  to  be  sold  by  said  Jay  Cooke  &  Co. ,  at  eighty-eight  cents 
on  the  dollar. 

Not  a  foot  of  railroad  had  yet  been  constructed,  although  five  years 
had  passed  since  the  charter  was  granted,  and  application  had  twice  been 
made  to  Congress  for  extension  of  the  time  when  it  should  be  completed. 

On  the  first  of  January,  1870,  the  foregoing  contract  was  modified. 
During  the  interval  Jay  Cooke  &  Co.  had  investigated  the  route,  pros- 


selves  or  as- 
the   company 
litl  up  Bliarcs. 
mJ  iuiquitous 
s  in  1807  tlie 
bying  [secret 
:xpenses  wp  to 
act  was  made 
I  twelve  shares 
hould  become 
is,  or  i)arts  of 
R.  with  all  its 
)vi(le(l  that  all 
secret  intrigu- 
herlegislatiou, 
r  each  for  that 
Qgress  grautcil 
ler  men]  an  or- 

the  road,  and 
t.  On  July  ;5, 
aove  agreement 
3hof  the  twelve 
ver  $12,500,  in- 
|of  $150,000,  as 

could  be  com- 

iVing  been  com- 
made  by  the 

le  shares  were 
Cooke  &  Co., 

ck,  $80,001,000 
teen  shares  as 
lare  "as  often 
jalance  of  the 

Co.  in  paid  iip 
Co.  shall  sell  a 

lO  bonds  were 
ity-eight  cents 

,ugh  five  years 
bad  twice  been 

te  completed. 

was  modified. 

le  route,  pros- 


Advice  to  Seitlerh. 


511 


pects,  etc.,  of  the  proposed  railroad,  and  the  change  was  made  in  compli- 
ance with  the  demands  of  that  company.  The  eighteen  shares  were  in- 
creased to  twenty-four,  of  which  Jay  Cooke  &  Co.  were  to  have  twelve. 
A  company  ^\^aH  orgamzed/oi-  pnvchdsiny  lands,  toirniiitas,  etc.,  [so  grasping 
are  masons  as  well  as  clanish]  the  stock  to  be  divided  in  the  same  proi^or- 
tion  ;  that  i.s,  the  original  twelve  interests  to  have  oue-lialf,  and  [brother] 
Cooke  &  Co.  the  other  half.  The  stock  was  then  ro-appropriated  as  fol- 
lows :  $80,001,000  in'o  rata  among  the  twenty-four  shares  "full  paid  ii/i 
stock,"  [with  their  chins]  .§93,4:00  i^er  share  to  be  delivered  immediately, 
and  $40,500  on  each  of  said  t\\enty-four  shares  as  often  as  twenty -five 
miles  of  road  ai-e  completed  ;  the  balance  of  the  capital  stock,  $19,999,000 
to  be  given  to  Jay  Cooke  &  Co.  as  provided  in  the  previous  agreement. 

Under  this  agreement  Cooke  &  Co.  sold  $30,000,000  of  the  bonds  of 
the  N.  P.  R.  comijany,  out  of  the  proceeds  of  which  the  cost  of  con- 
structing all  the  railroad  built  prior  to  the  failure  of  Cooke  &  Co. ,  in  1873, 
were  jiaid.  Not  another  mile  of  road  was  built  until  money  was  again 
raised  by  sale  of  bonds.  The  only  equivalent  given  for  every  share  of 
stock  divided  up  prior  to  that  time  was  the  cost  of  jirocuring  the  franchise 
[secret  intriguing]  and  the  services  rendered  by  Cooke  &  Co.  in  selling 
bonds. 

When  the  N.  P.  R.  Co.  was  reorganized,  after  being  bought  in  by  the 
bondholders,  the  holders  of  this  "full  paid  up  stock"  were  given  "com- 
mon "  stock  of  "  e  newly  organized  company,  and  to  the  bondholders  and 
others  having  secured  claims  Avere  assigned  "preferred "  stock.  Thus  the 
common  stock  of  the  N.  P.  R.  Co.  represents  a  total  benefit  to  that  cor- 
poration, a  total  contribution  to  the  cost  of  the  great  overland  raih-oad,  of 
less  than  $150,000.  The  result  is  that  the  i^eople  along  the  line  are  to  be 
taxed  indefinitely  to  pay  dividends,  upon  what  ?  Under  the  contract  as  given 
above  there  wex'e  issued,  or  the  holders  of  shares  in  the  original  franchise 
were  entitled  to  receive  about  $23,000,000  iu  fnll  paid  up  stock  of  the  N. 
P.  R.  Co.,  and  upon  this  $23,000,000,  or  its  equivalent;  it  is  expected 
to  pay  dividends  [besides  the  immense  empire  of  land]  wrung  from  the 
public  by  extortionate  freight  and  passenger  charges." 


"A  long  railroad  is  mapped  out,  and  the  ['  charitable  ']  men  who  hold 
the  franchise  issue  first  mortgage  bonds  for  the  entire  amount  of  the  cost, 
including  market  price  of  land  grants  at  Washin;^  on ;  [could  outsiders 
get  land  grants  without  employing  a  masonic  lobby  to  secretly  and  cor- 
ruptly intrigue  with  their  mystic  brethren  ?  Sai/,  could  they?]  Profits  of 
construction  comimny  [a  ring  Avithiu  the  ring]  and  loss  upon  bonds  sold 
at  a  discoiint,  [because  of  the  fraudulent  Inisiness]  holding  in  hand  for  pri- 
vate use  some  preposterous  amount  of  stock,  no  matter  what,  representing, of 
course,  nothing  but  the  cost  of  the  printing  and  the  knavery  of  holders. 
The  road  is  declared  able  to  pay  immediate  dividends  on  the  whole 
[swindle].     The  stock  is  boomed.     In  some  instances  a  dividend  or  two 


t 


I 


Hi, 


512 


Kailuoad  Grants,  etc. 


have  even  been  paid  out  of  jji'oceeda  of  bouds  sold.  Spoculatiou  sc^t.s  in, 
and  [fools]  hasten  to  buy  the  stock  at  any  i)rico.  Even  oxpcrienced  bum- 
noss  men,  who  would  ridicule  a  purchase  of  a  given  stock  at  i)ar,  will  con- 
sider the  same  stock  increased  to  ten  times  the  amount  of  its  face  value  as 
cheap  at  twenty.  Of  this  the  ['  charitable  ']  sharpers  are  well  aware,  and 
they  are  careful  to  water  to  the  taste  of  purchasers.  Indeed,  as  the  whole 
thing  is  fictitious  [like  conduct  in  others  done  on  a  small  scale  is  callcil 
connlcr/eitiiig,  and  a  crime  for  which  they  are  languishing  in  prison],  and 
merely  a  matter  of  paper  and  ink,  it  is  quite  immaterial  to  them  whetlicr 
they  jirint  "KIO  shares '  c)n  a  ceriificate  of  stock  and  sell  it  at  ten,  or  print 
'  ten  shares '  and  sell  them  at  par. 


U  It  »'*'',    'i 


"Our  new  countries,  where  the  virgin  a '''cat  lands  lie,  that  we  depend 
on  for  food,  and  expected  to  control  the  mai'ket  of  the  world  by,  are 
gridiroued  with  railroads  built,  and  dishonestly  built,  with  money  ob- 
tained by  selling  bonds.  Not  a  cent  was  put  into  the  stock.  From  the 
Canadian  Pacific  sotithward  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  the  east  and  west  lines, 
with  a  single  exception,  are  roads  built  for  the  sole  i)uri)ose  of  plunder- 
ing the  peoj^le.  Their  stock  represents  nothing.  But  by  the  most  out- 
rageoiis  laws  ever  submitted  to  by  an  intelligent  peojjle,  the  ['  very 
worthy  grand  masters ']  of  those  roads  will  be  allowed  (have  been  al- 
lowed in  some  cases)  to  Avring  out  of  the  peo2)le  sufhcient  money  to 
])ay  a  dividend  on  stock  that  has  no  more  actual  value  than  circus 
jjosters.  Tax  collectors  [for  the  gangs]  sit  in  every  freight  office  througli- 
out  our  land,  Avho  gather  the  tribute  jjaid  to  the  [worthy  grand  '  char- 
itable' (?)]  dignitpries  of  transportation,  who  were  created  by  the  [secret 
intrigue  of  aijuririis,  'mysterious'  masonry]. 

"  There  are  hundreds  of  milhous  of  dollars  of  railroad  stock,  mort- 
gages on  the  industry  of  the  ijeople,  on  which  dividends  are  being  paid 
that  represent  nothing  but  the  efFrontery  [rather  the  secret  intrigue  and 
IH'ostitution  of  the  governments  and  courts]  of  [masonic]  raih-oad  directors. 

One  of  the  fundamental  laws  of  our  system  of  government  is  that  the 
people  shall  not  be  taxed  without  their  consent.  This  law  is  ngidly  ad- 
hered to  in  all  matters  of  State,  county,  town  and  school  district  taxation. 
A  bond  that  has  the  taint  of  irregularity  about  it  is  worthless.  The  people 
have  never  hesitated  to  rejnidiate  an  illegal  obligation,  but  they  have 
tamely  submitted  to  the  [masonic]  outrage  of  allowing  the  [midnight 
brethren]  to  issue  hundreds  of  millions  of  dollars  of  railroad  stocdi  tliat 
represents  nothing  but  the  cost  of  printing,  and  they  have  i)aid  dividends 
on  tliis  [masonic]  stock.  Annually  millions  of  dollars  are  collected  from 
the  [half-housed,  half-fed,  and  three-cpiarter-mortgaged]  people  to  ])ay 
these  charges  [of  the  government  within  our  Government]  that  are  a  vio- 
lation of  the  natural  rights  of  mankind.  If  the  peoijle  murmur  and 
threaten  unfavorable  [but  honest]  legislation,  their  [mis]  representatives 
[linked  masons]   are  i)urchased  with  the  money  they  have  jjaiol  to  tlie 


Advice  to  Sktilkhs. 


513 


iilatiou  HtstH  in, 
iiu'rioucod  busi- 
it  par,  -will  con- 
its  fai-e  valuo  as 
woll  awaro,  ami 
eel,  as  tlio  whole 
.1  scale  is  callcil 
in  jirison],  and 
;o  them  whether 
at  ten,  or  print 


!,  that  -we  (lepcnil 
le  world  I'v,  are 
with  moucy  ob- 
ttoek.     From  the 
ist  and  west  hues, 
rpose  of  pluuder- 
by  the  most  outr 
leople,  the  ['  very 
sd  (have   been  al- 
fficient  money  to 
alue   than   circus 
;ht  office  through- 
•thy  grand  '  char- 
ed by  the  [secret 


[gangs,  which  can  safely  be  done  when  they  are  so  strongly  obligated  and 
sworn  to  'ever  conceal  and  never  reveal'  each  others  secrets].  So  the 
people  have  not  been  able  to  obtain  relief,  [as  tlioy  vote  for  masons  for 
office].  State  representatives.  Congressmen,  Senators,  .Judges,  all  are 
controlled,  purckaned  wilh  money  that  has  been  draivit  from  the  [blinded] 
people  under  the  cover  of  unjust  [andjiau^'d]  laws/' 

*  * 

[Hero  follows  an  example  of  the  efforts  and  expression  of  the  i)eople  of 
the  Northwest  as  to  the  foregoing  subject.] 

''  liesolred,  By  the  jieoplo  of  Whitman  county,  that  the  course  the  N. 
r.  comi)any  is  j)ursuing  is  one  that  is  detrimental  to  every  interest  of  the 
country,  and  inflic^tiug  hardships  unknown  in  the  history  of  our  country, 
and  justly  causing  the  people  all  over  the  Territory  to  organize  for  the 
better  protection  of  their  rights  against  this  grasping  [masonic]  monopoly 
which  has  laid  claim  to  a  large  tract  of  country  without  showing  where 
they  had  lost  any  land,  or  without  resiiecting  the  claims  of  settlers  made 
prior  to  their  selections,  or  without  any  title  whatever  derived  from  Gov- 
ernment, [the  grant  having  lapsed]  offering  these  lands  for  sale  at  a  i)rice 
beyond  the  reach  of  those  who  are  justly  entitled  to  them,  and  oflfering 
simi)ly  contracts,  which,  in  themselves,  are  but  a  system,  of  robbery,  bind- 
ing the  purchaser  to  make  annual  improvements,  and  after  i)aying  a  certain 
amount  down,  the  balance  to  be  i)aid  at  stijinlated  times,  and  if  any  i)or- 
tiou  remains  unjiaid  at  the  specified  time  they  reserve  to  themselves  the 
right  to  enter  and  take  possession  without  any  legal  action  whatever,  thus 
barring  the  settler  from  that  right  wliK-li  every  citizen  is  entitled  to.  They 
also  reserve  the  right  to  enter  and  take  i)Ossession  of  a  strij),  -100  feet  in 
width,  whenever  they  may  want  it  for  railroad  j>urj>oses,  binding  the  pur- 
eha.ser  and  his  heirs  forever  to  build  and  maiutaiu  a  good  and  substantial 
fence  on  each  side  of  said  strip,  also  reserving  the  right  of  siu'ings  wher- 
ever they  may  be  found,  if  necessary,  for  railroad  i)uri)oses  ;  also  all  mm- 
eral  and  coal  that  may  be  found  thereon,  thus  leaving  the  i)urchaser  at  all 
times  in  their  power.  Their  discrimination  and  extoiiionate  freights  are 
such  that  they  are  cripijling  every  industry  and  robbing  the  people  of  tli 
interior,  who  are  laboriously  struggling  to  build  homes  for  themselves  aii  . 
families,  of  all  their  hard  earnings,  let's/U'  them  but  little  better  than 
slaves,  toiling  from  early  morn  till  late  a;  t\e,  that  these  grasping  [linked 
masons]  may  live  in  palaces  and  roll  in  wealth  and  grandeur,  while  the 
peoijle  live  in  poverty  and  groan  under  the  burden.     Be  it  further 

' '  Resolved,  That  we  deeply  deplore  the  fact  that  we  are  under  the 
despotic  power  of  a  ['  charitable  '  gang]  and  our  only  hope  of  protection 
i.s  from  the  halls  of  legislation,  and  that  we  do  earnestly  entreat  Congress 
to  regulate  the  inter-State  traffic  so  as  to  protect  the  people  from  such 
gigantic  robbery,  and  also  to  take  such  action  in  regard  to  the  land  grant 
as  will  give  to  them  their  justly  earned  titles,  and  the  balance  to  be  held 
and  sold  only  at  Government  price,  and  we  earnestly  beseech  Congress  to 
33 


bi   i 


HI 


1-'^- 

i 

■%■ 

1    i 

V  /'- 

V 

\i  ^ 

Ifc,., 


'    u 


oU 


KaILHOAI)   Gr/     "^,    ETC. 


make  Kuch  iii)i)r()i>riationH  am/  in  siit/i  n  lununcr  [that  is,  so  tlio  gunj?  dor.'t 
Ht«'al  it  ul)ont  nil,  us  is  UHiially  dout?]  us  ^vill  Hpoodily  opt'ii  the  ('olumhiu 
river,  which  is  the  fi;reiit  hif^hway  of  transportation,  that  tht*  land  giants 
which  tho  [masonic  I  railroad  company  are  now  scckinfj;  to  hold  ho  declared 
forfeited,  and  the  titles  to  innocent  pnrchusers  be  contirnuMl,  tho  rest  sold 
at  Government  price  an<l  tho  money  expended  in  speedily  completing  the 
openinj^  of   the  Colnmlna   river,   wliich   ah)ne  is  in  the  interest  of  the 

people." 

*  * 

* 

"Snake  Rivr.n  Mass  Mektino." — < )f  the  people  of  Snake  river,  Tn- 
kannon  and  Pataha  sections.     1884. 

"  ^7/(vv'<^s•,  In  18(14,  by  act  of  Congress,  lands  were  granted  to  the  N. 
P.  R.  II.  Co.,  to  aid  in  the  eonstriictiou  of  a  railroad  from  Lake  Snperior 
to  Puget  Sound,  and 

H7/''»v'/s-,  The  original  grant  was  large  and  valuable  enough  to  con- 
struct the  entire  road  without  other  help  within  the  time  speeitied  in  tlic 
granting  act,  and  ton  yeai's  have  elapsed  since  that  time  cxpiri'd,  and 

W/tercds,  The  [masonic]  company  deferred  building  tho  road  until  tlu' 
country  through  which  it  passed  Avas  sutllcieutly  developed  to  make  said 
road  a  source  of  i)rotit  without  the  aid  of  the  land,  and  said  land  being 
settled  and  improved  without  the  ai(^  'ind  advantage  of  the  railroad  whidi 
should  have  been  eoustmeted  for  ♦'  'irpose  of  developing  the  country, 
and 

Whareiai,  Parties  interested  in  ilie  N.  P.  II.  R.  Co.  have  iuflueneiid 
[their  brethren]  the  boards  of  trade  of  Walla  Walla  and  Portland  to  ex- 
press sentiments  contrary  to  those  really  existing,  for  the  purpose  of  influ- 
encing legislation,  therefore 

Rennlved,  first.  That  we  demand  that  all  land  not  actually  earned  by 
the  construction  of  tho  road  within  the  time  specified  in  the  granting  act, 
be  forfeited  and  restored  to  the  public  domain. 

RusolrcAl,  second,  That  the  N.  P.  R.  R.  Co.  is  not  justly  entitled  to  an 
acre  of  land  in  tlii.s  Territoiy. 

Resolved,  third.  That  the  land  in  this  Territory  claimed  by  the  N.  ]'. 
1{.  R.  Co.  justly  belongs  to  the  .settlers  who  had  improved  and  developed 
this  country,  and  as  citizens  of  the  United  States  should  obtain  title  at 
government's  requirements. 

Resi)h-ed,  foi;rth,  That  all  United  States  Senators  and  Representatives 
in  and  Delegates  to  Congress  be  and  are  hereby  respectfully  requested  to 
procure  the  f orfeitiire  of  the  lands  unearned. " 

[But  the  jjoople  had  no  more  infiueuce,  by  petition,  for  right  and  jus- 
tice at  Washington,  than  they  had  with  blackleg- masonic-Governors  at 
Olympia,  Washington  Territory.] 


%.: 


nake  river,  Tn- 


tly  entitled  to  uu 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

Ah    to   T)1K    MAKTIAIi    LAW    TltorilLK    IN    I'ltllTEClINd    MAHONIC    rHtNA.Mr.N    AND 
MAHOMO    CKIMINALH    ON  I'l  Oia'    SotNl)    WHKN    AmKIUCAN    CITIZKNH    WKUK 

I'ILIjAoicj),  Mii{i)i'.i(i:i),  am>  duivkn  ui  t  wnir  no  tuooi-s  ok  MAiniArj 
TiAW  TO  I'KOTKCT  THEM. — Coudi'iisctl  *'roiii  the  jnoss  with  exphiiui- 
tious,  eti!. — (How  to  roiitl  newspapors  ••betwoeii  the  liues,"  or  what 
helo)i(/s  hi'/ii'i'i'H  lli(>  liiii'n.) 

"  CoNSISIKNCY.  " 

li.Eli]'i  is  a  bit  of  modern  local  history;  the  iiarrativc  is  ^i\\■^•\\  as  a 
proamblo  to  tlio  moution  of  a  point  uppoarinfj;  in  a  Scattlti  pujn'r,  and 
whii'h  rchitos  to  the  niaintonancc  of  hiw  and  order  a^^oiinst  the  vioh'nee  of 
mob  rule. 

A  man  residing  in  Stvittlo,  while  returning;  from  liis  residenee  to  his 
store,  in  the  dnsk  of  the  evening,  was  confronted  by  two  robbers  who, 
it  is  supposed,  ordered  liini  to  throw  up  Ins  hands.  It  is  further  sup- 
poses! that  instead  i>i  obeying  their  order  ho  drew  a  i)istol  and  attempted 
to  di'fend  himself,  when  they  shot  him  down.  Never  wcu'o  N-illains  moro 
hunted.  Late  in  the  night  two  unknown  men  were  found  apparently 
sl(>eping  under  a  lot  of  hay  in  a  barn  [a  comtnou  thing]  and  taken  to 
juil.  That  night  a  vigilance  eommitt<^o  was  formed,  end)raeing  many  of 
tlie  leading  eiti/ens,  and  so  p')werful  in  all  respects  that  the  gi'eat  arm 
of  the  law  was  paraly/ed,  and  here  was  but  out;  man  in  the  comnnniity 
who  had  the  courage  to  even  sugge.st  opposition  to  this  young  giant  of 
mob  rule,  and  that  was  the  C'hief  Justice,  Roger  S.  Green.  He  learni'd 
that  two  strange  men  had  been  arrested ;  lie  was  told  of  the  S2)eedy  or- 
ganization of  that  which  to  him  was  the  most  fearful  of  all  things — a 
vigilance  conunittee.  He  M(>nt  to  the  leading  men  of  the  city  and 
talked  his  remonstrance  to  them,  but  he  might  as  well  have  invoked 
the  hidden  powers  of  the  air  or  implored  the  intervention  of  the  waves. 
He  sought  and  obtained  invitation  to  be  present  and  sit  with  the  coni- 
niitting  magistrate  at  the  preliminary  hearing  which  was  to  be  had  and 
which  took  place  on  the  day  following  the  murder.  The  vigilance  com- 
mittee, learning  of  tliis,  prejjared  to  anticipate  any  movement  that  the 
chief  justice  might  make  to  interfere  Avith  the  execution  of  their  jjurijose. 
The  hearing  was  heard  in  a  largo  hall  which  Avas  crowded  to  its  utmost 
capacity  by  members  of  the  vigilance  committee  delegated  to  do  the 
stti'u  work  in  hand  [against  the  outside-of-tluvgang  prisoners].  The 
lirisuners  were  brought  into  court,  and  the  chief  justice  sat  at  the  side 
of  the  examining  magistrate.  A  tall,  powerful  [mason]  with  ominous 
mien,  stood  like  a  sentinel  behind  the  chair  on  which  Judge  Green  was 
sitting.  The  hearing  was  concluded,  the  decision  being  that  the  prison- 
ers be  held  for  trial.     The  latter,  in    charge  of   policemen,  arose   from 

(615) 


516 


A   VlGILA-NCE   COMMl'lTEE. 


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tlieir  seats  auil  were  immediately  taken  possessiou  of  by  the  vigiliuicc 
committee.  Judge  Groeu  made  a  motion  as  though  to  start  to  his  feet 
and  iutcrijose.  The  stnitry  at  his  back  di'ew  fortli  from  his  coat  a 
white  bed-sheet,  and,  unfolding  it,  enveloi^ed  the  head  and  body  of  the 
Judge  to  his  knees,  and  then  gi'asped  him  about  the  waist  with  his  arms. 
Hero  was  justice  blinded  with  a  vengeance,  ntruggling  in  vain  to  be  frcr 
agamst  the  unyielding  firmness  of  those  powerful  arms.  Some  one  cried 
out,  'Don't  hurt  his  Honor,'  and  the  reply  of  the  strong  man  was,  '  I  dou't 
want  to  hurt  him,  but  I  am  bound  to  hold  him.'  The  great  crowd  njoved 
■out  of  the  hall  and  repaired  to  the  most  public  place  in  the  city.  There  u 
scantling  hud  been  i)luced  high  above  the  i)avement  with  ends  resting  in 
the  forks  of  the  shade  trees,  and  ou  this  sciantling  Judge  Lynch  held  his 
high  carnival.  A  detachment  of  the  committee  went  to  the  jail  and  tool: 
out  a  third  victim  who  was  under  trial  for  shooting  a  i)oliceman  [and  wlio. 
it  transpii'cd,  was  absent  from  the  city  at  the  time]  and  these  three  were 
suspended  side  by  side  from  the  scantling. 

When  the  ilniim>r  of  Judge  Green's  interference  seemed  to  haveimssed 
iiway  his  captor  released  him,  and  the  captive  elbowed  his  way  with  almost 
incredible  speed  through  the  dense  mass  of  people  who  filled  the  stri'i>t 
and  surrounded  the  gallows,  and  with  his  penknife  undertook  to  cut  tlie 
ropes  and  rescue  the  victims  of  the  mob.  He  was  strui-k  over  the  head 
with  a  cune  by  a  i)rominent  [masonic]  citizen,  and  auoth(U'  i)r()minent  citi- 
zen deterred  him  from  i)roceediug  further  by  the  mild  jjcrsuasive  of  a  re- 
volver at  his  head.  So  his  Honor  [the  only  anti-Mason  Judge  in  the  terri- 
tory], o2)en  like  every  i)oor  human  l)eing  to  ccuiviction  by  argument  hit.  r 
as  that,  hied  himself  in  sorrow  away,  while  the  black  crime  of  treason  and 
murder  triunii>hed  over  justice  and  law,  luid  anineflaceablestainofiiifaiiiv 
was  put  ui)on  that  community. 

We  will  now  bo  able  to  understand  the  recent  remarks  of  a  Seattle 
man,  who  makes  a  long  argument  in  favor  of  peace  and  obedience  to  law, 
earnestly  deprecates  violence  and  mob  rule  [against  masons]  and  suggestH 
that  the  scantling  ought  to  be  a  perpetual  reminder  that  Seattle  is  an  un- 
safe place  for  law  breakers.      [If  they  be  outside  of  the  gang.  ] 

Oh,  consistency,  thou  art  a  jewel ! " 


dil   l.4i«<ii< 


'^'  ^-t  \.M^ 


"For  some  Aveeks  2>i*^t  an  objectionable  class  of  persons  has  been 
flocking  into  Seattle. "  [They  lived  by  their  w  its — gambling,  stealing,  etc., 
and  those  of  them  who  were  outside  of  the  gang  were  thrri'fore.  not  toler- 
ated. There  were  many,  however,  whose  only  crime  was  thch'  jini;r/'i. 
having  already  Ijeen  shorn,  so  the  gang  had  no  further  use  for  them  :  in- 
deed, they  wer  .  now  in  their  way.  So  they  were  falsely  accused,  and  then 
driven  out  to  make  room  for  more  game.  ] 

"The  Chief  of  Police  and  his  iiftlo  :^'oriJ8  of  aids  have  done  all  tliev 
could  to  keep  this  class  within  bounds,  and  get  vid  of  them  as  rapidly  ii< 
possible.      When  arrested,  they  always  had  money  to  fee  some  shyster 


HV^ 


A  Vigilance  Commitiee. 


517 


[masonicj  lawyer,  who  would  help  them  out  and  post  them  how  to  evade 
the  law  in  future  [hke  members  of  the  gang,  but  with  them  it  is  all  right. 
And  here  is  a  sample  of  the  "  legal  fraternity  "  that  the  Ciovernor  would 
fost<'r  with  the  people's  money.  J 

Last  night,  when  one  of  the  jiersons,  who  had  been  notified  to  leave, 
openly  i)ublished  a  card  in  an  evening  paper,  saying,  "I  take  this  means 
of  stating  that  I  will  not  leave  Seattle  mo-ely  to  suit  the  pleasure  of  a  cer- 
tain individual,"  [who  had  i)erhaps  robbed  him]  forbearance  ceased  to  be 
a  virtue.  [Indeed  !J  The  Chief  of  Pohce  appointed  twenty  sjiecials  for  a 
week,  and  the  Committee  of  Safety  also  came  together  [in  the  dark]  and 
resolved  to  sustain  the  Chief  of  Police  in  whatever  he  undertook.  The 
committee  consists  of  over  two  hundred  and  fifty  [masonic  lawless]  men, 
and  who  will  carry  out  to  the  letter  anything  they  [as  secret  conspirators 
against  the  (ioverument]  undertake.  It  was  resol  /ed,  before  harsher  means 
were  adopted,  to  serve  a  notice  ui)on  all  suspicious  or  objectionable  charac- 
ters [except  masons,  etc.]  to  leave  town  on  or  before  this  evening,  with  a 
caution  not  to  return.  In  case  all  2)ei'sons  receiving  this  notice  comply,  no 
harsher  measure  will  be  used  ;  but  anyone  failing  to  comply  does  so  at  his 
peril." 

"It  has  been  nimore<l  that  a  brother  of  Payne,  who  ^\as  hung  by  the 
committee  [and  who,  it  is  lielieved,  was  htnoci'ut]  is  here,  and  has  been 
making  threats  against  the  city  and  its  [masonic]  i)eoi)Je.  To  him  we  say, 
'  Leave  this  place  as  soon  as  i)OHsible,  for  if  you  attemjjt  to  avenge  the 
hanging  [murder]  of  your  brother,  the  same  rojje  that  launched  him  into 
eternity  is  reauy  to  do  the  same  for  you,  and  never  let  that  fact  escajjo 
your  memory  for  one  moment. " 

"The  Chief  of  I'olice,  with  ten  dejuity  city  mai-shals,  took  a  walk 
throUf^h  the  8tro<'r.s  last  night,  and  notified  as  many  of  the  above  men- 
tioned ch.ar.".ccei"s  as  they  could  find  to  quit  the  town  without  delay.  The 
Chief  has  a  list  of  those  whose  presence  is  not  desired  longer  by  this  com- 
munity, and  before  noon  to-day  they  will  all  receive  notice  to  leave,  and 
well  will  it  be  for  those  who  stand  not  ujjon  the  order  of  their  going,  but 
goat  once."  [^Many  of  these  had  been  induced  to  immigrate  here  by 
llaraing  immigration  i)amphlets  of  the  gang,  and  were  now  fleeced  and 
thus  driven  out,  with  no  Ciovernor  or  troops  or  martial  law  to  protect 

them  !J  • 

»  * 

* 

"  A  letter  from  Tortland  int'oriiis  us  that  it  was  thought  over  there 
that  our  people  were  ashamed  of  their  conduct  lust  Thursday  night,  and 
that  the  news  was  accordingly  Bupi)r(>ssed.  Suppress  it !  ^Ve  were  proud 
't' tlie  town  and  its  brave  and  i^rompt  citizens  [x  vigilance  committee], 
business  was  suspended  in  a  moment,  and  every  man  stepped  out  pre- 
jiared  to  do  or  die  to  save  his  property  and  his  uev;ld)or's.  [But  for  out- 
sidei-s  to  do  thia  against  the  gang,  is  held  by  the  courts  and  Governors  to 
1)0  a  heinous  crime.] 


¥.    1 


rAH 


A  Vigilance  Committee. 


"rfi 


The  villaius  quailed  in  a  moment,  and  slunk  out  of  sight  [they  not 
liaving  a  secret  organization  and  prostituted  courts  to  protect  them]  while 
the  committee  of  safety  took  possession  of  the  town. 

The  acts  of  the  18th  of  January  were  by  no  means  taken  with  so  in- 
telligent and  determined  a  purpose.  They  worked  all  night  and  they 
hustled  off  dozens  of  the  Avorst  characters  in  toA\n  [that  were  outside  of 
the  gang]  before  breakfast.  Suj)i)ress  the  rejjorts !  It  Avas  the  general 
\\  ish  that  they  be  spread  all  over  the  country,  that  blatVklegs  [outside  of 
tlu'  gang]   might  be  confirmed  in  the  knowledge  that  Seattle  is  no  i^am 

for  them." 

*  * 


U      4. 1 


>i       II 


"The  scantling  used  in  the  hanging  of  three  bad  men  [outside  of  the 
gang]  last  January  is  still  iu  place,  ready  for  use,  and  if  cause  is  given 
other  men  will  dangle  under  it  on  short  notice.  Let  blacklegs  [outside  of 
the  gang]  take  warning." 

[It  was  and  is  the  gener  1  custom  of  the  towns  of  the  country  to  thus 
drive  out  "objectionable"  citizens,  against  Avhcjm  tlu^re  is  no  proof  of 
crime,  (and  who  are  frequently  only  fleeced  victims  of  the  gang)  and  who 
are  not  joined  to  secret  brotherhoods,  thus  having  no  inflxience  at  court. 

A.nd  Chief  Justice  Green  in  an  address  to  a  grand  jury  said  this:] 

' '  There  are  ajuong  us,  and  elscAvhere  tlwoughout  the  United  States,  ii 
variety  of  societies  and  combinations  of  jjcrsons.  But  as  persons  nuiy 
combine  for  a  lawful,  so  they  may — and  unhai)i)ily  do — for  imhiAvful  pni- 
poses.  A  combination  to  accomi)lish  an  unlawful  purpose,  or  a  lawful 
purpose  by  unlawful  means,  is  called  a  conspiracy,  and  if  it  iirocemls  u 
single  step  in  furtherance  of  its  end,  it  deserves  to  be  at  once  oppused  ctn-r- 
gctirdlh/  hy  all  irJio  lore  llii^  lair  aial  ila^i re  peace. 

The  combination  may  take  the  form  of  a  firmly  compacted  and  ciii( - 
fully  ordered  organization,  or  it  may  have  the  looser  coherence  of  a  com 
miltce,  or  a  mere  assemblage.  It  matters  not  what  form  it  may  take;  if 
the  persons  who  ec)in])Ose  it  are  combined  for  a  common  and  unlawful 
])nrpose,  and  are  acting  in  pursuance  of  that])uri)ose,  there  is  aconspiracv. 
indictable  and  punishable, 

(lovernment  is  for  all  men  iniliscriminaleli/.  A  free  government  is  no 
respecter  of  i)ersons.  It  cannot  give  to  one  class  more  lights  than  to 
others  irithoiit  <ihrit/</iii;/  the  n'i///ls  of  Uidxp  o/Jiers, 

It  cannot  allow  one  class  to  take  to  itself  more  rights  than  other  cliisscs 
Avithout  alloAving  that  class  to  o/yMVw.s  tl/asi-  others.  It  cannot  alloAv  one  diiss 
to  define  Avhat  rights  another  class  shall  h-vve,  Avithout  deserting  its  govern- 
mental trust  <///(/ (/('///vv/^/f/ orcr  AW/zc  A^/,y  (•/f^s•,s•  [or  brotherhood]  to  irrc- 
dressihle  ti/rau tii/. 

A  citizen  cannot  divifie  his  allegiance  anil  yim  it  parti ii  to  his  (/nrernwi'nf 
anil  partlu  to  some  society,  or  league,  or  committee,  whose  aims  are  in  mi'i 
particular  hostile  to  or  at  rarianee  irith  the  anthoriti/  of  the  f/orernmenl. 

Nor  can  he  be  acting  the  part  of  a  good  citizen,  if  he  is  endeavoriuf,' 


A  ViGIIANCE  CoMMrriEE. 


519 


by  combination  aiul  force'  to  accomplish  what  the  commonwealth  will  not 
lend  the  power  of  its  arm  to  him  to  do. 

Still  less  can  he  be  a  good  citizen,  if  by  like  means  he  is  trying  to  do 
what  the  government  is  pledged  to  oi)i)Ose. 

Such  conduct  on  his  ^mrt  carried  into  overt  act  of  armed  violence  of 
any  kind,  is  more  than  conspkacy,  it  is  insurrection  and  treason. 

To  attempt  to  deprive  a  man  of  his  'life'  by  force  or  fright, [or  fraud] 
is  manifestly  an  unlawful  act. 

Quite  as  manifestly  unlawful  is  it,  to  try  by  si;ch  means  to  take  away 
his  'liberty.' 

And  what  shall  I  say  of  an  attemjjt  against  his  '  jjursuit  of  happiness?' 

Is  it  not  equally  unlawful  to  restrain  him,  by  such  means,  in  that  pur- 
suit 'I  Clearly  it  is.  Veiy  essential  to  the  happiness  of  a  human  being  is 
the  liberty  to  see  and  speak  to  and  deal  with  his  fellow-men,  to  employ 
and  be  emjdoyed,  to  give  and  receive  mutual  attention  and  kindnesses, 
and  to  form  and  cultivate  the  ties  of  friendship  and  affection. 

Any  combination  to  deny  to  any  human  being  these  sources  of  happi- 
ness, or  any  of  them,  is  unlawful. 

Who  the  person  or  persons  may  be,  Avhose  life,  liberty  or  ])ursnit  of 
happiness  is  thus  interfered  with,  matters  not. 

He  may  be  a  laboring  man  or  he  may  be  an  idler;  he  may  be  rich  or 
ht^  may  be  jjooi*.     It  makes  uo  difference. 

There  [is  supposed  to  be]  one  hu\  for  all,  and  that  which  is  unlawful 
as  against  one,  is  unlawful  as  against  any. 

Ladies  and  gentlemen,  lawlessness  let  alone,  is  an  encroaching  horror. " 

[Such  was  the  custom  of  " lawlessness,"  "insurrection  "  and  "treason  " 
against  white  citizens  outside  of  the  gang,  because  they  wer(>  "objection- 
abl(^  ■'  to  another  class,  many  of  whom  were  gilded  wholesale  robbers  and 
thieves  and  a  far  greater  curse  to  good  i^eople  and  homes,  than  those  they 
would  lynch  or  drive  away. 

Yet  their  victims  had  uo  Governor,  troops  or  courts  tf)  protect  them, 
or  pr(>ss  to  howl  the  "lawless  traitors"  down. 

The  Chinese  were  also  objectionable  to  the  peoi)le.  They  were  really 
a  blisteiing  curse  against  the  prosperity  and  dignity  of  the  common  peojjle. 

John  Brown  starteel  the  fight  and  advanced  against  slavery.  He  was 
howled  down,  stigmatized  and  hung  for  it.  Others  took  up  his  fight,  and 
with  others  to  do  the  fighting,  hai)peued  to  succeed  and  were  glorified. 

Uenuis  Kerney  started  the  agitation  against  the  Chinese  and  advanced 
t;  '  cause.  He  was  howled  down,  stigmatized  and  imiirisoned  for  it  by  the 
^bisons,  who  were  against  him  and  his  cause.  But  the  people  were  with 
iiim  at  heart  and  ai)plied  their  ballots  to  the  cause. 

Seeing  this.  Masons  put  on  Kerney 's  old  shoes,  sung  Kerney 'h  war 
songs  to  the  biggest  crowd,  and  rode  into  office. 

Where  they  betrayed  and  tricked  the  people  with  Hawed  laws  and 


'  1  t  j  t\ 


520 


A  Vigilance  Committee. 


% 


'       I 


prostituted  courts  to  ])rotoet  their  brethren,    instead  of  to  r(«niove  tlie 
Chinese  curse,  us  they  wer*^  pledged  and  sworn  to  do.] 

*  » 
* 

"  Dnn;/  Thir/  Chuiiij,  tin'  hi'iidnuister  of  the  Chinese  Free  M/iHntm  and 
chief  i/  the  hi[)hhin<lers  of  lirilish  Colinnliia"  says  the  Victoria  Colonist,  "was 
l)uried  on  the  11th,  inst.,  with  all  the  ceremonies  due  his  rank,  from  the 

Masonic  hall." 

*  » 
* 

"It  seems  strange  that  the  law  makers  arc!  unable  to  frame  a  law 
wliich  will  effectually  exclude  the  Chinese.  Each  bill  that  has  been  passed 
by  C'ougress  vith  this  end  in  view,  has  proved  to  be  miserably  defei-tivc. 
No  sooner  has  Congi'ess  adjoui-ued  than  the  Chinese  and  his  [jNIasonic] 
American  friends  'discover'  innumerable  rents  in  the  law,  through  wliidi 
the  unwelcome  immigrant  can  enter  the  country  almost  without  molcsta 
tion.  The  last  anti-Chinese  law  ■was  thought  [by  outsiders]  to  be  almost 
perfect,  but  time  has  shown  that  it  is  little,  if  any,  better  than  the  futile 
enactment  which  preceded  it. 

If  a  more  effective  law  is  not  framed  before  long,  the  people  Avill  In - 
lieve  that  the  Senators  and  Representatives  are  fooling  them,  and  that  tlie 
laws  are  passed  with  the  inteuti<in  rather  of  helping  the  Chinese  in,  tlian 
keeping  them  out. " 

[The  consetiuence  of  which  was  that:]  "There  are  i>lenty  of  applica- 
tions to  labor  at  $15  per  month  for  the  next  .six  months.  No  excuse  imw 
for  hiring  Chinamen  because  they  are  cheap." 

[And  cases  like  the  following:] 

"The  Sixth  Victim. 
Death  of  Mr.  Mineer,  husband  of  the  woman  irho  burned  herself  and  chihh'en. 
E.r<ra-ordin<n'i/  sad  case  <f  pocerti/. 

Olympia,  Dec.  l{)th,  1885.  The  recent  sad  event  which  occurrcnl  iicai' 
this  i)lace  [right  under  the  Governor's  nose],  by  which  a  mother  and  In  r 
four  I'hildren  were  hurried  into  eternity,  Avas  rendered  still  more  .sad  wluii 
it  was  learned  that  the  husband,  Mr.  Mineer,  Avho  escaped  tlirongh  tlie 
window  Avith  his  little  daughter,  had  been  so  'nadly  burned  from  the  wai'-i 
down  tliat  his  death,  which  took  i)lace  the  morning  after  the  fire,  was  but 
a  relief  from  intense  suffering.  The  little  girl  may  recover,  but  it  is  doubt- 
ful, and  thus  a  whole  family  will  be  completely  annihilated  through  tlic 
insanity  of  the  poor  mother,  who  had  for  some  time  been  desijondent  over 
financial  difliculties,  under  the  severe  pressure  of  which  her  mind  ultimately 
gav(>  way. 

It  seems  the  i)oor  woman  has  for  some  timu  been  working  herself  al- 
most to  donth  to  keep  her  family  from  sutiering  and  want.  And  her  Inis- 
band,  who  has  been  engaged  in  farming  in  a  small  way,  was  unable,  owing 
to  Chiiu>se  competition,  to  make  his  business  j)ay.  Seeing  nothing  ()ef()ro 
them  but  starvation,  want,  or  the  almshouse,  the  unfortunate  [victim  ef 
Masonry],  seeing  life  itself  and  all  its  pleasures  slipping  from  her  grasji. 


-  mm 

"■I,; 


1«1 


A  Vigilance  CoMAirrrEE. 


521 


I  '  Hif ' 

,  t 
1  : 


o  r(»inove  the 


>e  Musotm  tiiiil 

iColotlisI,  "WllH 

•ank.  from  tin; 


,o  frame,  a  law 
las  bet'u  passed 
ably  defective. 
I  bis  [Masonic] 
tbrmigb  which 
itbotit  moh'stii 
■s]  to  be  almost 
•  than  the  futile 

peojjle  will  bi - 
m,  and  that  the 
'binese  in,  thiiu 

snty  of  applica- 
No  excuse  now 


I'lf  (tad  cliihh-i'ii. 

•b  occnrreil  neuv 
inotber  and  In  r 

more  sad  when 
ked  through  the 
[l  from  tli(>  wai-i 
the  tire,  was  biit 

but  it  is  doiibt- 
|ed  through  the 
llespondent  ovcv 
I  miud  ultimately 

irking  herself  al- 
And  her  hus- 

XH  uuable,  owing 
L  nothing  lieforo 
[unate  [victim  of 

from  her  grasi', 


i  i  111 


conceived  the  idea  that  by  destroying  the  entire  family  with  a  blow,  she 
would  save  them  from  a  more  wretched  fate.  Having  made  every  pre- 
paration for  the  sad  event,  after  saturating  the  house  with  coal  oil,  she 
finally  concluded  the  dreadful  work  by  throwing  the  Kerosene  over  her 
husband's  clothes,  thus  destroying  every  chance  of  saving  him  fron\  a  fiery 
death.  But  little  of  the  remains  of  the  children  could  be  found  after  the 
fire,  and  the  woman's  head  was  completely  consumed." 

* 

"The  country  is  overrun  with  idle  men  in  search  of  work,  but  few 
succeed  in  obtaining  jobs,  and  they  do  not  know  what  to  do.  Home  re- 
ceive employment  at  a  dollar  a  day;  others  wander  over  the  country,  pack- 
ing their  blankets  and  asking  for  something  to  eat  when  hungry,  as  they 
move  along.  Be  kind  to  such  men,  for  they  are  not  professional  tramps, 
but  poor,  deluded  laborers,  who  came  a  great  distance  to  seek  honest  toil, 
but  found  it  not. 

How  cheerless  such  men's  prospects  !" 

[The  "kindness"  accorded  such  as  those  was  to  be  stigmatized  as 
"vagrants,"  Arc,  kc,  and  imi)risoned  and  ilriren  out,  because  they  had  no 
unshorn  fleece  and  were,  therefore,  " susincioiis "  and  "objectionable  " 
i'haractei.3  to  other  men  who  had  been  thrown  up  by  accident  or  raist^d  by 
tlieir  own  villainy,  and  who  should  tremble  because  of  their  undivulged 
crimes,  unwhipped  of  justice.  Yet,  such  as  the  following  article  could  be 
seen  in  the  press  mo.st  any  day.] 

"There  were  large  numbers  of  aiTests,  and  the  'cooler'  was  ,  rowded 
to  its  utmost  capacity.  With  one  or  two  exceptions  vagrancy  was  tin'  c/inri/i: 
and  the  parties  will  be  sitmmarily  sent  out  of  tin'  city  and  warned  not  to  n-- 
t>tni." 

[And  there  was  no  Governor,  no  troops,  no  courts,  no  j)rotection 
wlnitever  for  these  victims,  many  of  wln)m  "could  a  tale  unfold  wliose 
lislitest  word  would  harrow  \ip  thy  soul."] 

"I  am,"  says  the  writer,  "a  laboring  nnm,  and  have  hard  work  to 
make  a  living  for  a  family,  and  if  the  spirit  of  oppression  that  is  contiuu- 
iilly  growing  does  not  stop,  our  condition  will  soon  be  wor.se  than  that  of 
tlie  laboring  men  of  England.  Numerous  cases  have  come  up  lately  in 
tliis  community,  where  honest  laboring  men  have!  been  swindled  out  of 
tlieir  Avages  and  turned  out  upon  the  road  to  tramp,  beg  or  steal."  [Tlien* 
lieing  no  Governor,  no  troops,  no  courts,  in)  pi'otectiou  whatever  for  thi'm, 
in  person  or  property.] 

"They  [the  Masons]  had  no  ear  for  anything  but  money  !  money  ! 
liiouey  !    It  was  madness  to  urge  morality— it  was  ruin  to  speak  of  law." 

*  * 


"  The  Seattle  delinquent  tax  list  is  l;3  fe(>t  long.     Poor  Seatth- 
liast  thou  done  ?  "     [Suffered  nnuubers  of  the  gang  to  hohl  otHce.  J 


wliat 


f! 


ii 


i 


CHAPTER  XXX. 


11      ! 


U-- 


h>,  m 


I  I 


The  Taijtakic  Masonic  Horde  vs.  Amebic  an  Citizens. — The  anti-Chinose 
C!out>ress,  etc.,  etc. — (How  to  read  newspapers  intelligently.) 

"A  Crisis!" 

1  O  the  thinking  man — oven  to  the  man  who  does  not  think — it  is  evi- 
dent that  we  are  upon  a  momeutons  ciisis.  Never  in  the  history  of  Pugct 
Sound  has  there  boon  a  time  when  it  was  more  clearly  the  duty  of  thu 
calm  to  remain  calm,  of  the  law-abiding  to  maintain  their  resi)ect  for  law,  of 
the  passionate  to  hold  their  i)assions  in  restraint.  The  air  is  full  of 
rumors,  and  they  all  mean  that  the  jjeople  vdU  soon  have  to  solve  for 
themselves  a  most  important  problem. 

Our  towns  are  full  of  idle  men,  of  men  who  are  willing  and  anxious  to 
■work  at  ai  wages,  however  low.  All  they  demand  is  a  bare  living  for 
themselves  and  families.     This  they  must  have." 

[The  Chinese  and  American  masons  in  conjunction  had  prostituted 
the  Government  and  courts,  so  as  to  uulUfy  the  laws  excluding  the  Chiucsc 
from  the  coimtry;  this  so  inHamed  the  people,  many  of  whom  were  in  sore 
distress  on  account  of  the  same,  that  they  determined  to  rectify  such  iu- 
triguing  deeds  of  darkness,  and  virtually  enfoi'ce  the  laws  against  them. 

It  being  customary  to  kill,  rob  and  diive  out  jjoor  American  citizens 
■with  impunity,  though  being  lawfully  where  they  were,  only  beca'aso 
they  were  "obje(;tionable,"  Avhy  then  should  these  objectionable 
masons,  who  de.spise  and  discard  and  i)rostitute  our  Government,  sot  v.\) 
one  of  their  own  in  our  very  midst — lurking  in  the  dark — to  which  they 
owe  their  allegiance;  are  here  in  violation  of  law,  without  honesty  or 
virtue,  a  swarm  of  masonic  vermin  ovor-croei)ing  the  land,  gaining  by 
intrigue  and  masonry  what  their  ancestors  did  over  the  Koman  Empire  by 
force  of  arms.  Why  then  should  they  have  any  more  influence,  power 
and  protection,  with  and  from  our  Government,  than  full-fledged  Ameri- 
can citizens  ?] 

"The  Anti-Chin esk  Congress 

assembled  at  Seattle  to  consider  the  best  method  to  rid  the  Puget  Souml 
country  of  the  Chinese  curse.  There  was  a  very  large  attendance, 
nearly  all  principal  points  on  the  Sound  being  fully  reijresented. 

Mayor  Woisbac^k,  of  Tacoma,  Mas  chosen  Chairman.  Ho  consider<>(l 
the  (luestion  as  of  the  highest  importance  to  the  whole  nation  as  well  as 
to  this  section.  There  has  been  nothing  since  the  war  so  impoitiint. 
These  Chinamen  are  not  here  under  authority  of  law.  When  the  laws 
fail  to  afford  the  people  i)rotection,  the  people  are  in  duty  bound  to 
l)rotect  themselves.  The  people,  when  united,  can  accomplish  wond(>rs. 
We  started  in  six  months  ago,  at  Tacoma,  to  fight  the  Chinamen.  Wo 
legislated  against  them  in  our  city  council,  but  [their  brethren]  of  San 

iW2) 


f.. 


1  'fl^ 


Che  anti-Cliiue«e 
;ently.) 


think— it  is  cvi- 
hiatory  of  Pugct 
the  duty  of  the 
espect  for  Uuv,  of 
le  air  is  full  of 
lave  to  solve  for 

ig  anil  anxious  to 
1  bare  living  for 

Q  had  prostitutod 
uding  the  Chinese 
yhom  were  in  sore 
)  rectify  such  iu- 
^'s  against  thcni. 
American  citiziMW 
■re,    only   becauso 
se    objectioualile 
vernment,  sot  up 
>k_to  which  thev 
thout  honesty  or 
land,   gaining  hy 
Roman  Empire  hy 
influence,  power 
kll-fledged  Amori- 


the  Puget  Souiul 
I  large  attcndanee, 
^•esented. 

He  considered 

I  nation  as  well  as 

lar    so  important. 

When   the  laws 

In  duty   bound  to 

jompUsh  wond(>rs. 

Chinamen.     AVo 

brethren]  of  Ktm 


The  Taktauic  Horde. 


523 


Francisco  have  emi)loyed  [masonic]  lawyers  to  break  down  my  Govern- 
iiu'iit  and  declare  our  ordinances  void.  We  went  to  those  [masons]  who 
rent  houses  to  them  and  tried  to  get  them  to  covenant  with  us  that  thoy 
would  not  rent  or  lease  to  Chinamen,  but  they  refuse  to  sign.  You  curse 
the  Chinamen  for  coming  here.  They  are  not  to  blame.  You  ouglit  to 
take  the  men  who  brought  them  here  by  the  neck  and  choke  them.  In 
this  crusade  you  have  the  united  caiutal  [masons]  of  the  coast  against  you 
— a  hard  fight.  I  have  been  engaged  in  the  work  for  years;  chains  and 
prisons  have  been  my  portion,  but  I  believe  there  is  an  eternal  justice." 

"Dr.  Taylor  referred  to  the  insults  heaped  iiiiou  the  working 
people  by  [masonic]  cai^ital,  and  to  the  hardships  endured  by  jjoor 
laboring  women  on  account  of  Chinese  competition.  Ho  advocated 
boycotting  all  who  emijloyed  Chinamen." 

"Mr.  Magill  said,  vixen  he  left  Tacoma,  his  constituents  had  told 
him  that  if  any  of  their  delegates  became  weak-kneed,  or  faltered,  to 
telegraph  the  fact,  and  they  would  never  be  allowed  to  land." 

"  G.  Venerable  Smith  spoke  of  the  anti-Chinese  crusade  in  California, 
and  the  obstacles  which  had  been  thrown  in  the  way  of  any  legal  measures 
owmg  to  the  interpretation  by  the  [masonic]  courts  and  the  [masonic] 
lawyers." 

"  Tiie  committee  presented,  and  the  meeting  unanimously  adojited 
the  following  : 

I'n^mnhli'  mxl  Hanoi iilinns. 

"The  citizens  of  Western  Washington  Territory  in  convention  assem 
bled,  for  the  imrposo  of  devising, ways  and  mi>ans  to  lid  our  Territory  from 
the  presence  of  the  Chinese,  declare  the  following  princi])les  and  resolu- 
tions as  our  own  sentiments  : 

"It  is  the  duty  of  our  citizens  to  organize  themselves  for  the  expul- 
sion of  and  protection  against  the  invasion  and  the  presence  of  elements 
foreign  to  the  principles  of  the  laws  of  existence,  of  self -protection,  of 
unitnal  good  government  and  its  aims  and  results,  our  individual  and  col- 
lective welfare  and  haiipiness. 

"  Life's  highest  gain  is  individual  hapi)iness,  the  duty  of  true  iiiid 
just  government,  is  to  jn'omote  the  same,  to  create,  dis2)ense  and  promote 
the  greatest  good  to  the  greatest  nur'ber.  Where  governments  are  formed 
thoy  are  and  ought  to  be  a  mutuui  i  uulract  for  equal  rights,  ecpial  burdens 
and  equal  justice  to  all,  thereby  promoting  the  welfare  and  happin«!ss  of 
uU  its  members.  No  government  "an  be  just  where  elements  are  permitted 
to  exist,  which,  by  their  nature,  are  not  fully  res2ionsible  to  all  duties  of 
citizenshij),  and  whose  i)roductions  flow  not  in  a  collective  fund  to  enrich 
the  commonwealth  with  their  ])roductiveness,  and  assist  tlu!  same  with 
their  full,  true,  and  loyal  support.  The  principles  are  most  gros.sly  vio- 
lated when  elements  are  introduced  in  the  body  politii^  which,  while  they 
share  the  full  rights,  benefits  and  i)rotection  of  the  go^•ernment  with 
tlie  rest  of  the  citizens,  are  [as  mason^]  not  in  sym])atliy  and  accord  with 


Li 


'*.i    i 


?.    ■ 


<  I 


ill 


t  i 


I  i 


',ll* 


W^M 


ill"!!  4     i 


' ) 


^.1 


'A  t  tl!  I-J 

I  I*  Mi''   4- 

lis  j       (  »       ,    i 


524 


A  Crisis. 


the  same.  They  become  factors  iu  our  iustitutious,  coudiictive  of  coudi- 
tions  which  are  positively  and  absolutely  in  every  respect  in  direct  oi)i)(p- 
sition  with  every  principle  of  trne  Republican  Democratic  Government, 
are  iu  opposition  with  every  law  of  i)olitical  economy,  and  are  oiipoaed  td 
our  homes,  families,  health,  decency  and  morality. 

"Resolved,  That  the  present  excited  state  of  the  i)eoijle  on  this  coast, 
and  the  depressed  conditions  of  industries  and  commerce,  are  due  to  and 
directly  traceable  to  the  persistent  refusal  of  Congress  to  legislate  in  the 
interi'sts  of  the  people. 

' '  Resolved,  That  it  is  our  hrm  and  steadfast  resolution  to  rid  our  Terri- 
tory, and  if  possible  the  United  States,  from  the  presence  of  Chinese  slave 
labor. 

"  Resolveil,  That  to  accomplish  this  end  we  ask  all  citizens  to  dischar^'e 
all  Chinese  in  their  emi)loy. 

"Resolved,  That  on  the  return  of  the  delegates  to  their  respective 
localities,  they  shall  call  mass  meetings,  to  be  held  October  3,  1885,  for 
the  pm'i>ose  of  aiJi)ointing  committt  3s  to  notify  the  Chinese  to  leave  on  or 
before  November  1,  1885.  [White  American  citizens  were  generally  given 
•  only  a  few  hours  or  even  minutes.]  These  delegates  shall  call  mass  nutt- 
ings of  the  citizens  to  hear  the  reports  of  said  committee  on  November  (i. 
1885." 

* 

"Seattle,  October  16th,  1885. 

M.'.  Editor ;— We,  the  citizens  of  Seattle,  wish  to  get  a  hearing  iu 
some  way  in  reference  to  the  Chinese  question,  as  it  is  impossible  to  do  h(i  in 
the  palmers  published  in  Seattle,  they  being  published  in  the  interests  of  a 
few  wealthy  [masons]  Avho  have  houses  and  gardens  to  rent  to  Chinaniou. 
There  are  probably  not  more  than  fifty  pei'sons  in  Seattle  (of  7,000  or 
8,000  inhabitants]  who  wish  the  Chinese  to  remain  here  and  on  the  Sound. 
Those  fifty  are  [masons]  who  have  shanties  and  gardens  to  rent  to  China- 
men. 

Every  meeting  held  and  every  speech  made  by  the  Anti-Chinese 
people  hero  is  ridiculed  and  called  incendiary  and  the  like  by  the  papers 
of  Seattle. 

I  ask  if  we  are  not  all  united  in  the  desire  to  be  rid  of  the  Chinanion  ? 
I  ask  if  a  few  aristocrats  and  lovers  [masonic  brothers]  of  Chinamen  are 
going  to  dictate  to  the  people  what  they  shall  do  ?  As  this  movement  is 
for  the  universal  good  of  the  people,  I  ask  why  not  all  join  in  the  good 
work?  H.  B.  Kidder." 


izenH  todiscbaiL'e 


CHAPTER   XXXI. 

"Anti-Chinese." — "A  i/rvnt  <li'inonslratio7i." — The  larf/est  torch-liijlil pro- 
cession eri'v  saen  hi  the  Territorii. — An  enlhusiaslic  mcetinij. — Speeches 
and  liesaliilintis. — (How  to  read  the  press  "botAveen  the  Hues.") 


I .  J.  KNOFF  was  elected  secretary  and  Mrs.  Ivonworthy  vice-prosidout. 
The  lady  said:  "I  thauk  you  for  the  honor  aud  hope  I  shall  never  disgrace 
the  positiou.  I  shall  always  stand  by  the  workiugman.  Abraham  Lincoln 
said,  '  Keep  near  the  workiugman,  aud  you  will  always  be  right. ' 

J.  A.  Comerford  said:  'When  I  look  about  at  this  vast  concourse  of 
people  which,  by  the  j)ermis.sion  of  Governor  [Maaou]  and  the  deputy 
sheriffs,  have  met  together,  when  I  see  such  an  array  of  ladies  aud  gtMitlc- 
uien  and  hear  the  generous  applause,  I  realize  that  this  is  more  than  uu 
ordinary  occasion.  In  the  dispatchi's  we  road,  your  dude  milk  and 
water  Governor  said,  '  the  better  class  of  jx'ojjle  were  in  favor  of  the  Chinese 
remaining.'  I  ask  the  Governor  by  what  standard  ho  judges  this  i)eoi)le. 
Fll  fell  Governor  [Mttson]  thnt  he  lies  from  his  teeth  to  his  heart,  wheti  he  calls 
the  [i[aso)iic\  thieves  ivlio  stole  our  timber  and  coal  lands  the  better  class  of 
our  citizens.  There  has  not  even  becu  a  queue  on  one  of  their  heads  twist- 
ed, and  yet  Governor  [Mason]  talks  of  quartering  troops  in  our  midst.  If 
I  should  meet  a  uuin  with  a  musket  standing  around,  to  keep  my  con- 
scieuce,  I  would  kill  him,  if  my  steel  would  reach  his  heart.  In  Tacoma 
we  had  800  Chinamen.  We  told  them  to  go.  We  now  have  about  100, 
who  would  go  but  for  a  gagging  [Masonic]  corjioration,  which  tells  them 
to  stay. 

Tho  two  i)er  cent,  sharps  who  have  robbed  the  i)eoi}le  of  their  coal 
aud  timber  lands,  will  learn  to  their  sorrow  that  this  is  not  riot,  but  a  re- 
voluticm.  Laws  never  enforce  themselves.  I'll  tell  Governor  [Mason],  if 
he  is  honest  he  will  arm  his  dei)uties  aud  make  a  coast  guard  to  keep  the 
Chinamen  out.  We  have  no  dei)uties  in  Tacoma;  the  man  who  woidd  ac- 
cept such  a  positiou  would  be  a  marked  man.' 

P.  P.  Good  said:  '  I  would  lik(!  to  know,  if  I  am  one  who  does  not  be- 
long to  the  resjK'ctalilc  citizens  (if  WnsliiiKjton  Tcrritori/.  I  would  like  to 
knew  if  Governor  [Mason]  could  get  as  large  a  class  of  followers  as  we 
have  to-night ' 

The  following  resolutions  were  read  and  adapted: 

'  The  Chinese  bring  with  them  habits  and  customs  the  most  vicious 
and  demoralizing.  They  [like  their  American  brethren]  ai-e  scornful  of 
our  laws  and  institutions.  They  [like  other  Masons]  have  their  own  gov- 
ernments, tribunals  and  punishmetits  within  our  own,  securely  separated 
and  protected  from  our  own,  as  if  in  the  mterior  of  China,  and  are  utterly 

(5'J5i 


;  ,1 


526 


A  Great  Demonstuation. 


:i|i:'s| 


unfitted  for  American  citizenship.  They  creep  in  by  frand,  evasion  and 
ciinniug.  In  vain  have  the  pooi)le  protested,  mnrmtired  and  compLiiiicd 
of  the  weakness  of  the  treaty,  the  hiws  and  the  efforts  to  cxchulo  them. 
In  vain  have  they  cried  against  this  calamitous,  this  liumiliatiug  evil. 
Therefore,  revoked,  that  to  save  oui'selves  from  this  bhghting  e\-il,  it  is 
necessary  that  more  prompt  and  vigorous  measures  than  have  heretol'dii! 
lioeu  exorcis(!d,  shouhl  be  used.  That  i)ublic  sentiment,  liaving  lost  faitli 
in  all  other  nuithods,  is  aroused  to  the  firm  determination  of  using  its 
own  forces  and  the  social  influences  under  its  control  to  that  end;  and  li>'- 
lieviug  that  when  the  ])urpose  of  ii  free  i)eople  is  formed,  and  inteusilicd 
by  disai)2)oiutment  and  betrayals  in  its  reliance  upon  usual  methods,  iiiid 
in  the  face  of  great  danger  and  humiliation,  as  in  the  present  case,  tluit 
such  a  imblio  sentiment  is  irresistible,  and  that,  if  wisely  directed  ami 
shaped  by  agitation,  organization  and  discussion,  it  will  manifest  and  en- 
force the  highest  expression  of  law  by  a  free  iH'Oi)le,  to  the  laudable  end 
of  excluding  the  Mongolian  curse  from  the  land.' " 

[At  a  subseciuent  big  meeting  the  following  was  read  and  adopted:] 

"  Wlicreas,  about  four  years  ago,  certain  of  our  leading  citizens,  busi- 
ness men  and  others,  forcibly  took  from  the  officers  of  the  law  and  from 
the  county  jail  three  per.sons  charged  with  crime  and,  without  trial  and 
against  law,  sumnuuily  executed  them,  and,  according  to  the  letter  of  i\w 
law,  said  citiztms,  business  men  and  other  persons  committed  delibenite 
and  jiremeditatod  murder,  and  set  at  defiance  the  law  of  the  land;  and 

WJii'rcds,  such  acts  have  gone  without  prosecution,  and  althongh 
sev^eral  Grand  Juries  were  expressly  instructed  to  find  indictments  against 
the  guilty  i)arties  in  such  acts  of  murder,  no  indictment  was  ever  found 
thereon,  although  there  had  been  no  such  laxity  in  the  administration  of 
justice  that  should  then  justify  such  extreme  measures  under  the  excuse 
of  a  last  resort,  but  not  now  Avishmg  to  palliate  the  nt>cessity  or  justici;  of 
such  acts  on  the  part  of  those  who  thus  took  the  law  in  their  own  hands, 
we  are  opposed  to  mttkhigjish  of  one  set  of  citizens  and  fowl  of  another. 

Resolved,  that  the  citizens  of  Tacoma,  who  removed  the  Chineoe  fioni 
their  city  by  force,  which  was  chf.acterized  by  no  violence  or  uncivili/.rd 
act,  Avere  moved  by  a  gi-eater  i)ublic  necessity  and  public  indignation  tbiin 
sustained  the  people  of  Seattle  in  taking  the  lives  of  their  victims,  and 
that  said  latter  necessity  and  ijublic  indignation  was  founded  more  in  the 
laxity  of  the  administration  of  the  law,  the  otherwise  irremediable  public 
injuries  of  a  Avorse  character  than  Avas  charged  against  the  Seattle  victims, 
as  being  or  leading  to  multiplication  of  such  acts  so  charged,  and  after  the 
people  of  Tacoma,  in  common  Avitli  others  throughout  the  coast,  have  been 
more  forbearing  under  greater  Avrongs  and  oppressions  of  long  sufl'eriug, 
by  the  neglect  of  the  Government  and  its  non-protection  of  its  own  citizens, 
without  other  hope  of  relief. 

Resolved,  that  it  is  the  almost  unanimous  opinion  of  public  sentiment 
on  the  Pacific  Coast,  Avhere  the  facts  and  circumstances  ai*e  known  and 


1 


A  Great  Demonstration. 


527 


1(1,  evasion  iind 
111  compliiiiicil 
exclutio  the  111. 
imiliatiug  evil. 
itiug  e\i],  it  is 
lave  heretofoi'i! 
aving  lost  faith 
)n  of  using  its 
it  end;  and  1m'- 
aud  inten.sitii'd 
il  methods,  and 
eseut  case,  tliut 
[y  directed  and 
anifest  and  eu- 
16  laudable  end 

lud  adopted :  j 
g  citizens,  bnsi- 
le  law  and  from 
itlioiit  trial  aiul 
the  letter  of  the 
lifted  delilxnate 
le  land ;  and 
and    although 
ctnieuts  against 
■was  ever  found 
llininistratiou  of 
der  the  excuse 
ty  or  justicti  of 
cir  own  hands, 
\(if  another. 
lie  Chinpso  fiom 
or  uncivilizt  d 
dignatiou  than 
[eir  victims,  aiul 
ed  more  in  the 
ediable  public 
Seattle  victims, 
d,  and  after  the 
oast,  have  been 
long  sufl'eriug, 
its  own  citizens, 


understood,  that  the  citizens  of  Tacoma  who  are  indiitted  for  removing  the 
Chinese  from  that  city,  have  elfccted  great  i)ubli(!  good  in  thi!  only  elTcct- 
ual  manner;  we,  in  common  with  the  mass  of  citizens  on  tins  coast,  believe 
tliat  the  prt)secution  of  said  iii<lu'tments  will  ert'cct  no  good  ~ -wouhl  bo  an 
injustice  to  tho  defendants,  whilst  tlic  Seiittlo  lyncliors  go  unpi'osecutcd, 
and  we,  therefore,  request  that  either  suits  for  indictments  lie  disnusscd, 
or  with  such  jjroposcd  ])ros(H'ution  the  Scuttle  lynchers  be  also  prose(uit<'il. 
so  that  justice  irithaiit  discriiniiiatiou  irill  lie  meted  out  hi/  theao-caUed  impartial 
ailmiiiistrafur  o/ justice  under  afree  gorertimod. 

Remlved  further,  that  the  United  States  attorney  should  wash  his 
liands  of  the  charges  against  him  in  taking  part  in  tlie  execution  of  the 
thn^e  men  in  Seattle,  before  he  undertakes  to  jjrosecute  tin*  Tacoma 
citizens." 

"  ;l/;".s.  M.  A.  Kenworthii  [among  others]  was  called.  She  was  truly 
surprised  when  elected  on  the  committee,  but  never  desired  to  stand  back 
when  duty  to  her  country  demanded  her  scr^•ices. 

'  I  fear  these  Chinamen  will  be  prott>cted  by  men  and  cause  inucli 
trouble.  This  is  a  serious  matter  and  cannot  be  accomplished  in  a  day. 
These  Chinese  are  in  our  families,  they  take  the  work  from  our  girls.  Did 
you  ever  read  the  appeal  of  tho  working  women  of  San  Francisco,  and 
hear  the  jn'ayers  of  tho  poor,  star\-ing  creatures  who  are  trying  to  work  at 
Chinamen's  Avagcs  and  suppoi't  their  families  ?  Do  you  wonder  that  these 
women  are  driv(>n  to  desi)eration  and  ruin  ?  I  would  do  anything  on 
earth,  before  T  would  see  my  children  starve.  I  would  take  my  pistol  and 
shoot  my  way  tlirough. '" 


'   •  I 


ii* 


■  -li  > 


"■'■  t 


iblic  sentiment 
ire  ^nown  and 


vHl' '' 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 

The  Tacoma  TROUBLE  rtw/  EXODUH. — "  Striiii/ht/t)rir(tyd  sfuti^n'^nt  sifj>icil  hi/ 
prominent  citizen^.'" — [Which  will  apply  as  well  to  the  oxoiluH  of  ihe 
Chiuosc  lit  Seattle.  ] 

1 NASMUCH  as  many,  actiug  ou  misiuf ormatiou  or  actuated  by  malc- 
voleuiH*,  have  taken  it  in  hand  to  assiduously  niisr('i)roseut  the  facts  con- 
cciuiny  the  exodus  of  the  Chinese  from  Taeoma,  on  the  55d  of  November, 
lH8r>,  it  IS  deemed  advisable  to  i)lace  the  facts  as  they  exist  b(!fore  the 
pid)lii'.  There  was  no  insurrection,  no  mob  seized  the  reins  of  govern- 
ment or  attempted  to  control  the  administration  f)f  the  law,  there  was 
no  violence  off'ta'ed  to  the  person,  or  dama  ;  done  to  the  property  of  a 
single  Chinamen,  the  people  did  not  force  open  the  doors  or  seize  upou 
or  destroy  the  effects  of  the  Chinamen,  there  was  not  a  club,  ax,  knuv , 
gun,  pistol  or  Aveapon  seen  or  known  to  have  been  in  the  possession  of 
any  of  the  parties  who  waited  upcm  the  Chinamen,  their  goods  wcic 
not  thrown  into  the  street,  they  were;  not  driven  out  to  an  02)en  i)rairio, 
or  left  without  shelter,  there  was  not  a  Chinaman  that  died  or  that  was 
struck,  not  a  single  drop  of  Chinese  blood  was  shed,  not  a  single  China- 
man could  show  a  bruise  receivt  d  from  a  wliite  nuxn There  was 

no  uois  or  excitement;  no  harsh  or  cru(H  ti  atraent  was  manifested 
toward  the  intruding  i)eo])le.  Many  of  ti.  mm  '  ado  their  acquiiiutanc^es 
on  the  committee  and  in  the  crowd  a  friendly  good-bye.  So  quiet  was 
it  that  many  of  the  citizens  did  not  know  of  the  exodus  until  they  read 
of  it  in  the  city  papers.  During  the  day  there  was  but  one  man  seen 
that  was  under  the  influence  of  liquor,  and  he  was  closely  guarded. 

On  the  morning  of  November  3d,  the  citizens  assembled,  organized 
themselves  into  a  committee  and  started  for  the  various  Chinese  dens, 
whore  the  Committee  of  Fifteen,  formally  aiijjointed  by  the  pubUc,  aj)- 
peared  ami  notified  the  inmates  thereof  that  the  time  allotted  for  their 
departure  had  arrived,  and  that  the  committee  would  aid  them  if  they 
wished  to  leave  the  city.  The  Chinamen,  with  few  excei)tions,  began  im- 
mediately to  pack  their  goods.  A  guard  was  i)laced  over  their  places  to 
see  that  no  one  molested  them  To  •i'<  were  furnished  them  without  cost, 
and  their  goods  were  ti  tusj)'  ;ed  to  ine  nearest  depot  outside  of  the  city. 
A  committee  of  citi  >"U  with  them  and  procurtnl  shelter  for  them  for 

the  night.     Food  ii  lance  was  sen    to  them  by  the  citizens.     Every 

kindness  that  the  ci.  ustance^  would  permit  of  was  shown  them  by  all, 
The  social  necessity  til  a  reqir  -d  their  de2)arture  Avas  not  allowed  to  in- 
terfere with  the  dictates  of  h  manity.  To  OA-ery  Chinaman  Avhose  business 
Avas  such  that  he  C(mld  not  go,  time  Avas  giA'en.  To  those  to  Avhom  any  one 
Avas  indebted,  every  assistance  that  Avas  possible  Ava.';  r;iven,  to  collector  get 
their  at^counts  secured.     Some  live  Aveeks  preA'ious  to  their  departure,  a 


m\ 


The  Tacoma  ExoDua 


529 


mient  sifjnrd  h,/ 
exoiluH  <.n  ilif 


lUited  by  malc- 
tho  facts  cou- 
l  of  NovcuiVier, 
xiHt  Ixiforo  the 
eiiis   of  goveru- 
law,  tlieio  wuH 
e  ijvoperty  of  a 
V8  or  seize  upou 
ehil),  ax,  kiiiK., 
ho  possession  (if 
hi'ir  goods  wcnc 
au  opeu  pvaivif. 
died  or  that  a\  iis 
)t  a  single  Chiua- 

There  was 

t  was  manifested 
■ir  acquaintances 
e.     So  quiet  was 
|s  until  they  read 
^it  one  man  seen 
isely  guarded. 
Iiubled,  organized 
|iis  Chinese  dens, 
the  public,  ap- 
illotted  for  their 
[aid  them  if  they 
)tions,  began  ini- 
)r  their  places  to 
liem  without  cost, 
jtside  of  the  city. 
slter  for  them  for 
citizens.     Every 
iwn  them  by  all, 
it  allowed  to  in- 
|,u  whose  business 
[to  Avhom  any  one 
,,  to  collect  or  get 
[heir  departure,  a 


peaceable  solution  of  the  question  was  sought,  and  agreement  was  made  to 
pay  the  Chinamen  for  their  immovables.  They  agreed  to  accept  82,500 
and  d<  part,  but  when  the  final  arrangements  were  being  completed,  they 
took  a  sudden  change  and  refused  to  negotiate  further,  saying,  that  if 
their  property  was  destroyed  they  could  get  damages  from  the  United 
States  Gov>  rument." 

[And  I  noticed  that  September  2-t,  1888,  a  ma.souic  senator  "  offered 
an  amendment  api)roi)riating  $270,000. '  for  indemnity  for  outrages  on 
Chinese  in  the  Territories;  agreiid  to,  the  bill  was  then  i)assed. " 

But  the  outraged  white  citizens  have  no  recourse  ;  their  "  truth  and 
justice  is  buried,  and  fraud  and  guile  succeed.  "J 

"  The  Chinese  houses  in  Tacoma  were  all  the  abodes  of  social  sins, 
ojuum  dens  and  gambling  holes.  The  burnt  district  consisted  of  a  scant 
Imlf  acre  on  the  tide  flats.  In  this  small  space,  in  low,  comjiact  huts,  with 
secret  passage-ways  in  every  direction,  lived  over  400  Chinamen, 
with  fifty-two  hogs,  and  chickens  and  ducks  unnumbered.  Here  were 
stores,  washhouses  and  restaurants  ;  here  were  many  women,  and  only  one 
of  whom  had  the  dignity  of  being  a  Avife,  The  origin  of  the  fire  in  China- 
town is  unknown.  Chinamen  stated  to  vai'ious  jiersons  that  they  did  not 
care  for  their  i)roperty,  for  if  it  was  destroyed  the  [masonic]  Chinese 
Consul  at  Washington  would  make  the  Government  pay  them  for  it.  That 
the  United  States  Government  would  reimburse  them  for  whatever  was 
lo.st  was  a  universal  belief  among  them.  The  fire  occurred  two  days  sub- 
sequent to  their  dei)arture.  Their  goods  and  effects  were  nearly  all  gone; 
the  remnants  were  ready  to  leave  on  the  morning  train.  The  old  shells 
and  dens  were  not  worth  $1,000,  and  the  place  where  they  stood  was  held 
on  sufferance.  The  health  officer  had  inspected  the  place  and  'jronouuced 
it  the  ATilest  spot  he  had  ever  examined  used  as  a  human  habitation. 

The  parties  indicted  are  all  men  of  i)roperty,  cliaracter,  and  social 
worth.  Of  them  three  are  merchants,  three  journalists,  two  retail  butchers, 
six  carpenters  and  builders,  three  blacksmiths,  one  draughtsman,  two 
plumbers,  one  photograjiher,  one  brickmason,  one  shoe  manufacturer,  one 
farmer,  one  moulder,  one  boat  builder,  one  civil  engineer,  and  one  lawyer. 
They  include  the  Mayor  of  Tacoma,  two  of  the  city  council,  the  Probate 
Judge  of  Pierce  county,  the  Chief  of  the  Fire  Depaiiment,  and  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association.  All  but  two  have  families, 
and  represent  sixty-four  children  and  eleven  grandchildren.  All  of  them 
are  citizens,  sixteen  native-bom.  Eleven  ser>?d  in  the  United  States 
army  during  the  late  war.  These  men  simply  canied  out  the  wishes  cf 
uine-tenths  of  the  people  of  Tacoma. 

[No  Chinese  have  since  resided  in  Tacoma,  which  would  have  been 
the  case  with  Seattle  and  the  other  jjlaces,  but  for  the  discrimination  in 
favor  of  the  Clunese  over  native  citizens  by  maoonic  officials — their  breth- 
ren. 


Let  no  such  men  be  trusted.  ] 
34 


■II   i 


UL^M 

1 

rf'i  ■ 


a  .{j    I     ,4 


X 


1  VI 


r  rr 


CHAPTER   XXXIII. 

iSifory  of  the  Captain  of  the  Queen  an  to  the  Seattle  exodus. — .97  Ghinmnen  in 
court.—"  The  Government  is  strung  and  will  protect  the  Masons." 

i  HE  captain  said,  that  "the  first  intimation  he  had  of  any  disorder  in 
Seattle  was  abont  7  o'clock  on  Sunday  morning,  -when  wagons  and  carts 
and  everything  that  would  carrj' freight  came  rumbUng  down  to  the  wharf, 
accompanied  by  a  few  Chinese  attendants,  and  at  once  proceeded  to  un- 
load. Soon  after  the  Captain  started  up-town,  and  on  liis  way  met  a  large 
crowd  of  citizens,  who  accosted  liim  with  the  remark  that  '  the  Chinese 
must  go,  and  on  his  steamer,  too.' 

At  that  time  the  uprising  element  comprised  at  least  3000  peo^jle,  and 
the  entire  city  seemed  to  be  subject  to  their  control.  There  were  no  threats 
to  speak  of,  nor  tendency  toward  mob  violence — simply  a  determined  tip- 
rising  that  might  result  in  something  serious,  if  its  purpose  was  impeded. 

That  it  was  the  general  desire  of  the  citizens  of  Seattle,  that  the 
Cliinese  should  go,  and  that  the  entire  city  was  in  sympathy  with  the  up- 
rising was  apparent  from  the  fact  that  as  soon  as  he  announced  that  nouo 
could  go  on  his  steamer  unless  his  fare  was  paid,  money  began  to  accumu- 
late in  the  hands  of  a  certain  committee,  and  in  less  than  fifteen  minutes 
the  fares  of  171  Chinese  had  been  paid,  the  money  obviously  coming  from 
the  purses  of  the  wealthier  classes. 

The  'Queen'  did  not  sail  at  her  appointed  time.  On  Monday  the  first 
lot  of  Chinese  who  were  driven  to  the  dock,  87  in  number,  were  demandod 
on  a  writ  of  habeas  corpus  to  appear  iu  court  and  state  whether  or  not 
they  were  wiUing  to  go.  [They  having  influence  at  court  that  citizens 
have  no  .]  Seventy-one  replied  affirmatively  and  were  returned,  and 
afterwarus  100  more  were  taken  on  board,  although  in  no  instance  until 
each  had  acknowledged  that  it  was  his  desire  to  leave.  Could 
have  taken  a  large  number  in  addition,  had  it  not  been  that  he  was  re- 
stricted by  law  as  to  the  number  of  steerage  passengers. 

Those  who  were  left  were  coralled  with  their  baggage  in  a  large  ware- 
house on  the  dock.  As  long  as  Le  remained  in  the  town,  ther3  was  no 
violence  Avhatever,  only  the  intense  determination,  which  seemed  to  in- 
crease ■with  each  hour  and  Avas  attended  vnth  great  excitement.  Just  a 
short  time  after  he  sailed  out  of  the  harbor,  however,  he  heard  the  crack 
of  rifles,  and  knew  then  that  the  worst  had  come." 

[How  the  Government  will  protect  Masonic  Chinamen,  when  evon 
home-building  American  citizens  cannot  even  get  a  hearing  against  thu 
gang.] 

"All  the  Chinese  on  board  the  ship  were  escorted  to  the  court-house 
by  the  sheriff  and  his  posse.  The  Chinese  iu  the  warehouse  also  came 
along,  but  they  remained  outside  the  building  during  the  trial.     [Whieli 

(B30) 


)7  Cliinamen  in 
Wtsoiis." 

auy  disorder  in 
agona  and  carts 
)wn  to  the  wluivf, 
iroceeded  to  nu- 

way  met  a  large 
;bat  'theCbineHe 

3000  people,  and 
:e  were  no  threats 
a  determined  ni>- 
)8e  was  impeded. 
Seattle,  that  the 
athy  with  the  iii)- 
lounced  that  none 
began  to  accumu- 
lan  fifteen  miniates 
)usly  coming  from 

Monday  the  first 
21-,  were  demanded 
ito  whether  or  not 
anrt  that  citizens 
^re  returned,  ami 
no  instance  until 
lo  leave.  Coulil 
[n  that  be  was  re- 

U  in  a  large  ware- 
lown,  ther3  was  no 
|cb  seemed  to  in- 
[citement.  Just  a 
beard  the  crack 

Umeu,  when  even 
earing  against  the 

Jto  the  court-house 
(rehouse  also  came 
Ihe  trial.     [Which 


The  Seattle  Exodus. 


531 


proved  thai  they  needed  no  protection  froir  violence  in  the  streets.]  United 
States  prosecuting  attorney  appeared  for  the  Chinamen. 

After  getting  the  names  of  the  97  Chinamen,  the  Judge  had  Lue  King 
sworn  m  as  interpreter  [what  does  a  Chinese  Mason  or  highbinder  care  for 
an  oath  ?]  and  through  him  spoke  as  follows  : 

'  Lue  King  tell  them  that  the  court  has  been  told  that  they  are  con- 
fined on  board  the  steamship  'Queen  of  the  Pacific'  against  their  will.  The 
court  is  willing,  if  they  desire,  that  they  shall  go  as  passengers,  but  no 
man  or  set  of  men  has  a  right  to  compel  them  to  go.  So,  if  they  wisli  ti> 
stay,  they  must  let  the  court  know  it  now.  I  will  have  the  name  of  each 
man  called  separately,  and  let  him  tell  whether  he  wants  to  go  or  stay. 
Tell  them,  not  to  be  afraid  to  speak  what  is  in  their  hearts.  The  Govern- 
ment is  strong  and  will  protect  them.  Tell  them,  that  as  their  names  are 
called  all  those  who  are  willing  to  keej)  their  tickets  and  go  to  CaUfornia 
must  express  a  willingness  to  do  so,  and  all  who  want  to  give  up  their 
tickets  and  stay  here  must  say  so. ' 

Sixteen  expressed  a  desire  to  stay,  and  71  a  ■willingness  to  go.  They 
were  all  escorted  back  to  the  wharf,  and  those  who  had  expressed  a  will- 
ingness to  go  were  placed  upon  the  ship.  A  great  many  of  those  whose 
baggage  was  on  the  wharf  went  back  to  the  dock  and  expressed  a  willing- 
ness to  go,  provided  transijortation  was  furnished  them." 

[Native  citizens,  when  "objectionable,"  have  to  get  out  the  best  way 
they  can,  and  no  foolishness.] 

*  * 

* 

"About  10  o'clock  a  report  came  to  the  ears  of  Sheriff"  [Mason],  that 
the  Shore  Line  train  was  to  be  caj^tured  and  the  Chinamen  left  on  the 
Ocean  Dock  were  to  be  placed  on  it  and  taken  to  Tacoma.  A  sufficient 
siun  of  money  had  been  raised  to  bay  tickets  on  the  cars  to  Tacoma.  The 
Sheriff  notified  the  R.  R.  Company  that  it  would  be  held  rosijonsible  for 
auy  damages  resulting  from  the  carrying  off  of  the  Chinese  [Masons]  unlaw- 
fully and  against  their  ^^•iIl,  [when  hundreds  of  white  men  had  been  driven 
out  'unlawfully  and  against  th' u*  will,']  and  to  avoid  any  trouble  that 
might  grow  out  of  '  such  an  act. '  And  to  prevent  the  train  being  seized, 
tliey  placed  on  the  engine  a  double  crew  and  started  the  train  out  ahead  of 
hmp.  A  short  time  befoi-e  the  train  left  (1.30  o'clock  Monday  morning), 
tlie  Sheriff  detailed  a  posse  of  deputies  to  guard  tho  Ocean  Dock,  and  not 
allow  any  one  to  pass  on  or  off  the  wharf  during  tho  night  without  a 
special  permit.  The  Chinamen  who  Avere  in  the  warehouse,  about  21.5 
strong,  spread  their  blankets  and  stretched  out  for  the  night,  after  their 
sui)per,  furnished  by  those  in  charge  of  them." 

*  * 

[Meanwhile  the  Governor,  who  was  in  town  and  opposing  the  exodus, 
s(  ut  the  following  dispatch  to  Washington :] 

"Immense  mob  forcing  Chinese  to  leave  Seattle.  Civil  authorities 
arming  posse  comitatus  to  protect  them.     Serious  conflict  probable,     I  xc- 


ft;M 


632 


The  Seattle  Exodus. 


I  ■ 

^*  E;; 


m 


itlV 


1' 


f  rit 


f  h' 


spootfully  request  that  United  States  troops  be  immediately  sent  to 
Seattle."" 

[There  was  no  conflict  at  Tacoma,  and  there  was  no  dan'^er  of  any 
conflict  here,  unless  done  by  the  "White  Cliinamen,"  so  as  to  justify  the 
call  for  troops  and  thus  prevent  the  exodus  of  their  brethren,  and  also  put 
coin  in  their  pockets,  as  will  be  seen  further  on. 

A  lot  of  deputy  sheriff's  au'l  dejiuty  marshals  and  militia  had  been 
sworn  in/or  to  conflict,  and  a  lot  of  the  leading  citizens,  iucludiag  a  lady, 
arrested  and  jailed  on  a  charge  of  riot,  though  never  convicted. 

Still  the  people  had  not  been  aggravated  to  a  conflict,  and  withoii  ;■ 
"  conflict"  or  troops,  the  Chinese,  with  the  excejition  of  six,  were  to  be 

gone  by  the  next  boat.  ] 

*  * 

* 

' '  The  captain  came  to  the  vjffice  and  stated  that  he  had  196  on  board, 
or  all  that  he  was  allowed  by  law  to  <!arry  with  the  other  passengers.  The 
matter  was  talked  over  between  the  rei)roseutatives  of  the  autiChiuese 
movement  and  Sheriff'  [Mason]  and  some  of  his  aids,  and  it  was  mutually 
agreed  betv«-een  them  that  the  Chinamen  stiU  on  the  wharf,  all  of  tr/toni, 
with  the  ex'xptioit  of  sic,  hdd  expressed  <i  willLiKjness  to  yo,  but  were  unable 
to  leave  by  the  '  Queen, '  should  be  allowed  to  remain  in  town  until  the 
going  out  of  the  'Elder,'  unless  they  saw  fit  to  leave  sooner." 

"The  'Queen'  cast  off  her  lines,  and  the  people  on  the  wharf  shook 
hands  and  congratulated  each  other  over  Avhat  they  sujiiJOsed  was  a  hapi)y 
ending  of  the  very  exciting  and  uni)lea.saut  controversy  which  had  been 
going  on  for  so  long.     [Yet  without  any  '  conflict.'] 

The  Chinaman  on  the  wharf,  with  the  exception  of  the  fcAv  who  want- 
ed to  remain,  were  much  disappointed  Avlien  the  steamer  left  without 
them,  and  it  was  with  reluctance  that  they  picked  ujj  their  baggage  to  re- 
turn to  their  houses. " 


ately   sent   to 

clau'jer  of  auy 
?  to  justify  tlie 
a,  anil  also  put 

ilitia  had  been 

^hiding  a  lady, 

;ted. 

,  and  witliou    o 

six,  were  to  be 


d  196  on  board, 
)asseugers.  The 
the  uuti-  Chinese 
it  was  rautually 
irf,  all  of  whim, 
b\it  were  unable 
Q  town  until  the 
er." 

the  wharf  shook 
osed  was  a  happy 

which  had  beeu 

lie  few  who  want- 
[ner  left  without 
sir  baggage  to  re- 


CHAPTER    XXXIV. 

**HoME  GUABDS  "  FIBE  INTO  THE  CBOWD. — FiVE   MEN  WOUNDED. — ThE  CiTY 

UNDEB  Maetial  Law,   with   Governor  [Mason]    in  command.'' — (The 
only  case  of  the  kind  in  the  history  of  the  United  States. ) 

He  drives  out  While  Citizens  and  protects  Chinese  Masons. 

(How  to  read  " between  the  lines.") 

"  You  rule  with  all-oppressive  hand, 
Thy  hideous  soul,  Oh  !  fiend  accurs'd, 
Can  there  allay  its  bloody  thirst." 

I  1  HE  Chinese  needed  no  escort  or  protection  from  \iolence,  when  they 
went  from  the  wharf  to  the  Court  House  and  returned.  And  certainly 
they  needed  none  now  in  going  to  their  houses,  as  was  agreed  upon. 

They  had  perhaps  never  been  more  secure  from  \iolence  than  now, 
but  a  "  conflict"  must  be  had,  or  they  would  soon  all  be  gone. 

So,  as  if  with  a  flaniug  desire  for  vengeance,  at  such  a  i:)rospect,  afire- 
brand — even  a  lot  of  detested  armed  de2Juties  and  militia — went  to  escort- 
ing and  parading  the  Chinamen  in  a  body  through  the  streets,  with  an  air 
of  victory  and  bravado,  and  being  ridiculed  and  rebuked  by  citizens 
(who  were  not  aware  of  the  agreement  at  the  wharf)  instead  of  explain- 
ing and  disbanding — they  undertook  to  nrrest  as  criminals  some  of  these 
citizens  for  their  rebuke  and  request  for  an  exi3lanation,  and  on  their 
resisting,  shot  them  down  in  cold  blood,  and  one  after  he  was  down  ;  and 
he  died.] 

"The  crowd  had  fallen  back,  and  the  streets  were  swept  by  the  rifles 
of  the  mihtary  and  the  deputy  sheriffs.  The  crowd  commenced  to  gather 
again  after  the  wounded  liad  been  removed,  and  in  a  few  minutes  there 
were  thousands  of  men  in  the  street  on  either  side  of  the  'authorities.' 

[Who,  though  held  to  the  spot,  concluded  it  to  be  unnecessaiy  to 
attempt  any  more  such  arrests  ;  the  agreement  nt  the  wharf  was  now  ex- 
plained, and  the  military  companies  and  the  deputy  sheriffs  struck  out  for 
the  court  hou.se,  while  the  Chinamen  ^jroceeded  to  their  houses  unmo- 
lested. 

The  citizens  wanted  to  lyni'h  the  masons  who  did  the  shooting,  Imt  on 
the  advice  of  the  leading  anti-Chincso  agitators  they  abstained  from  any 
riolenco,  and  peaceahtj/  disjwrsi'd  to  thi'ir  huini-s,  being  assvired  that  the 
criminals  would  get  justice  by  the  courts.  ] 

"So  a  warrant  was  sworn  out  against  those  wlio  did  iho  shooting, 
charging  them  v.  ith  murder. 

13ut  the  Judge  declared  that  '  those  men  were  oflicers  of  his  court  mul 
nut  Hiibjert  to  arre.it.' 

He  further  stated  '  that 

(r)33i 


•>0i  I 


m' 


! 


hi 


534 


Martial  Law  on  Puget  Sound. 


Martial  Laic 
had  been  declared,  and  that  civil  process  was  no  longer  binding, '  where- 
upon the  constable  returned  his  wanuint  unserved." 
["The  trail  of  the  serpent  was  over  them  all."] 


I     '' 


k'' 


n. 


Shortly  after  the  shooting  Governor  [Mason]  issued  the  following: 

"  Proclamation  of  Martial  Late.'" 

"  Whereas,  Heretofore  in  couseciuence  of  an  inflamed  condition  of 
the  ijublic  mind  in  Seattle,  and  grave  disturbance  of  the  pubhc  peace 
therein,  I  [chief  mason]  issued  my  proclamation  warning  all  ihu'sous  to 
desist  from  breaches  of  the  peace,  and  peacefully  to  return  to  their 
homes,  except  such  as  were  disposed  to  assist  the  sheriff  [mason]  and 
the  other  duly  constituted  authorities  in  maintaining  law  and  order,  and 
reipiestiug  all  i)ersons  who  were  dis^JOHed  to  assist  in  maintaining  order 
[the  most  influential  of  those  doing  so  Avere  arrested]  to  enroll  them- 
selves under  the  sheriff  [mason]  immediately  for  that  purpose,  and 

WJiereas,  Said  proclamation  has  i)roven  ineffectual  to  quiet  the  pub- 
hc mind  and  preserve  the  peace,  and 

^VJlercaR,  Numerous  breaches  of  the  peace  have  occurred  [and  the 
most  infamous  ind'^rsed  by  the  '  duly  constituted  authorities  ']  and  more 
are  threatened,  and 

Whereas,  An  insurrection  exists  in  said  city  of  Seattle,  by  which  the 
lives,  liberties  and  property  of  citizens  of  the  Territory  and  sojourners 
within  the  Territory  are  endangered,  and 

Wliereas,  The  civil  authorities  have  i)roved  powerless  to  suppress 
said  insurrection,  or  jirevent  such  breaches  of  the  i)eace,  and 

Whereas,  the  necessity  for  martial  law  within  said  city  exists,  and  it 
is  deemed  proper  that  all  needful  measures  should  be  taken  for  the  pro- 
tection of  such  citizens  and  sojourners,  and  of  all  officers  of  the  Uuitoil 
States  and  of  the  Territory  in  the  discharge  of  their  public  duties  witliiu 
said  city.  Now,  therefore,  be  it  known  that  I  [chief  mason]  and  com- 
uiiiuder-in-chief  of  the  military  forces  of  said  Tenitory,  do  hereljy  as- 
sume military  command  of  said  city,  and  do  hereby  order  that  no  \)v\:- 
son  exercise  any  office  or  autliority  in  said  city  which  may  be  inconsistent 
with  the  laws  and  constitution  of  the  United  States  or  the  laws  of  said 
Territory,  [and  lie  was  to  be  the  Judge  (Kjainst  the  almost  itiianimous  jiul'i- 
mettt  of  the  pi'.ople]  "  and  /  do  hereby  suspend  the  writ  of  habeas  curpus  and 
declare  martial  law  within  said  city.     The  8th  day  of  February,  1886." 

["  Ho  makes  a  solitude  and  calls  it  peace."] 


1  f 


)   n 


"I  [chief  masonj  hereby  announce  the  following  [brethren]  memViers 
of  my  Htatl',  who  will  be  respected  and  obeyed  accordingly."  [One  of 
whom  is  a  notorious  thief.] 


n 


'i 


Maktial  Law  on  Puget  Sound. 


535 


ading,'  wbere- 


?  following: 

id  condition  of 
e  public  iieace 
all  persons  to 
return  to  their 
f    [mason]  and 
and  order,  and 
lintaining  order 
;o   enroU  tlieni- 
irpose,  and 
)  quiet  the  pub- 

3urred  [and  the 
ities  ']  and  more 

e,  by  -which  the 
and  sojourners 

|less  to  suppress 
!,  and 

|ity  exists,  and  it 
ken  for  the  pro- 
's of  the  United 
hlic.  tluties  within 
Lasou]   and  eom- 
\-,  do  hereby  as- 
■der  that  no  per- 
|y  be  inconsistent 
the  laws  of  said 
HiKtnimous  jmbj- 
habeas  curpuaan^ 
iruary,  1880.' 


sthren]  meuilters 
Ingly."     [One  of 


"Military  Headquarters." 

"  Until  further  notice  all  saloons  and  places  where  intoxicating  liquor 
is  sold  will  be  forthwith  and  i)ermanently  closed  [though  he  could  swill  it 
down  himself],  and  all  other  j^laces  of  business  shall  be  and  remain 
closed  between  the  hours  of  7  P.  M.  and  6  A.  M.  each  night.  All  jjersous 
found  on  the  streets  after  7  P.  M.  and  before  5  A.  M.  without  the  consent 
in  writing  of  the  [masonic]  Provost  Mai-shal,  will  be  arrested." 

"By  command  of  the  [chief  mason]." 

*  * 
* 

' '  Three  captains  [masons]  will  rejiort  with  their  respective  comjianies 

to  the  Adjutant  General  at  headquarters  forthmth." 

*  * 

' '  Cajitain  [Mason] ,  with  his  comn.and,  will  report  forthwith  for  duty 
to  Provost  Marshal."  [At  this  writing  ho  is  under  $10,000  bail  as  belong- 
ing to  a  gang  of  opium  smugglers,  and  for  stealing.  ] 

"All  persons  willing  to  enlist  in  the  military  service  of  the  Territory 
[for  the  Chinamen  again,st  the  peoiile]  to  serve  in  tlie  city  of  Seattle,  are 
lu'j'eby  called  upon  to  report  as  recruits  to  the  [masonic]  Provost  Mar- 
shal.""^ 

"All  persons  disposed  to  violate  any  law  of  the  Territory  [which  he 
himself  had  trampled  under  foot]  or  treaty  [wliich  had  beeu  virtually 
ttbroyated  by  /««']  or  the  constitution  of  the  United  States  [which  he  himself 
was  basely  violating]  are  hereby  warned  and  commanded  to  leave  the  city 
forth  with. "     [Members  of  the  gang  exceiited.  ] 


"  The  guns  in  the  keeping  of  Stevens  Post  of  the  Grand  Army  were 
taken  charge  of  by  the  Governor  on  Sunday,  and  removed."  He  was 
afraid  of  the  old  veterans.] 

"Services  in  the  churches  were  cut  short  in  some  cases,  and  dispensed 
with  in  others,  on  Sunday,  and  the  i)ublic  meetings  set  for  Monday  even- 
ing were  both  indertnitely  posti^oned."  [The  peoide  were  being  squelched 
to  protetit  the  lawless  masons,  and  for  plunder.] 

"  Al)out  7  o'clock  last  night  sentinels  were  stationed  all  over  town,  and 
patrolled  the  streets  all  night.  Every  man  on  the  street  after  that  time 
without  a  permit  from  the  Provost  Marshal  was  marched  either  to  his 
home  or  to  the  truavd  bouse.  At  daylight  the  sentinels  w.ere  released, 
and  during  the  day  the  streets  were  patrolled  by  militia. 

The  [prostituted]  court  house  which  is  the  headquarters  of  the  [ma- 
sonic] authorities  under  [desjiotic]  military  regime  was  clowely  guarded, 
and  a  suilicient  force  kept  on  duty  [at  the  exi)en.se  of  the  pe()i)ie]  to 
repel  any  ordinary  attack  [of  the  people]  and  a  cannon  was  taken  to  the 
court  house  "  [to  kill  the  people]. 

"During  Tuesday  the  [masons]  in  command  concludeil  that  passes 
for  persons  to  be  about  the  streets  had  been  too  generously  granted,  and 


A  i 


!  '''I 


536 


Martial  Law  on  Puget  Sound. 


"M 


IV\ 


all  passes  were  ordered  called  in,  and  a  more  rigid  rule  of  granting  them 
established," 

[And  still  there  was  no  "  violence,"  or  "conflict,"  or  "rebellion" 
on  the  imrt  of  the  citizens.  And  the  only  "invaders"  were  the  masonic 
highbinders  thus  protected.] 

*  * 

The  Prefiidentin  n  inessayesixja "under  this  article  [of  treaty]  an 

act  of  Congress  approved  1882,  amended  1884,  suspended  for  ten  years  the 
coming  of  Chinese  laborers  to  the  United  States ....  It  was,  however,  soon 
made  evident  that  the  mercenary  greed  of  parties  [masons]  who  were  trad- 
ing in  their  labor  was  proving  too  strong  for  the  just  execution  of  the  law, 
and  that  the  virtual  defeat  of  the  object  and  intent  of  both  the  law  and  the 
treaty  was  being  frauduleuili/  accomplished  hy  fcdse  pretense  and  2^eiju7\i/ 
contrary  to  the  expressed  will  of  both  governments, . . .  .has  produced  deep- 
seated  and  increasing  discontent  among  the  people  of  the  United  States,  and 
especially  ^vith  those  resident  on  the  Pacific  coast, ....  and  the  earnest  pop- 
ular demand  for  the  absolute  exclusion  of  Chinese  laborers It  is  ad- 
mitted to  be  a  paramount  right  and  duty  of  every  government  to  exclude 
from  its  borders  all  elements  of  foreign  population  which,  for  any  reason, 
retard  its  prosperity,  or  are  detrimental  to  the  moral  and  physical  health 
of  its  people." 

[Because  such  foreign  element  i.s  masonic  and  thus  conspii'es  in  tlio 
dark  with  the  native  masonic  element,  and  by  ' '  unpunished  and  indorsed 
false  i>retenses  "  and  "perjury"  prostitute  and  debauch  the  courts  and 
"  authoiities  "  for  their  protection  against  the  law  and  the  people,  is  no 
good  reason  that  the  people  should  not  enforce  the  law  and  protect 
themselves  against  the  gang.] 

*  * 

"  The  headquarters  of  Commander-in-chief  [chief  mason]  are  in  tlie 
Judge's  chambers." 

"  Mi/ifiDy  Headquarters." 

"Any  person  violating  the  provisions  of  any  law  of  the  United  States 
or  Washington  Territory,  or  the  ordinances  of  the  city  in  force  at  the  time 
of  the  proclamation  of  martial  law  heretofore  made  [the  Chinese  ami 
other  brethren  excepted]  Avill  bo  promptly  arrested  and  summaiily  dealt 
with.     By  order  of  the  [chief  mason]." 


'  1 
i  i 
I;     I 


"Martial  law,"  says  Blackstone,  "  is  in  effect  no  law  at  all." 
"Martial  law,"  says  Jiidge  Nelson,  "is  neither  more  nor  less  than  the 
will  of  the  General  who  commands  the  army.  It  overrides  and  stqiprest"'^ 
all  existing  civil  laAvs,  cIaHI  officers  and  ci\-il  authorities,  by  the  arbitrary 
exercise  of  military  power,  and  every  citizen  or  subject  (in  other  words 
the  entire  i)opulatiou  of  the  country  Avithin  the  confines  of  its  power)  is 


granting  them 


Martial  Law  on  Puget  Sound. 


537 


subject  to  the  mere  will  or  caprice  of  the  commander, 
lives,  liberty  and  property  of  all  in  the  palm  of  hia  hand." 


He  holds  the 


[  Unmens  urahle  Gall.  ] 

"No  passes  shall  be  issued  to  any  one  to  appear  on  the  streets 
after  night,  except  snch  persons  as  have  duties  which  absohitely  re- 
quii'e  such  passes  ;  then  only  when  it  is  made  to  appear  to  the  satis- 
faction of  the  Provost  Marshal  that  the  i^erson  applying  has  been  u 
peaceable,  lam-abiding  citizen,  who  has  endeavored  to  uphold  the  law  [?] 
within  the  last  ten  days.  All  passes  shall  be  registered  in  a  book  kept  for  that 
purpose,  and  the  person  receiving  the  same  shall  enroll  his  name  in 
said  book.  Said  pass  shall  specify  the  hours  within  which  it  is  good. 
All  permits  to  keei)  open  any  places  of  business  must  be  recorded  in 
the  Provost  Marshal's  office.     By  order  of  the  [chief  mason] , " 

*  * 

["Treason  doth  never  prosper. 

What's  the  reason  ? 

"Why  if  it  jM-osper,  none  dare  call  it  treason."] 


HI 

\ 

^  1 

r. 

f 

'\ 

> 

^■•1 


ison]  are  in  the 


"It  was  learned  yesterday  morning  that  the  President  had  not  yet 
ordered  trooi^s  to  Seattle,  although  urgently  requested  to  do  so  by  [the 
i-hief  mason].  This  fact  was  laid  before  prominent  [masons]  of  the  town, 
most  of  whom  joined  in  earnest  requests  to  [masonic]  Senators  to  urge 
upon  the  President  the  necessity  for  speedy  action  in  this  matter.  Tele- 
grams were  received  from  Vancouver  that  the  trooi)S  were  in  readiness 
to  start  at  a  moment's  notice,  A  train  is  in  waiting,  so  as  to  bring  them 
through  in  short  order, " 


"Charles  G,  Stewart  [shot  by  the  masons]  died  from  the  effects  of  his 
wounds  at  three  o'clock  Tuesday  morning." 

[He  had  sworn]  that  "this  [muson]  raised  his  gun  and  struck  mo 
across  the  head,  and  at  the  same  time  a  bixllot  stnick  me  on  the  arm,  and 
I  fell  from  the  effects  of  the  blow  on  my  head  and  the  wound  on  the  arm. 
Some  man  then  shot  me  in  the  body  when  I  was  down," 

"The  three  others  [that  were  dangerously  wounded]  ar  doing  as 
well  as  can  be  exjiected,  but  cannot  tell  the  result  until  the  fourth  day." 

[The  murderers  were  being  shielded  and  sanctioned  by  the  gang  with 
the  powers  of  our  Government,  and]  "The  authorities  [in  fear  of  tlieir 
lives  for  their  conduct]  have  seized  all  the  fire-arms  ofl'ered  for  sale  in 
the  city,  and  given  strict  orders  that  no  dealer  in  ammunition  dispose  of 
any,  except  upon  an  order  from  [the  Masonic]  'authorities,'  " 


538 


Martial  Law  on  Puget  Sound. 


(■  I 


"No  theater  or  jjlace  of  amusemeut  has  been  opened  to  the  public 
since  martial  law  was  declared." 

"The  comparatively  few  Chinamen  in  town  are  waiting  anxiously  for 
the  day  to  arrive  when  they  can  leave  Seattle.  Nine-tenths  of  those  now 
here  will  go  below  on  the  'Elder,'  if  nothing  unforeseen  happens  to  prevent 
their  departure." 

* 
"A  request  by  the  citizens  fur  return  to  civil  law." 

"Whereas,  it  is  of  the  greatest  imijortance  that  the  civil  authorities 
resume  their  sway. 

We,  the  undersigned,  on  behalf  of  a  large  number  of  citizens,  respect- 
fully request  your  Excellency  to  place  our  city  tmder  the  control  of  the 
civil  authorities,  in  order  that  the  peace  of  the  city  may  be  maintained 
and  that  business  may  resume  the  even  tenor  of  ita  way,  and  the  civil 
authorities  be  empowered  to  se7've  and  execute  all  processes  of  law,  civil  or 
criminal,  icithout  fear  or  favor.  We,  therefore,  represent  that  the  great 
majoiity  of  our  citizens  are  in  favor  of  the  re-instatement  of  the  civil 
authorities,  and  are  determined  to  support  and  respect  the  laws." 

[But  this  was  spurned  by  the  favored  and  curled  darlings,  and]  "The 
mercenary  greed  of  parties  who  were  trading  in  Chinese  labor,  and  by 
fraud,  false  pretenses  and  jDerjury,  was  too  strong  for  the  law." 

And  I  quote:    "  Those  officials  who  have  been  bribed  and  bulldozed 

into  letting  the  leprous  heathens  land  in  San  Francisco  and  other  places, 

have  already  made  fortunes,  and  like  the  Chinese  'they  must  go.' " 

*  * 

* 

[Butihei/  would  go.] — "Between  boats  and  trains  fully  150  Chinameu 

have  gone  from  Seattle  dxiriug  the  past  three  days,  not  to  return.      The  ■ 

have  been  -working  busily  to  get  off,  and  those  who  can  go  seem  eager  v.aA 

happy  enough  to  go.     Many  white  persons  went  among  them  seeing  them 

pack,  and  here  and  there  buying  a  curio.     Scenes  of  this  kind,  though 

cemmou  in  Europe,  have  been  feAv  and  far  between  in  America." 


"The  gatherings  upon  the  street  corners  yesterday  were  smaller  than 
the  days  before,  and  the  utterances  less  violent  and  revolutionary  [against 
the  gang].  There  are  still  a  few  men  and  women  who  talk  about  hanging 
this  [mui'derer]  and  that  [mm'derer] ,  but  steps  have  been  taken  to  arrest 
and  severely  punish  such  offenders  against  the  [Masons]  and  it  will  soon 
be  stopped.     Yesterday  a  number  of  arrests  were  made." 

"Members  of  the  local  mihtary  companies  who  refused  'duty'  and 
who  are  charged  with  '  treasonable  utterances, '  have  been  arrested,  and 
will  be  court-martialed." 

["Truth  forever  on  the  scaffold, 
Wrong  forever  on  the  thi'one. "] 


(1  to  the  ijublic 


y  anxiously  for 
3  of  those  now 
Hjens  to  prevent 


civil  authorities 

3itizens,  respect- 
10  control  of  the 
,y  be  maintained 
ly,  and  the  civil 
I  of  luw,  civil  or 
t  that  the  great 
aent  of  the  civil 
elaws." 

lings,  and]  "The 
jse  labor,  and  by 
law." 

d  and  bulldozed 
Lnd  other  places, 
lustgo.'" 


Martial  Law  on  Puget  Sound. 


539 


"All  'disorderly'  persons,  or  persons  wandering  about  and  hanug  uo 
visible  calling  or  business  to  maintain  themselves,  and  geneniUy  all 
vagrants,  [having  been  despoiled  by  the  gang],  are  requested  to  leave  the 
city  of  Seattle  forthwith. 

All  such  persons  found  in  this  city  after  this  date  will  be  arrested  and 
summarily  dealt  with.  All  persons  uttering  treasonable  or  seditious  hiu- 
gviagts  [members  of  the  gang  excepted],  or  who  are  giiilty  of  publicly 
using  words  or  actions  tending  to  disturb  the  peace  or  in  contempt  of  the 
[Masonic]  constituted  authorities,  -will  be  promptly  arrested. 

The  Provost  Marshal  and  other  officers  and  [Masonic]  jiersons,  autho- 
rized to  make  aiTests,  are  especially  charged  with  the  jjrompt  execution  of 
this  order." 

Signed,  [Noble-Graud-High-Chief- Mason.  ] 


vere  smaller  than 

iitionary  [against 

k  about  hanging 

taken  to  arrest 

and  it  will  soou 

used  '  duty '  and 
een  arrested,  and 


■ 


CHAPTER  >  XXV. 

Court  Martial  and  a  Military  Commission. —  Wi/h  a  Judge  Advocate 
and  Recorder  noic  under  eight  iudictme>i/s  for  forgery  and  robbery. 
—  With  other  big  criminala  in  command. — Crime  made  respectable 
and  to  tell  the  truth  /s  made  a  crime. 

'•February  lOtb,  1886. 

/a.  GENEKAL  court  martial  is  hereby  convened  to  meet  at  these  head- 
qua^  ters  at  1  o'clock  this  afternoon  for  the  trial  of  all  offenders  [against 
the  masons]  who  may  be  brought  before  it. 

General  [Mason]    [who  is  now  under  eight  indictments  for  forgery  and 
robbery]  is  hereby  detained  as  Judge  Adoocate  of  the  Court." 

["Put  into  every  honest  hand  a  whip  to  lash  the  rascals  naked  through 
the  world."] 

[No  u^oiukr.]     "Afeehng  of  relief  pervaded  the  whole  community 
when  it  was  learned  that  troops  had  been  ordered  to  Seattle." 


'  i: 


' '  Immediately  after  the  shooting  February  8th,  a  warrant  was  sworn 
out  against  [the  masons  who  did  the  shooting]  charging  them  with  mur- 
der. The  warrant  has  never  been  served.  However,  three  of  them  have 
since  ijresented  themselves  at  court,  waived  examination,  and  were  re- 
leased on  $5,000  bail  each." 

"  Aa  authentic  account. — W. .  pulled  Stewart  roughly  toward  him,  and 
C . .  grabbed  Stewart  by  the  throat.  With  this  W . .  released  his  hold, 
clubbed  his  Winchester  and  dealt  Stewart  a  blow  on  the  head  that  felled 
him  to  the  ground.  As  he  lay  upon  the  ground  B . .  and  B . .  fired  their 
rifles  into  his  jjrostrate  body,  inflicting  the  death  wounds.  They  then 
raised  theu-  guns,  and  together  with  C . .  and  H . .  emptied  them  into  the 
defenseless  and  inoffensive  crowd,  seriously  wounding  four  other  citizens." 

[What  kind  of  justice  is  it  that  indorses  and  tiu'ns  such  cases  loose, 
and  hangs  others  for  less  crime  ? 

And  they  and  their  accessories  say  :     "  We  have  a  good  Judiciary."] 


'11= - 


.1    I 
4,  ' 


"  When  the  soldiers  (300)  an'ived,  a  man  who  was  in  the  crowd  on  the 
Ocean  Dock  pointed  to  the  '  home  guards, '  who  were  '  on  duty  '  near  by, 
and  shouted  to  the  soldiers,  loud  enough  to  be  heard  by  the  vast  concourse 
of  people  :  '  There  is  a  murderer  in  that  crowd  !  There  is  a  murderer  iu 
that  crowd  ! !     There  is  a  murderer  in  that  crowd  !  !  ! ' 

Then  addressing  himself  to  the  masses,  exclaimed  :  '  Thank  God  ! 
we  are  out  from  under  the  control  of  the  murderers  ! ' 

(540) 


'I 


I 


Judge  Advocate 
■y  and  robheri/, 
nade   respectable 


A  Tyrant  in  Command. 


541 


He  was  arrested  and  plac(>d  in  jail "  [for  thus  expressing  the  senti- 
ments of  the  iieople  and  of  liis  own  heax-t,  and  evidently  the  truth  ;  thus  is 
justice  murdered. 

IVIurder,  like  treason,  when  it  prospers,  it  is  made  respectable,  and 
called  virtue,  and  it  is  made  a  crime  to  call  it  murder. 

It  IS  the  loeukest,  not  the  irorst,  that  goes  to  the  walLJ 


*'m 


10th,  1886. 

it  at  these  head- 
Bfenders  [against 

^  for  forgery  and 

Is  naked  through 


hole  community 
Je." 


rrant  was  sworn 

them  with  mur- 

!e  of  them  have 

»n,  and  were  re- 

toward  him,  and 
eased  his  hold, 
lead  that  felled 

B . .  fired  their 
ids.  They  then 
d  them  into  the 

other  citizens." 
nch  cases  loose, 

d  judiciary. "] 

the  crowd  on  the 
duty '  near  by, 
le  vast  concourse 
is  a  murderer  in 

'  Thank  God ! 


"A  clerk  of  the  Probate  court  was  arrested  for  utteiing  loud  au.l 
'  treasonable '  language  on  the  streets.'  " 

"Mr.  McMillan  was  arrested  for  'treasonable'  utterances,  and  i)ut  in 
jail.  He  has  often  said  that  he  would  Avilliugly  serve  a  sentence  in  the 
penitentiary  if  it  would  aid  in  ridding  Seattle  of  the  Chinese." 

"  Military  Headquarters," 

' '  Sjiecial  order  heretofore  issued,  relating  to  the  appointtnent  of  the 
court  martial  is  set  aside,  and  the  following  officers  are  appointed  a  Mili- 
tary Commission  to  inquire  into  all  matters  that  may  be  brouj^ht  before 
them  :  Captain  [Mason]  [now  under  §10,000  bail,  he  being  indicted  as 
one  of  the  gang  of  smugglers  that  has  been  operating  for  many  years  (they 
being  winked  at  by  masonic  officials)  and  also  f oi'  stealing.  ] 

General  [Mason]  is  hcreb  •  detained  as  Judge  Adrncate  and  Re- 
corder.'" [This  gentleman  being  now  under  eight  indictments  for  forgery 
and  robbery  of  over  $60,000. 

Such  gentry  are  the  ones  who  have  so  much  secret  injiuence  with 
blackleg  Governors  and  courts  against  honest  citizens.  ] 


"C  H.  M.,  a  plasterer,  one  of  the  leading  agitators,  was  arrested 
and  placed  in  jail."     [He  is  now  attorney  general.] 

"By  order  of  the  Provost  Marshal,  Police  Officer  Murphy  was  re- 
lieved from  duty  [and  then  arrested  and  imprisoned]  on  account  of  his 
alleged  complicity  with  the  expulsion  of  the  Chinese." 

[I  give  a  few  examijles  only  of  the  tyranny  and  brutahty  of  the  gang. 
Murijhy  was  made  Mayor  of  the  city  the  following  election,  and  the  whole 
administration  of  the  city  and  county  Avas  placed  in  the  hands  of  the 
agitators  and  "Mob" — with  which  was  inaugurated  and  maintained  a 
season  of  peaceful  prosi^erity  unknown  before. 

The  ijeople  had  no  use  for  dogfish  and  blackleg  despots,  for  militia, 
or  for  United  States  troojjs.  For  the  i^eople  ruled,  and  the  laws  were  then 
more  evenly  enforced.  ] 

* 

"Fourteen  Chinamen  who  were  induced  to  leave  the  Puyallup  Valley 
passed  by  here  on  their  way  to  Port  Townsend  yesterday  morning,  and  one 
Chinaman  came  down  from  Olympia  bound  for  Victoria.     He  says  all  the 


^^ril 


i,^ 


542 


A  Tyrant  in  Command. 


Chinamen  will  leave  01ymi)ia  if  the  money  can  be  raised  to  pay  ^heir  pas- 
sage," [but  they  Avere  induced  to  remain  by  the  white  brethren.] 


"Yesterday  morning  >  'o  published  the  fact  that  the  miners  bad  gone 
over  from  Black  Diamond  and  Franklin  to  Carbonado  to  drive  the  Chinese 
out.  O".  arrival  there,  the  miners  assisted  the  Chinamen,  fifty-six  in  wum- 
b(M-,  on  board  the  train.  They  were  brought  to  Tacoma,  where  they 
boarded  the  steamer  for  Port  Townsend.  While  at  Seattle  the  writer 
boarded  the  steamer  and  found  one  member  of  tlu;  [masonic]  band  who 
could  talk  good  English.  He  said  the  Chinamen  were  paid  off'  Wednes- 
day. Thursday  morning  a  big  crowd  of  miners,  two  or  three  hundred, 
came,  and  the  spokesman  said  : 

"China  boys,  wo  want  you  all  to  leave  this  camp."  I  said  to  him, 
'*  You  bet  your  life  we  want  to  go.  As  so  many  miners  wanted  us  to  leave, 
we  concluded  to  go.     I  think  we  will  go  to  China." 

[The  peojile  were  simply  enforcing  the  laws  that  their  masonic  per- 
jured agents  had  refused  to  do  and  had  overridden — they  owing  their  fi"st 
allegiance  to  their  masonic  government  and  brethren  in  the  dark,  who 
were  thus  too  strong  for  the  law. 

A  siiKjle  mioinnic-riihh'ii  court  smuggled  about  10,000  Chinamen  into 
the  coiintry — using  the  "court "  as  a  blind.] 


Will    I 

;i  mM'i 


{ 

I  i 


i'\' 
J  J 


"  Cai)taiu  (now  Colonel)  [Mason]  was  one  of  the  first  persons  to  report 
to  the  Sheriff"  for  duty  when  it  was  learned  that  the  '  law  was  being  vio- 
lated ! '  He  was  appointed  to  take  charge  of  the  provost  guard,  which 
was  equivalent  to  an  appointment  as  militaiy  chief  of  police." 

[When  at  the  veri/  time,  according  to  recent  indictme  its,  h«  was  in  a 
"  great  consiiiracy  "  with  his  secret  gang  against  the  Government  and  its 
laws. 

And  he  was,  and  is,  also  '  the  leading  member  of  the  bar '  [court 
gang]  in  the  Territoi-y,  and  talked  of  by  ling  papers  as  bound  for  Con- 
gi-ess. 

If  this  blist.ering  wrong  and  secret  power  was  not  on  the  throne,  so  as 
to  make  itself  respectable,  a  despot,  tyrant,  and  assassin  with  impunity, 
and  viake  it  a  crime  to  fell  the  truth  and  expose  the  cancer  I,  with  my  ex- 
perience and  information,  could  give  dozens  of  such  examples.  "Tremble, 
thou  wretch,  thou  hast  within  thee   undivulged   crimes  unwhipp'd  of 

justice. "] 

*  * 

* 

^*  Further  arrests  were  ma'ie  for  'seditious  language'  which,  with 
others  under  arrest,  will  be  tried  [  ?]  by  the  military  commission  as  soon  as 
charges  can  be  formulated  against  them.  The  commission  will  sit  without 
regard  to  hoiirs.     The  proceedings  will  he  private. " 


A  Tyrant  in  Command. 


548 


"  Li-iirhi/j  Inirn. — A  largo  number  of  the  non-prodnciug  classes  [ma- 
souH,  etc.,  excepted]  have  left  Seiittlo  ainco  martial  law  was  declared." 
[They  were  drinui  out  in  riuln/iou  o/ldw  ainl  t)ie  CotiatUution  uf  the  United 
States.] 

"Sixth  Day  of  Maktiaij  Law." 

"The  existence  of  martial  law  has  compli'tely  jjroatrated  business. 
All  branches  of  business  are  sutleiiug,  except  the  hotels  and  restaurants. 
Travel  is  verj'  liglit,  and  but  few  j)eo])lo  are  coming  into  town,  whilo  a 
great  many  are  driven  out." 


M 


;hinameu  into 


"Reports  reached  the  ears  of  the  'authorities  '  that  the  agitators  were 
holding  secret  meetings  in  the  suburbs,  and  the  [masonic]  '  home  guards  ' 
were  called  together  and  sent  out  to  do  hkirmish  duty  last  night." 

[But  the  white  and  Chinese  Masons  it  Co.  can  hold  their  secret  meet- 
ings with  brazen  impunity. 

The  martial  law-masonic-desijotism  was  gi-ound  into  the  people  for 
al)out  fifteen  days,  but  yet,  even  this  did  not  goad  the  pi'ople  into  a  con- 
flict, so  determined  were  they  to  maintain  the  i)eace  as  was  the  case  before. 

The  United  States  troops  remained  for  several  months.  The  object 
of  which  will  aijpear  in  the  succeeding  chapter.] 


'1™>  ■ 


H  it  ■' 


J   t!    i 


f  ti< 


CHAPTER   XXXVI. 

EXPES'SF,    TO     THE    PEOPLE    AND    -WHEKE    THE    MONEY   GOES. — OnE   MaSO!T 

GETS  .$100  PER  Day. — Why  the  Chinese  weue  INFLrE^'CED  to  stay. 
— So-C/UjLed  "White  Chinamen"  in  Dangek  of  UFixa  iniavEN  out, 

liIKE    THEY     HAD    DKIVEN   OTHER    NON-PRODUCINO    AND   DIS-REPUTARLE 

White  Citizens.  —  TliuJaiiyvtcul  of  the  people  and  the  Supreme  Court. — 
The  martidl  lain  "Mere  Lawless  Violence." — But  "the  ti-tdl  of  the 
Serpent  is  over  them  all.'' — (What  Ijelougs  "between  the  lines.") 

It  is  our  oixiiiion,  and  the  opiniou  of  every  one  with  whom  we  have 
talked,  that  it  is  not  llio  party  that  is  trying  to  get  rid  of  the  Chinese 
[Masouie]  miisauco,  that  is  to  blame  for  the  bloodshed  in  Seattle  and  the 
arrest  of  certain  i)arties  in  01ymi)ia,  but  the  party  that  assume.'!  to  'enforce 
the  laA\'. ' 

is  it  not  a  fact  that  the  Chinese  both  in  Seattle  and  Olymijia,  signified 
a  .villiugness  to  go  V 

If  the  self-styled,  law-abiding  citizens  had  attended  to  the.r  own  busi- 
ness, as  they  diel  Id  Taeoma,  there  would  have  been  no  bloodshed  in 
Seattle,  no  citizens  incarcerated  on  jNIcNeil's  Island,  and  the  cities  of 
Seattl(j  and  Olymixia  would  have  been  relieved  of  an  intolerable  nui&auce 
without  any  trouble  on  their  part,  and  without  the  assistance  of  the  U.  S, 
soldiers. 

Does  not  every  one  admit  that  the  Chinese  are  a  nuisance  ? 

Then  why  tolerate  them  ?  Have  we,  of  this  coast,  no  rights  that  the 
National  Government  is  bound  to  resjjcct  ?  Are  we  obliged  to  submit  to 
the  curse  of  Mongolian  depravity  for  an  indefinite  numlxir  of  years,  bo- 
cause  of  an  '  errr-r  '  committed  by  our  representatives  ?  We  are  ready  in 
admit  that  the  proper  method  of  proceeding  would  he  by  legislation,  but 
Avhat  Clin  we  hope  for  in  that  direstion  ?  Have  not  the  people  of  this  coast 
been  complaining  for  years  of  the  oppression  of  the  laboring  element,  iu 
couseqiieuce  of  these  foreign  barnacles  ?  Has  Congress  ever  done  anything 
to  really  remedy  the  evilV  No,  and  they  never  will  urxtU.  ihe  people,  the 
lightful  rulers  of  this  Government,  rise  in  their  might  and  say,  'you  sh  dl 
remove  this  nuisance  from  our  midst,  or  we  A\ill  Piuke  it  uncomfortably 
warm  for  them.'  [This  was  proven  true.]  Jut  some  one  says,  'that 
would  be  a  violation  of  law.'  The  tea  riot  iu  Boston,  in  1773,  was  a  viola 
tion  of  law,  and  yet  it  was  an  indispensable  link  in  the  chain  of  causes, 
which  led  to  the  DtH'laration  of  Indeiiondence,  and  those  who  fought  tlu' 
battle  of  Le.\iugtou  t)U  tlie  American  side  might  have  l)een  pro.secuted 
under  the  riot  act,  and  yet  the  beneficial  results  of  that  battle  and  those 
that  followed  are  highly  appreciated  by  the  Aniericau  people  to-day.  It 
is  sometimes  necessary  for  the  people  to  assert  their  rights  iu  a  striking; 
maimer,  and  I  think  this  is  one  of  the  times.  J.  J.  0." 

(5441 


The  Judgment  of  the  Peoj'le. 


545 


i!  |i 


.—One  Masov 
inced  to  stay. 
«0  deiyen  out, 

DIS-KEPfTABLE 

tpreme  Court. — 
the  trail  of  the 
i  lines.") 

whom  we  have 
L  of  the  Cliiuese 
Seattle  ami  the 
tmes  to  '  enforce 

ympia,  Bignified 

1  their  own  busi- 
io  bloodshed  iu 
u\  the  cities  of 
ilerable  uuiiiance 
uce  of  the  U.  S. 

lUce  ? 

rightH  that  the 
led  to  submit  to 
b(-r  of  years,  bo- 
\\e  are  ready  to 
legislation,  but 
pie  of  this  coast 
jriiig  element,  in 
|er  doneanythiuti' 
le  people,  the 
[l  Hiiy,  '  you  sh  ill 
,t  uucoial'ortably 
one  says,  'that 
73,  was  a  violu 
diaiu  of  causes, 
who  fought  the 
been  prosecutod 
battle  and  those 
ople  to-day.     It 
thts  in  a  striking;; 
J.J.  0." 


"Re2)orts  have  it  that  a  number  of  citizens  ['White  Chinamen,']  Avho 
have  made  themselves  obnoxious  to  the  anti-Chine.se  peoi)le,  have  been 
ordered  out,  of  Tacoma.  Their  going  is  more  than  doubtful,  but  the  threat 
is  disagreeable  all  the  same.  Like  talk  has  been  heard  iu  Seattle,  and  its 
heeding  is  more  doubtful  here  than  in  Tacoma." 

[Are  not  these  "white  Masonic  Chinamen"  "non-producers,"  who 
live  by  despoihug  and  fatten  on  turmoil  and  tho  misery  of  others  ?  Are 
not  the  cream  of  them  robbers  and  thieves  ?  And  at  least  "objectionable" 
to  the  people  ?  Then  why  should  they  not  be  drivoi  out,  like  other  para- 
sites and  vermin  ?J 

* 

"  Wilkesoii  citizens  meet.     Discuss  the  qixostions  of  the  day  and 

Resolre,  that  we  sympathize  fully  with  the  resolutions  e.^iiressed  by  the 
Seattle  anti-Chinese  convention. 

Resolrcii,  that  we  deplore  all  violence  and  think  it  was  a  needless  pre- 
caution on  the  i)art  of  the  Governor  to  exact  that  de2)uty  shoinft's  should  be 
appointed  or  he  woi'^d  cause  troops  to  be  brought  into  tho  country,  and 
to  spread  abroad  tlipt  we  are  a  lawless  jjcople. 

Resoleed,  thai  we  heartily  endorse  the  action  taken  by  Mayor  Weisbach 
and  his  co-laborers  and  the  press  of  Tacoma,  in  tho  nianly  and  straight- 
forward manner  they  have  pursued  in  ridding  the  country  of  the  scourge 
of  serf  labor." 

*        *        *        , 

"A  gathering  of  the  people  of  South  Prctirie."  Were  unanimous  that 
the  Chinese  must  go,  and  without  a  dissenting  vote 

"  Brnolreil,  that  we  heai"tily  eudor.se  t he  .sontimonts  expressed  iu  the  re- 
solutions ])assed  by  the  Convention  at  Seattle. 

]iesn/r"i/.  that  we  regard  the  situation  of  laboiiug  jieople  as  one  of  im- 
miuev't  Ja.  'n;  thereby  necessitating  active  measures  to  jirotect  them  from 
a  pove)  ty  which  must  follow  in  the  footsteps  of  this  Tartaric  serfdom, 

liesohetf,  that  avo  most  emphatically  denounce  the  action  of  (tovornor 
[Masouj  in  needlessly  causing  the  appointment  of  depiuy  sheril^.  tlu'r('l)y 
publisliing  abroad  that  we  are  a  lawless  peoi)le,  not  capable  of  maiutaiuiug 
peace." 

"Several  days  before  the  meeting  of  tho  cliaml)er  of  '•ommer''oat 
Tacoma  it  was  under.stood  that  a  ix'tition  would  l)e  i)ass(^d,  to  iue  Presi- 
dent, for  the  removal  of  Oovernor  [IMasonj,  for,  wluit  has  almo.st  unani- 
mously been  prouoviLuced,  an  vmnecessary  and  otlk'ious  intermcnldliug  Mith 
local  affairs  iu  Tacoma.  But  this  flattened  out  under  tlie  skillfid  manage- 
ment o<"  Mr.  [Mason]. 

Go^  •  •  "  Mason],  with  his  breath  like  the  steaming  exhalation  of  a 
Vtowl  of  hut  nun  pinuh,  was  then  judici<iii»ly  steered  into  the  newspaper 
ct*ice8  to  '  explain. '     [lie  wanted  a  hearing,  \ 


I 


rt 


546 


The  Judgment  of  the  People. 


ij    ■  f 't;!+' 


i  >■   ! 


mi 


^  n^ 


Ou  Tuesday  uight  lie  explaiued  agiiiu  iu  the  Li'i/r/to-  office,  l)iit  the 
more  he  explained  the  more  apparent  itbeoamo  that  he  had  imposed  npou 
Sheriff  Byrd  the  alternative  of  ti'oops  or  deputy  sherills. 

[And  so  the  Sheriff  of  Taeoma  made  deputies  of  the  nnti-Chit»'ii>' 
iir///(ttvrn  themselves,  instead  of  the  "White  Chinamen,"  and  (I/ere  via  ho 
riut,  nn  co?/jticf,  no  rebellion  and  no  mitrdi'i;  such  as  there  was  at  Seattle.] 

Governor  [Mason]  is  still  as  deserving  of  condemnation  for  his  con- 
iluct,  as  ho  ^vas  before  he  began  to  Avag  his  tongue  and  punish  whiskey  at 
raeoma  last  Tuesday  night." 

*  * 

* 

"  A  petition  is  to  be  circulated  immediately,  asking  President  Cleve- 
land to  remove  Goveinior  [Mason] .  Had  lit!  been  removed  long  since,  it 
■would  have  saved  our  territory  from  a  disgrace  and  ignomy  which  will 
reipiire  years  to  wii^e  out.  Before  a  droj)  of  blood  was  shed,  simply  be- 
cause an  oppresst>d  [half  housed  and  half  mortgaged]  people  gave  tlie 
[Masonic]  coolies  the  ticket  of  leave,  he  hastily  telegrai)hs  the  Presit''  'nt, 
demanding  the  protection  of  Government  troops  and  a  in-oclamation  at 
once.  The  proclamation  was  issued,  commanding  the  'outlaws'  and 
'mob  '  to  disjjerse,  and  it  was  printed  in  every  paper  in  the  land,  ;^  ui  •. 
[Mason]  exaggerated  the  trouble  lieyond  a  doubt,  and  hisiiijudiciou-li  c  i<; 
and  anxiety  in  telegraj'hing  the  President  was  doubtless  caused  by  a  desire 
to  cuiTv  favor  in  the  eyes  of  the  present  administration.  The  danger  <<( 
giving  out  to  the  world  the/<'/.-.<j  impression  tliat  we  are  an  ignorant,  un- 
lawful and  riotous  people,  and  probability  of  hurting  our  chances  for  ad- 
mission and  silf  government,  did  not  curb  the  Governor's  anxiety  f^r 
notoriety.  Therefore,  let  him  bo  relegated  to  the  obscurity  and  oblivion 
into  which  he  would  i^lace  our  peoi)le.  Men  and  even  women  have  been 
arrest'^l  on  the  charge  of  inciting  riot.  They  have  agitated  the  Chinese 
question  and  advoc^ated  the  jiolicy  of  boycotting  the  aliens,  for  which  they 
were  arrested  on  the  above  charge." 

*  *        * 

"In  an  interview  with  a  merchant  of  Seattle  it  was  ascertained  that 
much  of  the  trouble  in  that  place  arises  from  the  fact  that  two  prominent 
ollicials  and  others  are  linancially  interested  in  keeping  the  Chinese  from 
leaving.  It  is  alleged  that  Governor  [Mason]  holds  largo  landed  interests 
in  and  about  Seattle  which  he  has  leased  almost  exclusively  to  Chinamin 
for  years,  and  that  it  is  to  Ids  financial  benefit  to  exercise  his  jjower  and  in- 
fluence to  keep  his  tenants  from  going  away. 

It  IS  positively  stated  that  were  it  not  for  the  parties  named,  the 
Chinese  would  bo  quite  willing  to  leave  the  place,  as  they  are  boycotted  ni 
every  side,  and  law-abiding  citizens  would  aid  iu  their  departure." 

*  * 
* 

"The  order  calling  the  troops  away  from  Seattle  has  been  rescinded  on 
the  information  furnished  the  Government  that  it  was  the  calculation  to 


The  Judgment  of  the  People. 


0^7 


poseil  upou 

rinti-Chiiiesi^ 
here  vu)^  no 
t  Seattle] 
for  liis  con- 
1  whiskey  at 


liilent  C'lovo- 
oug  siuoo,  it 
iv  wliich  will 
(i,  simply  W- 
)ple  gave  tlio 
lio  Presii'  'Ut, 
oclaination  at 
outlaws'   au.l 
J  laml,   '■'*''• 
uilii'iou  tic  '^i 
Bcd  by  a  tlt'Hivo, 
rhc  danger  of 
1  ioiiorant,  mi- 
■liaiu-es  for  a>l- 
f's  auxiety  f">' 
aud  (>l)liviuu 
iiou  liave  becu 
■d  the  C'biut'HO 
for  wliich  tbey 


Icertaiucd  tliat 

]\V()  proiuiiK'iit 

CbiacsG  froiH 

liu.lod  interests 

to  Cbinauu'U 

power  and  in- 

■es  uamed.  iho 
1- boycotted  ''H 
Irtiiro." 

L,i  ri'Hcinded  on 
K-aloulation  to 


introduce  into  the  city,  upon  the  withdrawal  of  the  soldiers,  (300  armed 
men  to  take  possession,  and  expel  the  remaining  Chinamen  and  the  disre- 
putable citizens  ('white  Chinamen  ')  who  took  a  i)romineut  i)art  [against 
the  jjeople.]" 

*  * 

* 

""When  Seattle  endeavored  to  remove  the  Chinese  incubus,  some 
'  very  loyal '  officers  of  the  Government  saw  an  op])<jrtunity  to  give  their 
abilities  an  airing.  When  bloodshed  ensued  the  boomers  of  Seattle  saw 
an  oi)portunity  for  a  big  '  Avhirl'  in  calling  for  troops.  Governor  [MasduJ 
gave  it  the  impetiis  of  official  momentum  by  a  declaration  of  martial  law, 
whieh  made  a  perfect  '  whi" '  '  <>f  tloU<ii's  aronn<l  the  rorti'.c  of  h  's  pocket.'' 

"  If  the  party  courts  defeat,  it  Avill  nominate  Governor  [Mason]  for 
delegate.  He  of  all  others  would  be  most  weighted  down  by  the  hot- 
headed acts  of  last  February.  He  if<ix  the  tool  of  n  ri>«j  (f  specnlKtire  pulU 
lici(ti>s,  who  by  their  tumultuoiTH  pi'oceedings  have  brought  a  taint  U2)oa 
the  whole  Territory.  Th(>  people  have  grown  tired  <•(  dictation,  and  would 
desire  no  better  opiJOitunity  than  to  slaughter  oiir  redoubtable  BombasteS 
Furioso  at  the  polls.  The  crank  for  ttarning  on  the  martial  law  alarm  is 
not  the  lever  for  good  work.  The  man  who  has  achieved  distinction  solely 
on  account  of  wealth,  is  not  the  one  in  whom  the  laborer  would  place  his 
trust.  The  fop  can  have  nothing  in  his  composition,  natural  or  acqui'.ed 
that  can  compensate  for  the  hole  on  one  side  of  his  brain.  He  whoso 
physical  energy  must  be  constantly  In'aced  up  by  hot  cushions,  and  m  ho.se 
spiritual  nature  is  so  retined  that  lu>  cannot  eat  off"  dishes  used  by  others, 
should  not  be  allowed  to  wander  far  from  home.  He  belongs  to  the  ki.l- 
glove  gentry,  and  he  figures  more  as  a  dude  than  a  statesman." 

* 

"It  is  said  that  the  only  persons  wlio  havi^  made  anything  out  of 
•lie  martial  law  at  Seattle  liave  l)een  the  landlords  who  have  rented 
ijuarters  for  the  soldiers  at  "-±9  i)rices." 

"The  Salem  7^ ^M:  suggests  that  Governor  [^[aaon]  be  sent  to  Utiih 
to  settle  the  jNIormon  difficult)'.  He  can  have  a  few  uu^itleuding  citizens 
sliot  down  and  then  "stand  in'  with  the  ['good']  judiciary  and  pro- 
claim martial  law  to  protect  them  from  retaliatory  measures.  Tliis 
)iroinpt  and  patriotic  course  would  strike  terror  to  the  hearts  of  tho 
rabble  and  at  once  restore  harmony." 

"The  Tiilk  is  evidently  sarca-stic  in  the  recommendation,  and  our 
liovernor  will  readily  see  there  is  no  money  in  it,  uides.s  he  first  ob- 
tain the  control  of  a  few  sluu'ks  in  Mormouland  to  hire  to  the  Go\-- 
ernment  for  barracks  at  rates  which  would  be  considered  a  fau'  rental 
fur  the  Palmer  House  iu  Chicago." 

*  * 


for 


"King  county  presents  her  litth^  bill  of  .?4,000  to  the  Government 
expenses  iucun'ed   in  the  late  disturbances.      This,  we  presume,  is 


^! 


1     t' 


'MiitH'^ 


"li 


548 


The  Judgment  op  the  People. 


for  the  '  relief '  of  the  smaller  fishes  which  did  not  get  their  fius  iu  at 
the  rate  of  $100  jjer  ilnj/,  like  the  big  whale — Govei-uur  [Muxoii,]. 

Everything  is  fish  that  came  iu  [the  gangs]  net.  When  it  fails  to 
liress  each  good   thing  as  it  turns  ni),  it  will   be   when  its  toes  are  iu 

the  air." 

*  -x- 

* 

"  Tacoma,  Wdnhiiigtmi  Terrilory,  AfUrju&t  ISlh,  1886. 

The  following  additional  resolutions  were  adopted  unanimously  : 

Wherean,  W.  C.  [Mason],  Governor  of  Washington  Territory,  on  the 
8th  day  of  February,  in  the  city  of  Seattle,  in  violation  of  lii.s  oath  of 
olliee  and  the  laws  of  the  laud  and  in  contravention  of  the  liberties  of 
free  men  guaranteed  by  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  did  pro- 
claim martial  law  and  susiseud  the  writ  of  habeas  corpus,  and  did  unlaw- 
fully and  wrongfully  arrest  and  imprison  citizens  without  any  charge  or 
crime  against  them  ;  therefore  be  it 

"  lic'solvdd,  By  the  democracy  of  Washington  Territory  iu  couventiou 
assembled  : 

' '  Flrn/,  That  said  W.  C.  Mason  has  by  his  conduct  brought  disgrace 
and  contempt  on  the  official  position  held  by  him. 

' '  Second,  That  the  President  is  eai'uestly  requested  by  this  couventiou 
to  remove  said  Governor  from  his  official  position." 


"  The  people's  p((rt If  co?i»e»</o>t  adopted  the  following  resohitions  unani- 
mously : 

"  Whereas,  The  action  of  Governor  [Mason]  in  susiiending  the  writ  of 
habeas  corpus  and  declaring  martial  law,  and  coercing  with  federal  troops 
our  sister  city  Seattle  in  time  of  poai-e,  when  the  civil  authorities  ^^.■»t■ 
fully  able  and  comijotont  to  2)r(iscrve  the  same,  was  an  act  of  usurpation  of 
power  only  i)aralleled  by  the  autocrat  of  Kussia. 

"  The  outrage  on  the  peojile's  rights  and  liberties  was  an  act  of  usnr- 
l)ation  without  parallel  in  our  ii:Ht'">''v — such  as  causes  great  commotion 
•uid  alarm  among  oiir  i)eople  and  calls  lev  the  severest  coudemuatiou, 
Therefore  l)e  it 

"  liesoh'ed,  That  our  people  have  uo  confidence  iu  W.  C.  [Mason]  us 
Governor  of  this  Territory,  and  severely  condemn  his  actions  as  exeentive, 
and  ask  all  people  to  unite  in  jirayers  for  the  removal  of  this  nuwortliv 

servant." 

*  * 


"  The  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States  has  rendered  an  important 
decision  afi'ecting  the  question  of  the  powers  of  the  Federal  (Tovernnniit 
iu  prosecutiug  individuals  engaged  in  molesting  or  driving  out  Cliiii'  —  ' 
residents  within  any  of  the  States.  The  case  was  that  of  Baldwin  mi'l 
others  charged  with  driving  the  Chinese  out  of  Nicalaus,  California,  witliin 
the  last  year. 


1  't 


esolutious  uuaui- 


The  Judgment  of  the  People. 


oiy 


The  court  holds,  re-aftiriiiiug  Uuited  Statea  vs.  Harris,  106  United 
States  reports,  page  02!),  that  the  Federal  Government  has  no  jurisdiction 
under  the  present  state  of  law,  and  that  the  matter  rests  entirely  with  the 
local  State  courts,  (uul  tlutt  section  •1  ,■'>  U)  Itevised  Statutes  United  States,  is 
unconstitutional,  in  Avhole  and  in  part,  reverses  the  judgment  of  the  Cir- 
cuit court  of  the  United  States  fcT  California  and  remand  the  ease  for 
fiu-ther  proceedings.     This  must  ens 'ire  the  discharge  of  the  defendants." 

' '  This  case  was  reviewed  in  connection  with  our  Chinese  conspiracy 
cases  by  a  correspondent  ('  Skeptic  ').  It  was  thei'e  shown  that  our  citi- 
zens had  been  indicted,  tried  and  convicted  under  this  same  section  (.5,.')10 
R.  S.)  declared  unconstitutional  by  the  Supreme  court,  but  noliiHthslnndiny 
that.  Judges  Sawyer,  Greene  and  Hoyt  JitUl  it  constitutional. 

"  Meantime  our  '  (01}nipia)  conspirators,'  so-colled,  have  served  out 
their  sentence,  and  the  Seattle  and  Tacoma  parties,  so  charged,  have  been 
accpiitted  by  juries  of  their  peers,  after  the  most  strenuous  efforts  on  the 
I^art  of  the  Government  to  convict." 

["  Where  God  hath  a  temple,  the  masonic  devil  will  have  a  secret 
chapel."] 

"I  desire  to  enter  my  protest  and  arouse  public  indignation  against  the 
greatest  outrage  on  individual  liberty  and  the  constitution  and  lav's  that 
has  occurred  in  the  unfortunate  Chinese  agitf''on  at  Seattle.  I  refer  to 
the  Governor  s  infamous  conduct  in  suspending  the  operation  of  the  writ 
of  habeas  coi'ijus  and  establi.shing  martial  law  in  S(>attle,  and  to  subject  its 
peoi)le  to  all  the  horrors  of  an  irresponsible  military  despotism — to  allow 
them  to  Ix!  imprisoned  without  lawful  warrant  and  convicted  without  a 
jury  trial. 

Here  is  the  Governor  of  [masonic-ridden  J  Washington  Territory 
arrogating  to  himself  powers  hciiund  those  of  the,  J'resii/unt,  oml  irhich  Con- 
(jrcss c(i n e.cercise o)i!i/  '  irhnn  in  c<isesof  rehdlinnor  invasion  the  p\rblic  safety 
may  re(iuireit.'  (Constitution  U.  S.,  Article  1,  Section  9,  and  am-mdments 
5andG.) 

To  prevent  great  inconvenience  and  Mroug  to  iiulividuals,  the  public 
condemnation  should  be  uttered  Avith  no  uncertain  sound. 

[So  it  should  be  as  to  innocout  victims  languishing  in  prison  that  the 
brutal  tyrants  spurn.  J 

It  is  bad  enough  that  we  should  havii  a  Governor  who,  by  constant 
appeals  to  the  general  jjovernment  for  aid  [for  his  brethren]  admits  that 
wo  are  not  capable  of  adniinisttM-ing  our  own  affairs,  "hut  whcm  his  timidity 
prompts  such  violent  and  unconstitutional  usurpation  of  authority,  then  it 
is  full  time  thai  the  administration  should  give  us  an  executive  who  has 
the  wisilom  and  counige  to  enforce  the  laws  by  lawful  means.     W.  H.  D. " 

"  Wo  think  this  protest  is  timely,  and  none  too  strong.  According  to 
t>i^  dovnsion  of  the  Supreme  court  in  the  Mulligan  case — gi-owing  out  of 
A<?  ci\il  WAr,  reported  in  •!  Wall — martial  rule  <'an  only  be  called  into  ex- 
creis«^  by  Congress,  or  temporarily  when  the  action  of  Congress  cannot  be 


i 


H' 


550 


The  Judgment  of  the  People. 


I   J 


invited,  or  iu  justifyiug  or  excusing  i)eril  by  the  President,  in  times  of 
insurrection  or  invasion,  or  civil  or  foreign  war,  vvitliin  districts  or  locali- 
ties where  ordinary  law  no  longer  secures  iiublic  safety  or  private  riglits. 

It  is  onli/  lair/nl  in  dis/ric/ii  (iciiKtUi/  occupied  hi/  the  opposing  forces  and 
in  which  the  civil  courts  are  fur  the  time  being  completebf  displaced.  It  cannot 
[lawfully]  exist  where  the  coiirts  are  ojien  and  in  the  jiroper  and  und  is- 
turbod  exercise  of  their  jurisdiction.  [In  Seattle  the  'agitators  '  appealed) 
in  vain  to'  the  courts.  ] 

It  is  also  confined  to  the  loatliti/  of  actual  war.  As  decided  in  this  case 
it  could  not  exist  in  the  State  of  Indiana  during  the  civil  war. 

None  of  the  circumstances  under  which  martial  law  is piermissible  icith  the 
sus2}e>isio)o  ff  habeas  corjms  exist  at  Seattle,  and  not  even  Congress  icould  have 
the  right  to  do  irhat  Governor  [M((son]  has  assuined  to  do. 

As  the  Supreme  Court  declares,  when  not  authorized,  martial  law  is 
'mere  lawless  violence.' 

[And  the  blacklegs  called  it  '  law  and  order.'] 

The  most  that  tiie  Governor  was  authoiized  to  do,  was  to  call  upon 
the  militia  or  upon  tl.e  President  for  the  regular  army,  which  istheiiltimatt^ 
police  to  assist  him  in  the  exercise  of  his  civil  power  in  jireserving  the 
peace." 

!  Plato  defined  man  as  "  a  two-legged  animal  without  feathers — having 

broa<l,  tlat  nails."]  ^  ^ 

* 

"A  convention  of  the  people  held  in  Oregon  resolved  that  : 

'  Where(ts,  In  defiance  of  article  1,  section  9,  and  amendments  5  and 
6  of  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  and  in  utter  violation  of  law , 
Governor  [Mason]  of  Washington  Territory  has,  with  all  the  insolence  of 
imperialism,  suspended  the  Avvit  of  haf/cas  cnrjius.  free  speeeh  and  h'berty 
of  assemblage,  and  declared  martial  law  in  defiance  of  the  Luv  of  the  land, 
as  declared  T)y  the  United  States  Supreme  Court  in  -l:  "Wall,  in  the  case  of 
Mulligan;  and 

Whereas,  in  addition  to  said  illegal  act  a  mob  of  his  suinjorters  fired 
ui)on  an  assemblage  of  people,  killing  one  and  wountling  three  other 
people  iu  Seattle,  on  the  8th  day  of  February,  18SG;  and 

]r7ter>-'is  said  [Mason]  has  illegally  imiirisoned  and  deprived  of  liberty 
various  citizens  of  the  United  ,States  without  proee.^s  of  law; 

Resoli-fih  that  our  Reiiresentatives  i'l  Congress  be  instructed  to  i)refer 
articles  of  impeachment  against  said  Cnivernor  [Mason],  and  to  iiresent  the 
samo  for  Action  ti'  tlie  House  of  Ivepreseutatives  at  once. 

Resolved,  that  fifty  thousand  co])ies  of  these  resolutions  be  printed  and 
th*t  they  be  forwarded  to  every  labor  oreranization,  anti-Chinese  leagui- 
and  every  Granger's  assf»ciation  in  the  United  States,  with  the  request  tlm'^ 
*«(.'h  such  organization  ratify,  adopt  and  approve  these  resolutions  and 
order  thfm  sent  to  theirR  epresentatives  iu  Congivss,  endorsed  with  then' 
IBgent  demand  for  ]>roper  action  tiierecm. " 

[But  the  trail  of  the  masonic,  nighljoider  seriJeut  was  over  them  all.  ] 


kI  in  this  case 


L,  martial  law  is 


eathers— having 


biived  of  liberty 


over  tliem  all. 


CHAPTER   XXXVII. 

A  brief,  couipreheusive  and  in'actical  History  of  Masonry,  Knight  Tem])- 
lars  of  Malta,  St.  John,  Hospitalers,  etc. — The  Crusades  to  possess  the 
Holy  Laud,  Egypt,  etc. — How  Jernsaleni  and  Acre  were  takou  and  re- 
taken.— Why  the  Holy  Laud  was  made  a  desert. — The  i)ractical  M'ork- 
iugs  of  the  Masonry  and  kindred  orders  of  to-day.  —Mostly  the  testimony 
of  others  as  taken  from  books  and  the  press. 

\V  EBSTEIl'S  definition  of  Mason  and  Masonic,  and  Masonry  and  Frec- 
Masoury  is  as  follows  : 

"  Masou,  an  artilicer  in  brick  and  stone;  a  Free-Mason." 

"Masonic,  pertaining  to  Masonry." 

"Masonry,  stoue-work. " 

What  do  the  kid-glovetl  "Masons"  of  to-day  kuow  about  haudliug 
stoue  ?  But  as  Masonry  was  always  an  honorable  productive  occupation, 
it  can  easily  be  seen  how  its  good  uauie  and  emblems  of  honest  toil  would 
be  stolen  to  be  used  as  a  false  cloak  and  blinel  by  those  who  never  had  and 
never  intended  to  cut  or  handle  a  rod  of  stone  in  their  lives;  for  with  such 
cloaks  and  Ijhnds  aud  wth  secret  intrigue  they  could  filch  the  fruits  of 
others'  toil. 

The  Order  or  Organization  of  Masous  was  simply  aud  only  a  Traile 
rnioii  of  roving  mechanics  of  stone  masous;  witli  au  ai)rou,  compass, 
sipiare,  plumb,  mallet  aud  trowel  as  workiug  tot)ls  aud  true  embk-ms  of 
their  trade.  These  woricmeu  being  divided  into  tliree classes:  Ajjprentices, 
companions  or  comrades  and  masters. 

"The  word  'free'  in  conueetion  with  mason  siguifies  that  the  person 
so  called  was  free  of  the  compuuy,  trade  union  or  guild  of  masous.  Those 
operative  or  worldug  masons  who  were  not  thus  made  free  of  the  guild 
were  not  permitted  to  work  with  tliose  who  were." 

The  original  aud  Morthy  plau  aud  the  organization  of  real  masous  died 
out  in  about  1700. 

History  does  not  teach  that  tliose  trade  uuious  of  nuisous  were  any 
dift'ereut  from  the  other  workiug-meu's  uuious  of  tlie  day,  uor  that  they 
had  auy  doctrines  ])eculiur  to  themselves. 

They  had  their  eud)lems  of  their  mechanical  trade-work  and  cere- 
monies like  other  trade  federations.      Thi'ra  vrn;  no  "  iiii/nteries." 

There  are,  however,  many  of  the  spuidous  masous  of  the  day,  wlio, 
anxious  for  an  ancient  and  illustrious  geueology  to  their  craft,  claim  that 
ma.sonry  deccnds  from  the  ancient  "mysteries"  of  jiagauism  and  their 
heathen  mytholocry  aud  Gods. 

But  what  would  a  trade  union  waut  of  the  false  "doctrine"  (?)  of 
tLese  old,  exi)]oded  fables  aud  mysterious  juggleries,  used  as  a  cloak  and 
blind  to  commit  ///•(■  most  iiulecext  iinmoralitj/  und  crime  ? 

(351) 


552       The  Practical  Workings  of  Masonry,  etc. 


H 


m 


Those  stone  autl  brick  niasous  who  were  williug  to  earn  their  liveli- 
hood by  honest,  hard  labor  and  production,  certainly  had  no  iise  for  de- 
ception and  i)agau  "mysteries  "  as  a  screen  for  secret  crime  ! 

On  the  contrary,  they  labored  to  build  up,  to  i)roduce  and  improve 
with  their  own  calloused  hands;  not  to  corrupt,  debauch,  tear  down, 
ravage,  purloin  and  destroy  the  honest  endeavors,  institutions  and  homes 
of  their  neighbors. 

In  building  stone  churches  with  their  hands,  aprons,  compasses, 
s(]uareH,  plumbs,  mallets,  trowels,  levels,  etc.,  they  gained  the  good  will 
of  jniests  and  prelates  and  others  of  influence  and  power  in  the  Govern- 
ment, and  were  thus  and  therefore  granted  si)ecial  privileges,  such  as  ex- 
emi)tion  and  freedom  from  certain  taxes.  And  in  return,  as  a  matter  of 
courtesy,  this  trade  unicjn  of  working  stone  and  brick  masons  would  admit 
these  benefactors  to  their  union  aa  honorarif  members.  This  api)ears 
to  have  been  the  entering  wedge  of  the  total  destruction  of  the  ancient 
society  of  masonry.  Other  men  who  did  not  work,  except  with  their  wits 
and  tongues,  then— on  account  of  the  privileges  they  hojied  to  enjoy  with- 
out earning  them — api)lied,  and,  by  hook  or  crook,  got  themselves  admit- 
ted as  honorary  or  "accei)ted"  masc^us,  and  these  barnacles  finally  be- 
came 80  numerous  and  ruinous  that  the  original  plan,  principles,  and 
organization  of  active  or  "operative"  or  real  Free-Masonry  had  died  out 
in  about  17 UU. 

"There  was  always  some  lord  or  coitnt  or  duke,  who  was  willing  to  act 
as  i)resideut  of  the  dying  order." 

In  1717,  about  172  years  ago,  operative,  or  honest  and  productive 
masonry,  without  any  revolting  pagan  "mysteries,"  may  be  said  to  have  end- 
ed, and  "speculative"  orspurious,  despoiling  and  "mysterious"  masonry 
— Avhich  is  the  masonry  of  to-dati  and  of  blackleg  officials — "may  be  said  to 
begin." 

They  iDurloined  and  jiervcrted  the  emblems  of  the  honest  toil  of  the 
old  mechanical  labor  union  of  stone  and  brick  masons,  that  they  had 
barmided  and  murdered,  to  the  uses  of  their  i)agan  "mystery" — jugglery 
— blaokleg-gaug,  to  flourish  in  the  eyes  of  the  people  for  a  blind  with  the 
Bible,  to  which  these  midnight  infidels  proclaim  their  reverence  with  flour- 
ish and  i)arade  in  the  streets,  Avhen  such  notorious  iufldels  as  Voltaire  and 
Tom  I'aine  were  such  in-ominent  brethren  in  the  gang.  And  they  declare 
that  "whether  the  candidate  or  brother  is  devoted  to  Brahma,  Allah,  Je- 
hovah, or  Jesus,  is  no  concern  of  theirs  ;  or  whether  he  accepts  the  Bible 
of  the  Christian,  the  Talmud  of  the  Jew,  the  Koran  of  the  Mohammedan, 
the  Zend  Avesta  of  the  Persian,  the  Pidda's  of  the  Hindoos,  or  the  Edda's 
of  the  Goth  as  a  trtie  book  of  insjiiration,  is  a  matter  left  entirely  to  him- 
self." 

The  craft  of  honest,  working,  productive  masonry  appears  to  have 
been  killed  in  much  the  same  way  as  the  farmers'  Grange  in  the  United 
States;  non-producers  and  enemies  to  honest  labor,  even  spurious  masons, 


.0. 


a  tlieir  liveli- 
lO  use  for  de- 

! 

3  aucl  improve 
I,  tear  (l()\s-u, 
as  and  bomes 

s,  compasses, 
the  good  will 
LU  the  Goveni- 
s,  such  as  ex- 
bS  a  matter  of 
,s  -would  admit 

This  appears 
3f  the  ancient 
vith  their  ^vits 
to  enjoy  with- 
aselves  admit- 
ilea  finally  be- 
jriuciples,  and 

had  died  out 

3  willing  to  act 

ud  productive 

d  to  have  end- 

|ous  "  masonry 

uay  be  said  to 

■st  toil  of  the 
[liiit  they  had 
•y  "—jugglery 
blind  with  the 
ice  with  flour- 
Voltaire  and 
Ll  they  declare 
}na,  Allah,  Je- 
i)ts  the  Bible 
[ohammedan, 
)r  the  Edda's 
tirely  to  him- 

lears  to  have 

the  United 

rioias  masons, 


The  PiiACTicAL  WoitKiNus  OF  Masonry,  etc.        o53 


odd-fellows,  and  other  like  barnacles,  having  got  into  the  grange,  were  a 
secret  wheel  within  a  Avlieel,  which  they  run  backwards,  over  the  pro- 
ducers, thus  8tripi)ing  and  spoiling  the  wrecks  they  wer«  making. 

* 

"Let  us  not  inculcate  that  crimes  lose  their  names  and  change  their 
natiu'e,  because  they  are  successful,  or  that  becaiise  masonry  has  taken  too 
firm  a  root  to  bo  eradicated  its  fruit  is  no  longer  poisonous.  We  have  to 
contemplate  a  triumphant  con(pieror,  who  will  neither  pai'don  our  iu- 
efi'ectual  hostility,  nor  believe  in  our  unnatural  reconciliation." 

"We  are  indeed  abandoned  by  the  courts,  which  not  only  fails  to  pro- 
tect us,  but  weaken  the  security  which  we  derive  from  our  own  suspicions. 
Is  there  a  citizen  in  the  United  States  whose  person  is  at  this  moment  pro- 
tected from  masonic  intrigue  and  violence  ?  " 

*  * 

"  7'//«  h((ui'.  of  joy,  the  njirimj,  the  SOURCE, 
The  (fdll  of  every  other  curse." 

"  To  every  man  upon  this  earth 

Death  cometh  soon  or  late; 

And  how  can  man  die  better 

Than  in  facing  fearful  odds. 

For  the  ashes  of  his  fathers 

And  the  temples  of  his  Gods  ?  " 
* 
"  The  power  of  the  government  should  be  trusted  only  to  those  who 
are  attached  to  it  above  all  other  governments.  A  king,  a  iiarliament,  a 
congress,  or  an  army  of  a  different  allegiance  from  that  Avhich  tho  govern- 
ment professes,  would  be  as  absurd  as  to  trust  the  deai-est  concerns 
of  a  minor  in  the  hands  of  a  person  who  had  the  most  immediate  interest 
to  betray  them.  In  vain  would  you  plead  in  favor  of  such  a  trust  that  the 
guardian  would  be  above  taking  advantage  of  his  situation,  nobody  in  his 
senses  would  think  of  putting  his  virtues  to  so  severe  a  trial." 

* 
The  Knight  Templars  of  Malta,  St.  John,  Hospitalers,  etc. ,  etc. ,  were 
a  monastic  discii)lined  military  society  of  zealots — for  blood  and  plunder. 
They  were  armed,  and  generally  mounted,  and  protected  by  heavy  armor 
and  coats  of  iron,  and  engaged  to  fight  the  Turks,  the  Tartars  and  the 
Saracens  in  the  bloody  and  disastrous  crusades,  to  invade,  pillage  and 
hold  the  Holy  Lauds,  Egypt  and  sections  of  other  dominions,  and  they  re- 
ceived big  pay  and  plunder  for  their  services.  They  mado  murdering  and 
plundering  expeditious  against  the  caravans  of  pilgrims  travelling  to  wor- 
ship at  Mecca,  and  became  so  obnoxious  and  revolting  to  the  people  of  the 
country — who  called  them  "  the  swinish  race" — that  they  were  out-lawed 
and  a  price  put  on  their  heads. 

"Unlike  the  foot  soldier  of  to-day  in  his  simple  uniform,  who  stands 
firm  and  steady  in  the  face  of  both  rifle  and  cannon,  these  Knights  of  old 
were  covered  from  head  to  foot  with  a  sheathing  of  iron  mail  and  plate. " 


M 

m 

■r\ 

\'. 

1 

' 

] 

1 

S 

%' 

654       The  Phaotical  "Workings  of  Masonry,  etc. 


f 

■  :l 

■i  :  • 

'/;   '    ■■    ' 

f 

;'■  '    '    ' 

i  I 


Aud  wbou  the  riflo  iiutl  cauuou  camo  iuto  use, which  wouhl  allow  theiu 
no  great  ndvautugo  over  other  luou,  Imt  compolloil  au  eveu  tight,  they  wout 
iuto  other  aud  more  secret  business,  so  as  to  still  have  au  iiufair  advantage 
iu  gaiuiug  or  destroying  what  others  had  produced — as  one  of  their  family 
says : 

"My  aucestors  Ivept  ou  with  their  commoui-laeo  occupation  of 
slaughter  aud  robbery  as  Knights,  or  intrigue  aud  cruelty  nsi)riest3.  They 
h:id  varied  fortunes,  now  carousing  in  their  own  halls  after  a  successful 
foray,  anon  cluilliug  in  irons  between  the  walls  of  an  enemy's  dungeon. 
They  were  a  versatile  race,  and  when  i)late-mail  went  out  of  fashion,  be- 
cause the  i)eoi)lo  hud  learned  the  nse  of  fire-arms,  my  i>cople  were  the  first 
to  recognize  the  changed  condition.  Thereafter  they  figured  in  the  learned 
2V(/i'ssi(i/is,  and  sought  to  secure  by  persuasion  and  the  advantage  of 
su2>eri()r  knowledge  what  they  uscc^  to  take  by  force."'  Others  say  tliut 
they  figured  more  largely  as  i)irates  in  the  Mediterranian  and  thus  lived 
sumptuously  ou  naked  islands  iu  the  sea. 

Here  is  an  account  of  some  of  their  "victories"  and  cold-blooded 
slaughter  on  land  and  also  tlieir  defeat.  They  were  i^romised  by  the 
"Christian"  King  of  Jerusalem  the  iduuder  of  the  wealthy  city  of  Bel- 
beis  iu  Egypt  for  their  pay  if  they  Avould  capture  and  hold  the  i)luce  ;  so 
"the  Egyptians  were  taken  completely  by  surprise,  the  city  of  lielbeis  was 
taken  and  the  defenseless  inhabitants  were  barbarously  massacred.  Their 
cruelty  and  injustice,  however,  sjieedily  met  Avith  condign  iniuishineut  and 
the  Knights  fled  before  the  Egyi)tiaus  in  sorrow  aud  disappointment  to 
Jerusalem,  their  inety  dwindled  aud  they  went  to  killing  each  other  iu 
their  constant  quarrels. " 

* 

In  1099  the  Knights,  with  about  700,000  other  "Christians,"  had 
taken  Jerusalem  from  the  Saracens  or  Caliidis  of  Egypt,  and  not  only  put 
all  who  resisted  to  the  sword,  but  also  massacred  about  10,000  inoffensive 
citizeus,  men,  women  and  children.  Then  laying  down  their  arms  they 
waded  through  the  sea  of  human  blood  to  the  Holy  Sepulchre.  "They 
gave  the  city  up  to  pillage  aud  slaughter,  and  exhibited  a  scene  of  cruelty, 
barbarity,  caruage  aud  distress,  too  shocking  to  be  conceived  of  or  de- 
scribed ;  and  when  neither  age  nor  sex  remained  to  glut  the  vengeance  of 
their  swords,  they  approached  the  sepulchre,  their  hands  yet  warm  with 
the  Idootl  of  the  aged,  the  infant  and  the  mother,  and  paid  their  de- 
votions at  the  shrine  of  the  prince  of  peace.  Godfrey,  King  of  France, 
was  chosen  king  of  Jerusalem." 

To  rid  the  country  of  such  invaders,  the  Holy  Land  M-ith  its  thickly 
jjopulated  districts  and  innumerable  clusters  of  villages,  quantities  of 
strong  castles,  aud  eighty  cities,  was  all  reduced  to  a  devastated  wilderness 
iu  1291,  and  governed  by  the  Turks,  to  whom  Jerusalem  Avas  also  "the 
Holy  City." 


'!l '-,  ■• 


ETC. 


ThK  PltACnCAL  WoHKINGIrt  OF  MasoNUY,   ETC. 


G.JO 


)ulcl  allow  them 
tight,  thoywcut 
ufair  advantage 
>  of  their  fiimily 

occiipatiou  of 
as  priests.  Tliey 
;er  a  sMecesst'ul 
icmy's  iluugeon. 
;  of  fashion,  he- 
)lo  were  the  tirst 
etl  iuthe  letirned 
le  nilvautaye    of 

Others  say  that 
u  auil  thus  lived 


md  cold-blooded 
[)roniised  by  the 
Ithy  city  of  Bel- 
)ld  the  place  ;  so 
ity  of  Belbuiswas 
lassacred.  Their 
puuishmeut  aud 
isappoiutuieut  to 
UK  each  other  iu 


;jhristiaus,"  had 
[lud  not  ouly  put 
0,000  iuoffeusive 
their  arms  they 
)ulehre.  "They 
Isceue  of  cruelty. 
!eived  of  or  de- 
the  vengeance  of 
is  yet  warm  with 
paid  their  de- 
llving  of  France, 

I  with  its  thickly 

Bs,   quantities   of 

Itated  wilderness 

Avas  also  "the 


i) 


lu  tills  re-taking  of  Jevu.salem  by  the  turks,  *ihe  air  was  rent  with  the 
loud  Mussuhuan  shout.s,  the  Holy  <,'ity!  the  Holy  City  !  \\'lu'n  they  had 
iiuished  tlu'ir  prayers,  the  loud  trumpets  of  Saladin  summoned  the  Christ- 
ians to  surrender  the  House  of  Ciod  to  the  arms  of  the  faithful;  but  the 
Christian!  rt'turued  for  uii.swer  tliat,  please  God,  the  Holy  City  should  not 
be  surrendered.  The  next  morning  at  sunrise  the  territied  "nhabitants 
were  awaked  by  the  clangor  of  horsea  uud  drums,  the  loud  clash  of  arms 
ami  the  fierce  cries  i)f  tlie  foe. 

The  women  and  children  rushed  to  the  churches  and  threw  tliem- 
selves  on  theii.  knees  before  the  altar,  weeping  and  wailing  and  lifting  \\\i 
their  hands  to  Heaven,  while  the  men  Inisteued  to  man  the  battlements. 
Monks  and  canons,  bishops  and  priests,  took  arms  in  defense  ot  the  Holy 
Sepulchre,  and  lined  in  warlike  array  the  dark  gray  battlements  aud  towers 
of  Jerusalem, 

But  the  Mussulman  arcliers  soon  became  so  numerous  and  so  expert 
that  tlie  garri.son  dare  not  show  themselves  upon  the  wall.  Saladin  also 
cmi)l()yed  his  troojjs  iu  the  construction  of  militai-y  engines,  stationing 
10,000  cavalry  around  the  city  to  interce2)t  fugitives  ami  prevent  the  intro- 
duction of  supplies.  When  his  engines  were  C()m2)leted  he  directed  all  his 
etlbrts  against  the  northern  wall  of  tlie  city,  ■which  extended  between  St. 
Steven's  Gate  and  the  Gate  of  Jojjpa,  from  which  the  successful  assaults 
had  been  made  by  the  crusaders  eighty -eight  years  befoi'e. 

Barefoot  processions  of  women,  monks  aud  priests  were  continually 
made  to  the  Holy  Sepulchre,  to  implore  the  Sou  of  God  to  save  Lis  tomb 
and  his  inheritance  from  ini2)ious  violation.  The  females  as  a  mark  of 
humility  and  distress,  imitating  tlie  Saracens,  cut  oil"  their  hair  ami  cast 
it  to  the  Aviuds,  while  the  ladies  of  Jerusalem  made  their  daugiiters  do 
penance  by  standing  up  to  their  necks  iu  tubs  of  cold  water  i)laced  U2)0U 
Calvary. 

To  i)revent  the  garrison  from  attempting  to  break  the  force  of  the 
battering  rams,  Saladin  constructed  vast  engines  for  throwing  stones,  and 
other  machines, wliicli  cast  enormous  stones, and  the  terrible  (Jreek  fire  aiul 
combustible  materials  contained  in  brass  i»ots,  and  flaming  lieaius  of  tim- 
ber covered  with  pitch  and  nai)hta,  upon  the  ramparts  and  over  the  walls 
into  the  city.  He,  moreover,  employed  mim>rs  to  sa^)  the  foundations 
of  the  towers,  and  on  the  IGth  of  Septeml)er,  1187,  the  angle  of  tlie  north- 
ern wall,  at  the  northwest  where  it  touches  the  valley  Hiuuom,  was  thrown 
down  with  a  tremendous  crash. 

In  the  morning  a  sui)i)liant  deputation  i)roceeded  to  Saladin  to  im- 
plore his  mercy,  but  ere  they  reached  the  imperial  tent  the  assault  had 
commenced,  aud  twelve  Moslem  banners  Avaved  iu  triumph  upon  the 
breach.  The  Sultan  accordingly  refused  to  hear  the  messengers,  declar- 
ing that  he  Avould  take  Jerusalem  from  the  Franks  as  they  had  taken  it 
from  the  Moslems — SAVord  in  hand.  HoAvever,  the  liberty  and  security  of 
the  iuhabitauts  were  purchased  for  about  S750  dollars  for  each  man. 


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Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


33  WEST  MAIN  STREiT 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  MSSO 

(716)  872-4503 


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656       7.'he  Practical  "Workings  of  Masonry,  etc. 


rtJ, 


». 


"Saladin  restored  the  sacred  area  of  the  temple  to  its  original -^oudition 
under  the  first  Mussulman  conqueror,  the  Christian  ijells  were  silent,  the 
churches  were  destroyed,  the  Koran  was  read,  the  imaums  were  again 
beard,  and  Islam  once  more  resumed  its  sway  1187." 

«  * 

* 

After  the  loss  of  Jenisalem  the  city  of  Acre  was  coveted  for  the 
inetro2)olis  of  the  invaders,  and  they  took  it  at  the  cost  of  about  300,000 
■■  Christian  "  men,  with  as  many  Saracens  in  1191,  and  strongly  fortified  it. 

lint  it  was  recovered  again  after  a  siege  of  six  weeks.  "Neither  by 
night  nor  by  day  did  the  shouts  of  the  assailants  and  the  noise  of  the 
military  engines  cease.  Huge  stones  and  beams  of  timber  and  pots  of 
burning  tar  and  naphta  were  continually  hurled  into  the  city.  The 
walls  were  battered  from  without,  and  the  foundations  Avere  saijped  by 
miners  who  were  incessantly  laboring  to  advance  their  works.  More  than 
600  catapults,  ballistae  and  other  instruments  of  destruction  were  directed 
against  the  fortifications,  and  the  battering  machines  Avere  of  such  im- 
mense size  and  weight  that  100  wagons  were  required  to  transport  the 
separate  timbera  of  one  of  them.  Movable  towers  were  erected  by  the 
Moslem,  so  as  to  overtop  the  walls.  Their  workmen  and  advanced  i^arties 
were  protected  by  hurdles  covered  with  rawhides,  and  all  the  military 
contrivances  which  the  art  and  the  skill  of  the  age  could  produce  were 
used  to  facilitate  the  assault.  Day  by  day  the  number  of  the  garrison 
was  thinned  by  the  sword,  whilst  in  the  enemy's  camp  the  places  of  the 
dead  were  constantly  supplied  b_)  fresh  warriors,  animated  with  the  same 
wild  fanaticism  in  the  cause  of  their  religion  as  that  which  distinguished 
the  invaders. 

After  thirty-three  days  of  constant  fighting  the  great  tower,  considered 
the  key  of  the  fortifications  and  called  by  the  Moslem  the  '  Cursed  Tower, ' 
was  thrown  down  by  the  military  engines.  To  increase  the  terror  and  dis- 
traction of  the  besieged,  Sultan  Khalil  mounted  300  drummers  with  their 
drums  upon  as  many  dromedaries,  and  had  them  make  as  much  noise  as 
possible  whenever  a  general  assault  was  ordered." 

"  At  sunrise  the  air  resounded  with  a  deafening  noise  of  drums  and 
trumpets,  and  the  breach  was  carried  and  recovered  several  times.  Loud 
appeals  to  God  and  to  Mohammed,  to  Jesus  Cluist,  to  the  Virgin  Mary,  to 
Heaven  and  the  Saints  wore  to  be  heainl  on  all  sides,  and  af  t^r  an  obstinate 
engagement  from  sunrise  to  sunset  darkness  put  an  end  to  the  slaughter. 
The  miners  continued  incessantly  to  advance  their  operations.  Another 
Avide  breach  was  opened  in  the  Avails,  and  on  the  third  day  the  enemy 
made  the  final  assault  on  the  side  next  the  gate  of  St.  Anthony.  The 
panic-stricken  garrison  fled  to  the  port,  and  the  Moslem  rushed  on  Avith 
tremendous  shouts  of  "Allah  hii  Achhur!  " 

Thousands  of  panic-stricken  invaders  now  fled  to  the  seaside  and 
sought  Avith  frantic  violence  to  gain  possession  of  the  ships  and  boats  that 
rode  at  anchor  in  the  port.     But  a  frightful  storm  of  wind  and  rain  and 


STC. 

iginal  "oudition 
were  sileut,  the 
ims  were  again 


•oveted  for  the 
f  aboiit  300,000 
ugly  f o.'tifled  it. 
i.     "Neither  by 
ihe  noise  of  the 
jer  and  pots  of 
the  city.      The 
were  sapped  by 
rks.     More  than 
on  were  directed 
'ere  of  siich  im- 
to  transport  the 
I  erected  by  the 
advanced  parties 

all  the  military 
dd  i^roduce  were 
•  of  the  garrison 
he  places  of  the 
lid  with  the  same 

h  distinguished 

tower,  considered 
Cursed  Tower,' 
le  terror  and  dis- 
inuiers  with  their 
much  noise  as 

3e  of  drums  and 

al  times.     Loud 

Virgin  Mary,  to 

if  tor  an  obstinate 

o  the  slaughter. 

ations.     Another 

day  the  enemy 

Anthony.     The 

rushed  on  with 

the  seaside  and 
)8  and  boats  that 
id  and  rain  and 


The  Practical  Wokkings  of  Masonry,  etc.       557 

lightning  hung  over  the  dark  and  agitated  waters  of  the  sea.  The  elemf  nts 
themselves  wan-ed  against  the  invaders,aud  the  loud-jjealing  thunder  became 
mingled  with  the  din  and  uproar  of  the  assault  and  the  clash  of  arms. 
The  boats  and  vessels  were  swamped  by  the  singing  waves  and  the  bitter 
cries  of  the  jierishing  fugitives  ascended  alike  from  the  sea  and  the  shore. 
Thousands  fled  to  the  churches  for  refuge  but  found  none. 

The  Grand  Master  of  the  Knight  Temi)lars  with  his  comiianions — de- 
serting these  fugitives  which  were  under  their  protection — loaded  them 
selves  with  treasure,  and  escaped  in  the  night  through  a  secret  passage 
they  had  provided  for  themselves,  communicating  with  the  harbor, 
boarded  vessels  in  waiting,  and  escai)ed  in  safety  to  the  island  of  Cyi)rus, 
which  was  after  this  their  headcjuarters.  The  Moslem  Mamelukes  set  fire 
to  the  town  in  four  places.  The  walls,  the  towers  and  the  ram])arts  were 
demolished,  and  the  last  stronghold  of  the  "  Christians"  in  Palestine  was 
speedily  reduced  to  a  smoking  solitude. 

Thus  closed  the  long  and  furious  struggle  between  the  Crescent  and 
the  Cross,  A.  D.  1291.  The  few  remaining  Christians  in  the  Holy  Land 
were  chased  from  ruin  to  ruin  and  exterminated.  The  churches,  the 
houses  and  the  fortifications  along  the  sea  coast  were  demolished,  and 
everything  that  could  afford  shelter  and  security,  or  iurite  the  approach 
of  the  Crusaders  from  the  West,  was  carefully  dc^stroyed.  The  houses 
were  all  set  on  fire,  the  (retis  n'ere  cut  dmrti  and  burned,  the  land  was  every- 
where laid  waste,  and  all  the  maritime  country,  from  Laodicea  to  Ascalon, 
was  made  a  dessert.  "Every  trace  of  the  crusader,"  says  an  Arabian 
writer,  ' '  was  removed,  and  thus  it  shall  remain,  please  God,  until  the  day 
of  Judgment  ! " 


The  Knight  Templars  had  been  in  bad  repute  for  a  lon^,'  time  in 
Europe  on  account  of  their  bad  conduct,  and  their  pay,  which  had  been 
immense,  was  stopped.  So  now  many  of  them  went  into  the  service  of  the 
King  of  the  Mogul-Pagan-Tartars  in  Persia  to  as.ust  in  his  expeditions  of 
couipiest  and  plunder.  Sometimes  they  would  be  hired  V)y  tho  Tartars  i 
fight,  murder  and  ravage  for  them,  and  then  by  others  to  fight,  munh'. 
and  plunder  the  Tartars.  But  they  were  generally  defeated  and  returned 
to  the  islands  in  the  Mediterranean  sea,  though  many  were  scattered  over 
Europe,  and  were  cousidereil  a  nuisance  to  the  communities  and  govern- 
ments in  and  under  which  they  lived.  They  were  opposed  to  paying  toll 
and  taxes  like  other  people,  and  wanted  to  hold  courts  and  try  off'enders 
of  their  order.  Like  the  ^lasons,  Indians,  Chinamen  and  Mormons  of  to- 
day they  wanted  a  government  of  their  own  within  the  general  govern- 
ment, and  live  in  clannish  tribal  relations,  while  they  filched  a  livehliood 
fvom  others,  and  were  therefore  never  good  citizens  of  any  country.  Like 
the  secret  gangs  of  to-day,  they  were  notorious  for  shielding  their  crimin- 
als against  the  government  and  real  citizens  of  the  country. 


■'11 
ill 


Hi 


'!i 


.if 


558       The  Practical  Workings  of  Masonry,  etc. 

They  loved  to  ape  the  Pagan  desijots  and  preserve  the  lewd  secret  evils 
and  my tlm  and  "mysteries"  of  pagan  priests  that  they  embraced  while 
serving  the  IMogul  and  other  Kings  as  venal  mercenaries. 

"At  the  outset  the  Templars  M'ere  supjiosod  to  be  of  blameles  charac- 
ter, nnmarricnl  and  to  remain  single  the  whole  of  their  Uves.  They  were 
also  to  give  np  to  the  order  all  their  property  and  to  devote  themselves 
exi'hisively  to  the  service  of  God,  the  sick  and  the  iioor,  and  the  defense 
of  the  Holy  Land.  Their  food  was  originally  bread  and  water,  and  their 
couch  only  a  sack  of  straw,  all  of  which,  together  with  their  garmentw, 
Aveio  regularly  distributed  among  them  by  their  Grand  Mastt'r,  to  whom 
they  were  sworn  to  obey. " 

If  mis  t/ius  thnt  thii  order  was  riehli/  endoired  ami  paid,  with  revenues 
and  estates  by  pious  and  enthusiastic  i)eople  for  the  cause  of  chanty  and 
religion.  But  when  this  was  curtailed  and  their  i)ay  stopped,  they  threw 
off  their  cloak  of  meekness  and  charity  (and  emhrao'il pufjanism).  Indeed, 
they  had  done  so  before,  and  the  loss  of  Jerusalem  and  the  Holy  Land 
was  charged  to  their  cowardice,  jealousies  and  treachery  ;  aflcr  vhich  their 
estates  were  taken  by  the  government  and  devoted  to  charity  and  religion 
(the  ciiHsefor  which  the;/  were  intended)  by  giving  them  to  the  i)oor. 

Later  we  find  them  fighting  for  the  King  of  what  now  forms  a  part  of 
Prnssia.  They  were  to  get  for  their  i)iiy  concessions  of  important  rights 
and  prinleges,  and  the  jiossessibn  of  all  the  land  they  might  contpier  or 
rob  from  the  owners  during  the  war.  In  this  way  they  possessed  large 
districts  along  the  Baltic  Soa,  goveruc;l  by  a  "  Landmaster. " 

"  During  these  events  the  order  had  assumed  a  new  form  and  charac- 
ter. Instead  of  the  original  name  (<f  brothers,  the  knights  now  addressed 
each  other  as  master ;  and,  indeed,  acted  as  such  in  the  strictest  sense  of 
the  term.  They  became  imperious,  insolent,  haughty,  tyrannical,  des- 
potic, and  led  a  dissipated,  e.il  and  luxurious  life  at  the  expense  of  their 
Pv'assian  subjects,  who  figured  as  the  most  wretched,  oppressed  and  miser- 
able creatures  in  Europe,''  [and  this  is  their  disposition  to-dayl.  "Nowhere 
was  bondage  carried  to  such  an  extent  as  under  the  rule  of  the  Knights, 
who  were  intoxicated  by  war  and  plunder,  and  phinged  in  sensual  ["mys- 
tic "]  enjoyments  and  vice.  Hence  the  continual  insurrections,  devasta- 
tions of  towns  and  lands,  complaints  and  difficulties  ;  hence  the  hated  de- 
crees of  the  Pope  and  Emperor  ;  the  incessant  disputes  with  the  clergy 
and  bishops  of  rank,  which  finally  resulted  in  prostration  and  exhaustion 
of  their  strength  and  power." 

They  were  excommunicated  by  Pope  John  XXII. ,  and  finally  in  1809 
Napoleon  abolished  the  order,  and  since  then  it  has  existed  only  in  name. 

*        »        * 

The  Knights  that  settled  on  the  islands  of  the  Mediterranean  Sea  ap- 
pear to  have  engaged  successfuUy  in  piracy,  for  example  :  ' '  They  found 
Malta  a  poor,  naked,  arid  rock,  with  neither  river,  rivulet  or  spring ;  in 
summer  it  was  intolerably  hot,  with  not  a  tree  to  relieve  the  eye."    Yet, 


re. 


The  Practical  Workings  of  Masonry,  etc.      5')9 


wil  secret  evils 
mbraceil  while 

araeles  charac- 
1.  Thoy  were 
ote  themselves 
at\  the  defense 
ater,  ami  their 
their  garments, 
iaster,  to  whom 

,  -with  revenues 
)  of  chanty  ami 
)etl,  they  threw 
nis7n).  Indeed, 
the  Holy  Land 
a/ltn-  which  their 
■ity  and  religion 
le  i)oor. 

forms  a  part  of 

important  rights 

light  conquer  or 

possessed  large 

r." 

»rm  and  charac- 
uow  addresseil 
itrict^^st  sense  of 
tyrannical,  des- 
expenso  of  their 
ssed  (I  IK  I  7H /••<■(')•- 
lay!.    "Nowhere 
of  the  Knights, 
sensual  ["mys- 
lections,  devasta- 
Ice  the  hated  de- 
■ith  the  clergy 
and  exhaustion 

Id  finally  in  1809 
|l  only  in  name. 

trranean  Sea  ap- 

"They  found 

let  or  spring  ;  in 

Ithe  eye."    Yet, 


without  producing  anything,  when  they  were  driven  off  and  exterminated 
for  their  crimes,  "it  was  an  island  of  palaces." 

"  Cnielt}/  of  Knif/hts." — In  the  mt^liii'val  history  of  Europe,  says  J.  A. 
Farrar,  in  the  so-called  times  of  chivalry,  a  far  worse  spirit  iirevailed  with 
regard  to  the  treatment  of  captives.  Knight  Godfrey  of  Bouillon,  one  of 
the  brightest  memories  of  chivalry,  was  responsible  for  the  promiscuous 
slaughter  of  three  days  which  the  crusaders  exacted  for  the  six  weeks 
siege  which  it  cost  them  to  take  Jerusalem  (loO'J).  Theyliad  111)0  S'vabi..n 
prisoners  deUvered  to  the  executioner  at  Milan,  or  shot  from  military 
engines. 

Charles  of  Aujou  reserved  many  prisoners  taken  at  the  battle  of 
Benveutune  to  bo  killed  as  criminals  on  his  entrance  into  Naples.  When 
they  took  the  castle  Pescpiiere  from  the  Venetians,  tliey  slew  all  but  three 
who  surrendered  to  the  i)leasnro  of  the  King;  and  Louis  XII.,  who  is 
counted  for  a  humane  monarch,  thou'j;h  his  victims  ofl'ered  1(X),000  ducats 
for  tluir  lives,  swore  that  ho  would  neither  eat  nor  drink  till  they  were 
hanged. 

When  the  town  of  Rouen  surrendered  to  Henry  V.,  of  England,  the 
latter  stipulated  for  three  of  the  citizens  to  be  left  to  his  disposal,  of  whom 
two  inirchased  their  lives  and  the  third  was  l)eheaded  (1419).  When  the 
same  King  the  year  following  was  besieging  the  castle  of  Monterau,  he 
sent  some  twenty  prisoners  to  treat  with  the  Governor  for  a  surrender  ; 
but  when  the  Governor  refused  even  to  save  their  lives,  and  when,  after  a 
fearful  leave-taking  with  their  Anves  and  relatives,  they  had  been  escorted 
back  to  the  English  army,  the  Knight  King  of  England  ordered  a  gallows 
to  be  erected,  and  had  them  all  hanged. 

"When  the  English  took  the  castle  of  Rougemont  by  storm  and  some 
sixty  of  its  defenders  alive,  with  the  loss  of  only  one  Englishman,  Knight 
Henry  V.,  in  revenge  for  his  death,caused  all  the  prisoners  to  be  drowned 
in  the  Loire. 

When  Meanx  surrendered  to  the  same  King,  it  was  stipulated  that  six 
of  its  bravest  defenders  should  be  delivered  up  to  Jns/ici',  four  of  whom 
were  beheaded  at  Paris,  and  its  commander  at  once  hung  to  a  tree  outside 
the  walls  of  the  city. 

Take  for  another  exami)le,  Richard  C'leur  de  Lion.  He  is  the  ideal 
knight-errant  of  every  school-boy  and  school-p;irl — the  darling  of  romance. 
He  was  in  point  of  fact  an  unmitigated  ruffian,  and,  incredible  as  it  may 
appear,  a  cannibal.  One  day,  under  the  walls  of  Acre,  being  convalescent 
he  had  a  great  desire  for  some  pork,  and  no  pork  was  to  be  had.  They 
accordingly  killed  for  him  a  young  Saracen,  plump  and  tender,  cooked 
and  salted  him,  and  the  Knight  King  ate  him  and  found  him  very  good. 

Thereupon  he  desired  to  see  the  head  of  the  pig.  The  cook,  in  some 
trepidation,  brought  him  in.  Knight  Richard  laughed  heartily,  and  ob- 
served that  the  army  had  nothing  to  fear  from  famine,  having  such  excel- 
lent provisions  in  store. 


^^1 1 


IPf! 


660       The  Practical  Woukings  of  Masonry,  etc. 

Shortly  after  the  town  was  takeu,  ami  Saladiu's  ambassatlora  came  to 
sue  for  pardon  for  the  prisoners.  The  High  Graml  Knight  King  onknvil 
thirty  of  the  most  noble  of  them  to  be  beheailed  ami  the  heads  to  be  boiled 
and  cooked.  This  accomplished,  the  heads  were  labelled  with  the  names 
of  the  dead  men  and  served  up  to  the  Saracen  ambassadora. 

In  their  presence  the  Very  Worthy  Grand  High  Chief  Knight  Richard 
ata  a  likely  looking  head  with  much  relish,  and  bade  them  tell  Saladiu 
how  the  "Christians  "  made  war. 

He  then  ordered  sixty  thousand  helpless  prisoners  to  be  led  out  into 
a  plain,  where  they  were  all  ruthlessly  butchered.  "When  he  took  a 
town  it  was  his  habit  to  murder  everybody,  women  and  children  included." 

"He  made  an  eftbrt  to  sell  the  City  of  Loudon  and  all  it  contained  to 
the  Jews,  and  mis  .ed  no  oi)portunity  of  plundering  and  oppressing  his 
English  subjects,  for  whom  he  had  precisely  the  same  sort  of  regard  as  the 
lion  for  his  prey. " 

"All  this  is  well  known  to  historians;  yet  the  youths  of  the  country 

are  taught  in  school  and  college  by  these  latter  day  Knight  Templars  [who 

lay  the  corner  stones  of  our  public  buildings]  to  look  uji  to  this  unalloyed 

villain  as  one  of  the  glories  of  the  English  race  and  name." 

*  * 

* 

There  were  dark  rumorS  and  odious  reports  concerning  the  conduct  of 
the  Templai-s,  and  finally  (1307 — 8)  those  in  France  and  England  were,  by 
the  influence  of  the  Christian  Church  (which  had  been  their  main  support 
as  a  "charitable  society")  arrested,  and  horrible  charges  made  against 
them  and  "proven  by  the  courts  "  to  be  true — >n(iiiin'<>ii/i'><shi(/f()  t)ie  sumi'. 

' '  Though  professing  to  be  Christians,  they  were  accused  of  worship- 
ing an  idol,  covered  with  an  old  skin,  embalmed,  having  the  appearance 
of  a  polished  oil  cloth.  In  this  idol,  it  was  asserttnl,  '  there  were  two  car- 
buncles for  eyes,  bright  as  the  brightness  of  heaven,  and  it  is  certain  that 
all  the  hope  of  the  Templars  was  placed  in  it.  It  was  their  sovereign  God, 
and  they  trusted  in  it  with  all  their  heart.' " 

"They  were  accused  of  burning  the  bodies  of  deceased  brethren  and 
making  the  ashes  into  a  powder,  which  they  administered  to  their  younger 
brethren  in  their  food  and  drink,  to  make  them  hold  fast  to  their  faith  and 
idolatry ;  of  cooking  and  roasting  infants  and  anointing  their  idols  with  the  fat ; 
of  celebrating  hidden  rites  and  nii/sU-ru's,  to  which  young  and  tender  vir- 
gins were  introduced,  and  of  a  variety  of  abominations  [pa<f(in  '  ini/slerien,' 
indeed!]  too  horril)le  to  be  named. 

That  the  Templars  had  a  hollow  place  or  cave  in  the  earth  [nowadays 
they  use  the  upper  story  of  a  building]  in  which  they  had  an  image  in  the 
form  of  a  man,  which  thev  had  invested  with  the  skin  of  a  human  bodv, 
and  in  which  were  inserted  two  bright  and  glittering  cai'buncles  in  lieu  of 
eyes.  At  this  horrible  statue  they  who  craved  to  enter  their  damnable  re- 
ligion were  compelled  to  sacrifice;  whom,  before  all  ceremonies,  they 
obliged  to  deny  Jesus  Christ  and  to  foul  the  cross  with  their  feet. 


i 


ETC. 


issadors  came  to 

rht  Kiug  orileiVil 

lu>acls  to  be  boiled 

(I  vnih  the  names 

)rs. 

;f  Knight  Richard 

them  tell  Saladiu 

to  be  led  out  into 
'When  he  took  a 
liildren  included." 
all  it  contained  to 
ud  oppressing  his 
rt  of  regard  as  the 

iths  of  the  coiiutrv 
ght  Templars  [who 
p  to  this  unalloyed 
le." 

ling  the  condiict  of 
I  England  were,  by 
their  main  support 
[xrges  made  against 
,i/,'S!<iti<)  >i>  the  K'lmi'. 
cused  of  worship- 
ing the  appearance 
here  were  two  car- 
d  it  is  certain  that 
leir  sovereign  God, 

eased  brethren  and 
•ed  to  their  younger 
ist  to  their  faith  and 

sir  idols  with  the  fat; 
ing  and  tender  vii- 

[pag(ni  *  ini/sferiei<,' 

^le  earth  [nowadays 

lad  an  image  in  the 

L  of  a  human  body, 

rbuncles  in  lieu  of 

their  damnable  re- 

|1  ceremonies,  they 

their  feet. 


The  Practical  Workings  of  Masonry,  etc.        561 

After  they  had  profaned  the  Holy  oSject  in  which  girls  and  boys,  se- 
duced to  be  of  their  sect,  assisted,  they  put  out  the  lamps  and  hghts  they 
had  in  the  cave,  and  if  it  happened  that  a  Templar  and  a  girl  had  a  child, 
they  i-nnged  themselves  in  a  circle  and  threw  the  babe  from  hand  to  hand, 
until  it  died  by  ^•iolence.  Being  dead  they  roasted  it  (horrible  act !)  and 
of  its  fat  anointed  the  grand  statue  (idol)." 

Nearly  all  confessed  their  treason  and  crimes  and  were  pardoned;  but 
it  is  stated  that  "  for  the  glory  of  God,  the  stability  of  the  faith  and  t)f  the 
Holy  Church"  113  were  executed. 

In  the  trial  given  them  in  England  by  the  Church,  the  Pope  said :  '  'In 
truth,  a  long  time  ago  there  came  to  our  ears  a  rumor  that  the  Templars, 
though  lighting  ostensibly  under  the  guise  of  religion  for  the  acquisition, 
detention  and  defence  of  the  Holy  Land,  have  hitherto  been  secretly  hnng 
in  ijertidous  apostasy  and  in  detestable,  heretical  dejiravity,  which  we 
were  unwilling  to  yield  a  ready  belief  to  the  accusation."  But  after  in- 
vestigating the  matter  the  Pope  declared,  in  a  i)apal  bull,  liimself  iierfect- 
ly  con\-inced  of  the  guilt  of  the  order,  and  "  solemnly  denounces  the 
jjenalty  of  excommunication  against  all  persons  of  whatever  rank,  stjvtion 
or  condition  in  life,  whether  clergy  or  laity,  who  should  knowingly  afford 
either  publicly  or  privately  assistance,  counsel  or  kindness  to  the  Templars, 
or  should  dare  to  shelter  them,  or  give  them  countenance  or  protection ; 
and  also  laying  under  interdict  all  cities,  castles,  lands  and  places,  which 
should  harbor  any  of  the  members  of  the  proscribed  order." 

[This  was  a  first-class  boycot !] 

The  Templars  were  accused,  and  many  of  them  confessed  as  follows, 
in  brief  : 

I.  "  That  at  their  reception  into  the  Order,  as  soon  as  an  opportunity 
occurred,  thev  were  induced  or  admonished  by  those  who  had  received 
them  within  tlie  bosom  of  the  fraternity,  to  deny  Christ,  or  Jesus,  t)r  the 
crucifixion,  or  at  one  time  God,  and  at  another  time  the  Blessed  Virgin, 
and  sometimes  all  the  saints. 

5.  That  the  receivers  told  and  instnicted  those  that  were  received  that 
Christ  was  not  the  true  God,  or  sometimes  Jesus,  or  sometimes  the  jiersou 
crucified. 

7.  That  they  said  he  had  not  snfltered  for  the  redemption  of  mankinil, 
nor  been  crucified  except  for  his  own  sins. 

9.  That  they  made  those  they  received  into  the  Order  spit  upon  the 
cross  or  the  image  of  Christ. 

10.  That  they  caused  the  cross  itself  to  be  trampled  under  foot. 

II.  That  the  brethren  themselves  did  trample  on  the  same  cross. 

14.  That  they  worshippeil  a  cat  which  was  placed  in  the  midst  of  the 
congi'egation. 

1(5.  That  they  did  not  believe  the  sacrament  of  the  Church. 

21.  That  it  was  believed  and  so  it  was  told  them  that  the  Grand 
Master  of  the  Order  could  absolve  them  from  their  sins. 

26.  That  the  visitors  could  do  so. 

26.  That  the  Preceptors,  of  whom  many  were  laymen,  could  do  so. 

36.  That  the  receptions  of  the  brethren  were  made  clandestinely. 

37.  That  uoue  were  present  except  tl>e  brothers  of  the  said  Order. 

36 


51). 
51. 
52. 
53. 


562       The  Piuctical  Workings  of  M.\soniiy,  etc. 


38.  That  for  this  roasou  there  has  for  a  Kmg  time  been  a  vehement 
suspieiou  aj^ainst  them. 

4(i.  That  the  brothers  themselves  had  idols  lu  every  province,  viz., 
heads,  some  of  which  had  three  faces,  ami  some  oue,  aud  some  a  man's 
skull. 

il.  That  they  adored  that  idol,  or  those  idola,  especially  in  their  great 
chapters  or  assemblies. 

•48.  Tiiat  they  worshipped  them. 
As  their  God. 
As  their  Sa\-ionr. 
That  some  of  them  did  so. 
That  the  greater  part  did. 
They  said  that  those  heads  conld  save  them. 

54.  That  they  conld  j)rodnce  riches. 

55.  That  they  had  given  to  the  Order  all  its  wealth. 

56.  That  they  cansed  the  earth  to  bring  forth  seed.      • 

57.  That  they  made  the  trees  to  Honrish. 

58.  That  they  bound  or  touched  the  heads  of  the  said  idols  with  cords 
wherewith  they  bound  themselves  about  their  shirt  or  next  their  skin. 

50.  That  at  their  reception,  the  aforesaid  little  cord,  or  others  of  the 
same  length  were  delivered  to  each  of  the  brothers. 

IH).  That  they  did  this  in  worship  of  their  idols. 

01.  That  it  was  enjoined  them  to  gird  themselves  with  the  said  little 
cords  as  before  mentioned,  and  continually  to  wear  them. 

62.  That  the  brethren  of  the  Order  were  generally  received  in  that 
manner. 

t)3.  That  they  did  these  things  out  of  devotion. 

64.  That  they  diil  them  everywhere. 

65.  That  the  greater  part  diil.  That  those  who  refused  the  things 
above  mentioned  at  their  recei)tion,  or  to  observe  them  aftt>rwards,  were 
killed  or  cast  into  prison.  [And  twenty-one  othur  charges  of  tlev ilish  and  /«- 
decent puijim  "  m)isteries,'"\ 

It  was  provided  that  the  examination  by  torture  shoiild  be  conducted 
without  mutilation  or  disabling  of  any  limb,  and  without  eftusion  of  blood. 
[This  being  more  humane  than  the  conduct  of  the  masons  of  to-day  towards 
their  prisoners.] 

It  appears  that  the  most  of  the  Templars  confessed  their  sins  and 
apostutized,  aud  were  reconciled  to  the  church  and  State ;  others — with 
their  indecent  paian  "  mi^steries" — united  with  the  spurious  masons  ((/ 
i(7//i7/  is  the  inasonri/  of  to-daj/)  while  others  were  con  icted  and  executed 
or  imprisoned  by  the  courts  for  their  crimes,  1307  to  1320,  and  their  ill- 
gotten  property  given  to  the  poor. 

•*  * 


Sometimes  Knight  Templnrs  were  known  as  "Bri»zen  Serpents  !  "  aud 
— though  a  troop  of  soldiers,  or  human  butchers,  or  a  gang  of  pirates  would 
have  no  use  for  the  square,  trowel,  level  and  pluml) — their  emblems  ot  a 
brazen  serpent,  skull  and  crossbones,  and  dagger,  and  pagan  dress,  are 
trulv  emblematic  of  their  character  aud  conduct 


"  Attempts  have  been  made  to  incorporate  the  Knights  into  [real] 
masonry,  aud  their  cross  has  been  adopted  by  some  of  the  high  degrees 


ETC. 


The  Practical  WouKiNas  of  Masonhy,  eiv.       HiVi 


jen  a  vobenumt 

r  proviuco.  viz., 
A  some  a  muu's 

llv  iu  thoir  great 


1  iilola  with  cords 
xt  thoir  skiu. 
or  others  of  the 


;th  the  saiil  little 

I. 

•  received  iu  that 


•efused  the  things 

aftorwards,  were 

o/iiev.'liiili  oitii  iit- 

tuld  be  conducted 
etVusiou  of  blood, 
of  to-day  towards 

sed  their  sins  aud 

ite  ;  others— i/wV/i 

jirious  masons  {of 

Ited  and  executed 

(20,  and  their  ill- 


1  Serpents ! "  and 
u  of  pirates  would 
teir  emblems  ot  a 
1  pagan  dress,  ai-e 


lights  into  [real] 
the  high  degrees 


[of  the  8i>unoua  order]  but  history  fails  to  show  the  slightest  trace  of  any 
actua)  connection  beiween  the  orders." 

Tcmplrtrism  superstnlod  all  other  forms  of  Knighthood.  As  the  oiio 
sank  into  decay  and  became  the  Imtf  n/ni  riilirxlf  of  t'civantes  and  t>tlior 
authors,  it  was  melted intothe  other.andthcso  united  with  tlu'  speculative, 
auti-workinft,  sjmrious  masons,  iidopliiii/  if  iiitotheiranle  {>/ luiiiinnittctriiiea 
ami  iiiiUveiit,  Ifinl  " /« vs/'V/o' "  and  tipeniufj;  their  own  institutions  to  its 
numerous  as.sociations,  they  gained  thereby  an  accession  of  power  nearly 
equal  to  their  own. 

Aitii  (>f  aurli  i!i  thi'  riiusotny,  I'fc,  of  to-diii/ •' 

Larousso  furnishes  another  explanation  of  the  strained  connection  be- 
tween the  old  and  the  new,  and  states  that  in  the  eighteenth  century,  oor- 
tain  membei*s  of  the  masonic  lodge  took  up  the  idea  of  perpetuating  the 
ancient  order  of  Templars,  and  to  this  end  alhliated  themselves  with  several 
distinguished  personages  who  were  imbucil  with  (/''/.s//V<// ideius. 

(tradually  the  order  lost  its  distinctive  character  and  wius  melted  into 
speculative  [or  spurious]  masonry.  The  old  order  has  passed  away  with 
the  old  ages  that  brought  it  into  existence,  but  the  old  pagan  fables  and 
obscene,  lewd  "  mysteries  "  are  still  cherished. 

*  * 
# 

Masonry  was  largely  a  Jewish  craft,  aiul  therefore  vould  not  bed  dirist- 
hm  ofid-r. 

And  they  (the  Jews)  scattereil  it  through  the  c(Uintries  of  Europe  and 
by  the  union  of  Templarism  and  spurious  masonry,  found  their  best  and 
congenial  friends  among  the  Templars  \\\i\\  their  stock  of  pagan  idolatry 
aud  "  mysterious  "  polutious.  And  both  being  sly.  heartless  and  grasp- 
ing in  the  pursuit  of  gain,  without  work  or  production.  So  that,  although 
one  boast*»  of  having  battled  for  the  cross  and  the  glory  of  Christ,  aud  tho 
other  glories  iu  liaMUg  cruiitied  Jesus  on  the  cross,  yet,  this  mongrel, 
kid-gloved-spurious-midnight.  masonry  and  pagau-idtilatrous-Templarisni 
is  such  that  they,  the  Tartar,  the  Chinaman,  and  the  Mormon — in  their 
sly  greed,  cruelty  and  clauishuess — dwell  and  conspire  together  in  unison 
and  brotherly  love  against  the  Government  that  is  not  danish,  pagan  and 
kingly  enough  for  them,  and  against  its  full-Hedged  citizens  and  pro- 
ducers. 

Patriotism  and  reUgion,  equal  rights  and  privileges,  level  justice  and 
charity  to  all.  are  discarded,  sjnt  upon  and  trampled  in  tho  mire  of  their 
black  deceit,  love  of  cnielty,  grasping  greed,  and  their  hatred  of  the  truth  ! 

*  * 

"  I  (im  in  the  place  when'  I  am  demnnded  of  conscience  to  speak  (he  truth 
and  therefore  the  truth  I  speak,  impugn  i'  who  so  lists," 

"I  never  could  believe  that  p^o^^dence  had  sent  a  few  men  into  the 
world,  ready  booted  and  spurred  to  ride,  aud  millions  ready  saddled  and 
bridled  to  be  riddeu." 


1' 


■II 


I) 


I 


It 


>   fi     •: 

mn 

;llf 

i  1  ■  . 

'  *    ■ 

•;    ;:      ii 

* }    ' 

'  1'     '■ 

'} 

0  k  :  ll 

OS       : 

W  ^ ' 

j'^' 

i: 

|H ' 

II, 

^^H,  .-: 

'■'f:.:f 

HHb  u 

,''t\.i 

m- 

11    ■ 

n  • 

oG4       The  Puactical  "Workings  of  Masonry,  etc. 

"Thoy  (lamped  every  pleasure,  every  IjUhs  destroyed, 
And  uipped  the  budding  blossom  of  my  joy." 

"  Many  and  sharp  the  num'rous  ills 

Inwoven  with  our  frame  I 
More  pointed  still  mo  make  ourselves 

llegret,  remorse,  aiid  shumo  : 
And  man,  whose  beaveu-erected  face 

The  smiles  of  love  adorn, 
Miui's  inhumanity  to  man. 

Makes  countless  thousands  mourn  ! 

See  yonder  poor,  o'er-labor'd  wight, 

So  abject,  mean  and  vile, 
Wlio  bogs  a  brother  of  the  earth 

To  give  him  leave  to  toil  ; 
And  see  lus  lordly  fellow-worm 

The  poor  petition  spurn, 
Unmindful,  though  a  weeping  wife 

And  holi)le88  ofl-8i)rings  mourn. 

If  I'm  designed  yon  lordling's  slave — 

B^'  nature's  law  designed — 
Why  was  an  indeiiendent  wish 

E'er  planted  in  my  miud  ? 
If  not,  why  am  I  subject  to 

His  cruelty  or  scorn  ?  • 

Or  why  has  man  the  will  and  power 

To  make  his  fellow  mourn  ?  " 

* 

Oath  of  a  Candidate  in  the  Fikst  Degree  of  Free-Masonhy. 

From  "The Mysteries  of  Free-Masonry,"  as  written  by  Captain  William 

Morgan.     By  George  R.  Crafto,   formerly  Thrice  Puissant 

Grand  Master  of  Manitou  Council,  New  York." 

"  As  soon  as  tho  candidate  is  placed  in  this  position,  the  Worshii)fnl 
Master  api)roaches  him,  and  says,  'Mr.  A.  B.,  you  are  now  placed  in  a 
jjroper  position  to  take  upon  you  the  solemn  oath  or  obligation  of  an 
Entered  Apprentice  Mason,*  Avhich  I  assure  you  is  neither  to  aft"<>ct  your 
religion  nor  politics.  If  you  are  willing  to  take  it,  rei)eat  your  name,'  ami 
say  after  me : 

'I,  A.  B.,  of  my  own  free  will  and  accord,  in  presence  of  Almighty 
God,  and  this  worsl'iipful  Lodge  of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons,  dedicatcll 
to  God,  and  held  forth  to  the  holy  order  of  St.  John,  do  hereby  and  heie- 


J  I' 


*  In  many  Lodges  this  1b  put  in  the  form  of  a  question  thus  :  "  Aro  tou  willing  to  take  an 
obligation  upon  you  that  does  not  affect  your  politica  or  religion  ?"  The  promise  "to  conform," 
made  before  entering  tho  Lodge,  the  "assurance  that  tho  oath  is  not  to  iuterfero  with  thi-ir 
political  or  religious-principlos,"  and  the  manner  the  obligation  is  administered,  only  two  or 
three  words  being  repeated  at  a  time,  conseciuently  not  fully  unde'  stood,  are  among  tb"  reasons 
which  have  led  many  great  and  good  men  to  take  oaths  Incompatible  with  the  laws  of  Ocd  and 
our  country. 


w 


The  Practical  Workings  of  Masosisy,  etc.       uG.j 


on  most  solomnly  ami  Hijicoroly  in'oniiso  atid  swear,  that  I  will  alwavs  hail, 
ever  ooiufal,  aiul  iicmt  n'vt-al  any  part  or  parts,  art  or  arts*,  point  or  points 
of  tho  Ht'crt'ts,  arts  and  nivstiM-ies  of  ancient  Trco  Masonry,  which  I  have 
received,  ant  uWoiit  to  receive,  or  may  licrcaffer  he  instructed  in,  to  any 
person  or  persons  in  the  known  world,  excei)t  it  be  a  tnio  and  lawful 
itrotlier  Mason,  or  within  tlio  body  of  a  just  and  lawfully  constituted 
Lodjj;e  of  such,  and  not  unto  him,  nor  unto  them  whom  1  shall  hear  so  to 
be,  but  nnto  him  and  them  only  whom  I  shall  liud  so  to  be,  after  strict 
trial  and  duo  examination  or  lawtnl  information.  Furthermore,  do  I  jno- 
miso  and  swear  that  I  will  not  write,  print,  stamp,  stain,  ln'w,  cut,  carve, 
indent,  i)aint,  or  entiiavo  it  on  anything  moveable  or  immovable,  under  tho 
whole  canopy  of  heaven,  whereby,  or  whereon  tiio  least  letter,  H^uro, 
character,  mark,  stain,  shadow,  »)r  resemblance  of  tho  same  may  bt'conio 
legible  or  intelligible  to  myself  or  any  other  jH'rson  in  tho  known  world, 
whereby  tho  secrets  of  ^lasourv  may  be  unlawfully  obtained  throufj;h  my 
I'.nwortniness.  To  all  whiidi  I  do  most  solemnly  and  sincerely  pn)miso 
and  swear,  without  tho  least  eipiivocation,  mental  reservation,  or  self- 
evasion  of  mind  in  mo  whatever  ;  f/iiu/imj  vii/si'/f  iim/fr  no  Icsn  jit'tml/i/,  tl/an 
to  hare  mi/  l/iront  cut  iwros^i,  mif  toiii/ini  torn  out  bi/  the  roots,  oikI  imi  tioili/ 
huriril  ill.  the  roiu/h  soikIs  (if  the  sed  <it  low  wolervKtrk,  irhi-re  Ihetiile  f/,//s  iniii 
fioirs  tirice  hi  firi-/ili/-/oiir  hours;  so  help  mo  God,  and  keep  me  steadfast  in 
tho  true  performance  of  the  same." 

Oath  of  the  Second,  or  Fellow  Craft  Mason's  l)i:<iKT:E. 

"IJrothcr,  you  are  now  placed  in  a  proper  ])osition  to  take  on  yim  tho 
Sf)lemn  oath,  or  obligation,  of  a  Fellow  Craft  Mason,  which  1  assure  you, 
as  before,  is  neither  to  atl'ect  your  religion  nor  politics;  if  you  are  willing 
to  take  it,  repeat  your  name,  and  say  after  mo  :" — 

"I,  A.  !{.,  of  my  own  free  will  and  aci-ord,  in  thojiresenco  of  Almighty 
God,  and  this  Worshipful  Lodge  of  Fellow  Craft  Masons,  dedicateil  to 
God,  and  held  forth  to  the  holy  order  of  St.  John,  do  hereby  and  hi>reon 
most  solemnly  and  sincerely  ])romiso  ami  swear,  in  addition  to  my  former 
obligation,  that  I  Mill  not  give  the  degree  of  a  Fellow  Craft  Mason  to  any 
one  of  an  inferior  degree,  nor  to  any  other  being  in  tho  known  world,  ex- 
cept it  be  to  a  true  and  lawful  brother,  or  brethren  Fellow  Craft  Masons, 
or  within  tho  body  of  a  just  and  lawfully  constituted  Lodge  of  such;  and 
not  nnto  him  nor  nnto  them  whom  I  shall  hear  so  to  b(>,  but  nnto  him  and 
them  only  w  hom  I  shall  find  so  to  be,  after  strict  trial  and  due  examination, 
or  lawful  information.  Furthermore,  do  I  promise  and  swear,  that  I  will 
not  wrong  this  Lodge,  nor  a  brother  of  this  degree,  to  the  value  of  two 
cents,  knowinglv,  myself,  nor  sutler  it  tobedone  by  others,  if  in  my  power 
to  prevent  it.  t'lirthermore,  do  I  promise  and  swear,  that  I  will  sni)iiort 
the  Constitution  of  the  (Jraud  Lodge  of  th<^  United  Stat«'s,  and  of  tho  Grand 
Lodge  of  this  State,  under  which  this  Lodge  is  held,  and  conform  to  all 
the  by-laws,  rules  and  regulations  of  this,  or  any  other  Lodge,  of  which  I 
may  at  any  time  hereafter  become  a  member,  as  far  as  in  my  ))ower. 
Furthermore,  do  I  promise  and  swear,  tha,',  I  will  obey  all  regular  sign.s 
and  summons  given,  handed,  sent,  or  thrown  to  me  by  tho  hand  of  a 
brother  Fellow  Craft  Mason,  or  from  tho  body  of  a  just  and  lawfully  con- 
stituted Lodge  of  such;  provided  it  bo  within  the  length  of  my  cable-tow, 
or  a  s(piare  and  angle  of  my  work.  Furthermore,  do  I  promise  and  swear, 
that  I  will  be  aiding  and  as.sisting  all  poor  and  i)enniless  brethren  Fellow 
Crafts,  their  widows  and  oridiaus,  wheresoever  disposed  round  the  gh)be, 
they  applying  to  me  as  such,  as  far  as  in  my  power,  without  injuring  my- 
self or  family.  To  all  which  I  do  most  solemnly  and  sincerely  promise  and 
swear,  without  tlie  least  hesitation,  mental  reservation,  or  self-evasion  of 


u : 


^1 


506       The  Phactical  Wohkinqs  op  Masonhy,  etc. 


B-^i-if  ^'-1 


W% 


:•!;'*■ 


rl 


t-i; 


%.rtf  ^' 


3if  ; 


mind  in  mo  whatever;  binding  myself  under  no  less  iienalty  than  to  have 
my  U'ft  liieast  torn  open,  oud  my  heart  and  vitals  taken  from  thence, 
and  thrown  over  mv  left  shoulder,  and  carrii'd  into  the  valley  of  Je- 
liosaphat,  there  to  become  a  prey  to  the  wild  beasts  of  the  fields,  and 
vultures  of  the  air,  if  ever  I  should  ])rovo  wilfully  Ruilty  of  violatin^^ 
any  part  of  this  my  solenm  oath  or  obligation  of  a  Fellow  Craft  Mason; 
so'keep  mo  (lod,  and  keep  me  Bt«!udfast  in  the  due  performaueo  of  the 
same. " 

The  blaster  then  says,  "Detach  your  hands,  and  kiss  the  book, 
which  is  tho  Holy  Bible,  twi«'e. " 

"Oath  or  Obligation  ok  a  Masteb  Mason, 

which  I  assure  you,  as  before,  is  neither  to  affect  your  relifjiou  nor 
polities.  If  you  are  willing  to  take  it,  rejjeat  your  name,  and  say  after 
me:" — 

"I,  A.  B.,  of  my  own  free  will  and  accord,  in  the  presence  of  Ahnighty 
God  and  the  Worshipful  Lodge  of  Master  Masons,  erected  to  God,  and 
dedicated  to  the  holy  order  of  St.  John,  do  hereby  and  hereon  must 
solemnly  and  sincerelj-  jn-omise  and  swear,  ia  addition  to  my  fon.'cr 
obligations,  that  I  will  not  give  the  degree  of   a  Master  Mason  to   any 

one  of  inferior  degree,  nor  to  any  other  being Furthermore,  do  I 

promise  and  swear,  that  I  will  not  give  the  grand  hailing  sign  of  dis- 
tress, except  I  am  in  real  distress,  or  for  the  benefit  of  the  craft  when 
at  work  ;  and  should  I  ever  see  that  sign  given,  or  the  W(jrd  accom- 
jjanying  it,  and  the  i)erson  who  gave  it  appearing  to  be  in  distress,  I 
will  tly  to  his  relief   at  the  risk  of   my  life,  should  there   be  a  greater 

1)iobai)ility  of  saving  his  life  than  of  losing  my  own.  Furthermore,  do 
promise  and  swear  that  I  will  not  wrong  this  Lodge,  nor  a  brotlier 
of  this  degree,  to  the  value  of  one  cent,  knowingly,  myself,  nor  suffer 
it  to  be  done  by  others,  if  in  my  power  to  prevent  it.  Furthermore, 
do  I  promise  and  swear,  that  1  will  not  speak  evil  of  a  broth(!r  blaster 
Mason,  neither  behind  his  back,  nor  before  his  face,  but  ^411  aijprise  hiui 
of  all  ajjproacliing  danger,  if  in  my  power.  Furthermore,  do  I  jjiomise 
and  swear  that  I  vnll  not  Nnolate  the  chastity  of  a  Master  Mason's  wife, 
mother,  sister,  or  daughter.  I  knowing  them  to  be  such,  nor  suffer:'  to  be 
done  by  others,  if  in  my  jjower  to  prevent  it.  Furthermore  do  I  i)roniise 
and  swear  that  I  will  support  the  constitution  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  the 
(State  of ,  under  which  this  Lodge  ia  held,  and  conform  to  all  tho  by- 
laws, inles  and  regulations  of  this,  or  any  other  Lodge  of  which  I  may,  at 
any  time  hereafter,  become  a  member.  Furthermore,  do  I  promise  and 
swear,  that  I  will  obey  all  regular  signs,  summons,  or  tokens,  given, 
handed,  sent,  or  tlirown  to  me  from  the  hand  of  a  brother  Master  Mason, 
or  from  tho  boily  of  a.  just  and  lawfully  constituted  Lodge  of  such  ;  pro- 
vided it  bo  within  the  length  of  my  cable-tow.  Furthermore,  do  I  promi.se 
and  swear  that  a  Master  Mason's  secrets,  given  to  me  in  charge  as  such, 
shall  lomaiu  as  secure  and  iu^nolable  in  my  breast  as  in  his  own,  when 
communicated  to  me,  murder  and  treason  excepted ;  and  thett  U'ft  to  vvi 
cm  election.  Furthermore,  do  I  promise  and  swear  that  I  will  go  on  a 
Master  Mason  s  errand,  whenever  reipiired,  even  should  I  go  barefoot  and 
bareheaded,  if  within  the  length  of  my  cable-tow.*  Furthermore,  do  I 
promise  and  swear  that  I  will  always  remember  a  brother  Master  Mason, 
when  on  my  knees  offering  up  mj'  devotions  to  Almighty  God.     Further- 


♦I.tleriUy  .  rope  several  yardH  In  length,  but  mygtlciiUy  three  niUea,  so  that  a  Master 
MaRi>n  uuiBt  yd  .>ii  a  brother  Master  Ma-ou's  enaml  whenever  required  the  distance  of  three 
miles,  shcnilil  lii>  have  to  g  >  barefoot  and  b:ireheaded.  In  the  degrees  of  Knighthood  the  dis- 
tance is  forty  miles. 


ETC. 


The  PiiACTicAL  Woiikinos  of  Masonuy,  etc.       567 


Ity  thau  to  have 
I  from  tlu'uco, 
valley  of  .Je- 
tlie  fields,  aiiil 
y  of  violating 
w  Craft  Masou; 
ormaui'O  of  the 

kiss   the   book. 


tr   religion    nor 
3,  and  say  after 

lice  of  Almighty 
ad  to  (Jod,  iiiid 
d   hereon    must 
1  to  my  fori,  or 
Masoii  to   any 
rthermore,  do  I 
iug  sign  of    dis- 
tliG  craft  when 
le  word    aceom- 
le  in   distress,  I 
re   he  a  greater 
Furthermore,  do 
5,  nor  a  brother 
yself,  uor  sntiev 
Furthermore, 
brother  Master 
rt-ill  apprise  him 
,  do  I  promise 
r  Mason's  wife, 
r  sufter  :'    to  be 
re  do  I  |>rouiise 
Lodge  of  the 
a  to  all  the  by- 
whieh  I  may,  at 
I  promise  and 
tokens,  given. 
Master  ^lason, 
e  of  such  ;  pro- 
re,  do  I  promise 
charge  as  such, 
his  own,  when 
fhei/  li'/l  to  m>/ 
,t  I  will  go  on  a 
go  barefoot  and 
rthermore,  do  I 
:Master  Mason, 
God.     Further- 


.  BO  thnt  a  Master 
lie  distance  of  three 
LnigUthoocl  the  dis- 


moro,  do  I  iJromise  and  swear  that  I  will  bo  aiding  and  assisting  all  jioor 
indigent  Master  Masons,  their  wives  and  orphans,  wheresoever  disposed 
round  the  globe,  as  far  as  in  mv  ])o\ver,  without  injuring  myself  or  family 
materially.  Furthermore,  do  f  promise  and  swear  that  if  any  juirt  of  this 
my  solemn  oath  or  obligation  bo  omitted  at  this  time,  that  1  will  ImKl  my- 
self amenable  thereto,  whenever  informed.  To  all  of  which  I  do  most 
solemnly  and  sincerely  i)romiso  and  swear,  with  a  fixed  and  steaily  ]»nr- 
pose  of  mind  in  me,  t<J  keep  and  perform  the  same,  binding  inys.lf  umler 
no  less  penalty  than  to  have  my  l»odv  severed  in  two  in  the  midst,  and 
diviiled  totlie  North  and  Houtli.  my  l[)()wels  burnt  to  ashes  in  tlio  eeiitri  . 
and  the  asheH  scattered  ))eforo  the  four  winds  of  heaven,  that  there  mi^dit 
not  the  least  tract  or  trace  of  remembrance  remain  among  men  or  Masons 
of  so  vile  and  jierjured  a  wretch  as  I  should  be  were  I  over  to  ju'ov*'  wilful 
ly  guilty  of  violating  any  part  of  this  my  solemn  oatli  or  obligation  of  a 
Master  Mason  ;  so  help  me  God,  and  keep  mo  steadfast  in  the  duo  per- 
formance of  the  same." 

The  Mastt-r  then  asks  the  candidate,  "What  do  yon  most  desire?" 
The  candidate  answei"s  after  his  prompter,  "More  light"  The  bandage 
which  was  ti»'d  round  liis  head  in  the  i»i,  j)aration  room,  is,  by  one  of  the 
brethren,  who  stands  behind  him  foi  \,u.<i  jiurposi ,  loosened  and  ",  ut  over 
both  eyes,  and  he  is  immediately  brought  to  light,  in  the  sami^  manner  as 
in  the  preceding  degree,  ex.  jt  three  stamps  on  the  floor,  and  three  cl.q)s 
of  the  hands  are  given  in  this  degree.  On  iH'ing  brought  to  light,  the 
Master  says  to  the  candidate,  "You  first  discover,  as  before,  three  great 
lights  in  Mivsonry,  by  tho  assistance  of  three  lesser,  witli  this  ditl'erence, 
both  points  of  the  compass  are  elevated  above  the  s(piare,  which  denotes 
to  you  that  you  are  about  to  receive  all  the  light  that  can  be  conferred  on 
you  in  a  Mason's  Lodge."  The  Master  steps  l)ack  from  the  candidate  and 
says,  "Brother,  you  now  discover  mo  as  Master  of  this  Lodge,  approach- 
ing you  from  the  Ea.st,  iinder  the  sign  and  due-guard  of  a  IMaster  Mason." 
The  sign  is  given  by  raising  both  hands  and  arms  to  the  elbows  iierpeu- 
dicularly,  one  on  either  side  of  the  head,  the  elbows  forming  a  s<piare. 
The  words  accompanying  this  sign  in  case  of  di.stress,  are,  "O  Lord  my 
God,  ia  there  no  help  for  the  Avidow  's  son  !  " 

O.vTH  OP  A  Mark  Mastfh  Mason. 

"I,  A.  B.,  o{  my  own  free  will  and  accord,  in  i)resence  of  Almighty 
God.  and  this  Right  Worshipful  Lodge  of  ISIark  Master  Masons,  do  hereby 
and  hereon,  in  addition  to  my  former  obligations,  most  solemnly  and  sin- 
cerely promise  and  swear,  that  I  will  not  give  tho  degree  of  a  ]Mark  blaster 
Mason  to  any  one  of  inferior  degree,  nor  to  any  other  pi'r.son  in  tiie  know  u 
world.  Furthermore,  do  I  promise  and  swear,  that  I  will  sujtport  tlie 
constitution  of  tho  General  Grand  lloyal  Arch  C'hapter  of  the  United 
States  of  America,  also  tho  Grand  Royal  Arch  Chajiterof  thi.H  State,  under 
which  this  Lodge  in  held,  and  conform  to  all  the  l)y-laws,  rules  and  regu- 
lations of  this  or  any  other  Lodge  of  Mark  Master  Masons,  of  which  I  may 
at  any  time  hereafter  become  n  member.  Furthermore,  do  I  ])romise  and 
swear,  that  I  will  obey  all  regular  signs  and  summons  given,  handed,  .se:t, 
or  thrown  to  uie  from  the  liaud  of  a  brother  Mark  Master  Mason,  or  from 
the  bodv  of  a  just  and  legally  constituted  Lodge  of  such,  proWded  it  be 
within  tlie  length  of  my  cable-tow.  Furthermore,  do  I  i)romise  and  swear, 
that  I  will  not  wrong  tliis  Lodge,  or  a  brother  of  this  degree,  to  the  value 
of  his  wages,  (or  one  penny)  myself,  knowingly,  nor  sutler  it  to  be  done  by 
others,  if  in  my  power  to  prevent  it.  Furthermore,  do  I  promise  and  swear 
that  I  will  not  sell,  swap,  barter,  or  extfhange  my  mark,  which  I  shall 
hereafter  choose,  nor  send  it  a  second  time  to  pledge  until  it  is  lawfully 


!i  i 


568       The  Practical  Workings  of  Masonry,  etc. 


fM  ' 


ni 


p'H 


mi 


1  f  K;    "       ' 


irt, 


redeemed  from  the  first.  Furthermore,  do  I  promise  and  swear,  that  I 
will  receive  a  brother's  mark  when  oflered  to  me  re(|iiesting  a  favor,  and 
grant  him  his  request,  if  in  my  power  ;  and  if  it  is  not  in  my  power  to 
grant  his  request,  I  will  return  him  his  mark  with  the  value  thereof,  which 
is  half  a  shekel  of  silver,  or  quarter  of  a  dollar.  To  all  of  which  I  do  most 
solemnly  and  sincerely  promise  and  swear,  with  a  fixed  and  steady  ])ur- 
poseof  mind  in  me, to  keep  and  perform  the  same,  binding  myself  under  no 
less  penalty,  than  tt)  have  my  right  ear  smote  off,  that  I  may  forever  be 
unable  to  hear  the  word,  and  my  right  hand  chopped  off,  as  the  penalty  of 
an  inq)ostor,  if  1  should  ever  prove  wilfuUv  guilty  of  violating  any  part  of 
this  my  solemn  oath,  or  obligation,  of  a  Afark  Master  Mason.  So  help  me 
Uod,  and  make  me  steadfast  to  keep  and  perform  the  aame."  "Detach 
your  hand  and  kisN  the  book." 

Oath  of  tiik  Past  Master's  Deoree. 

"  The  candidat"  kneels  on  both  knees,  lays  both  hands  on  the  Holy 
Bible,  square  and  compass,  and  takes  the  following  oath,  or  obligation  :  " 

"I,  A.  li.,  of  my  own  freewill  and  accord,  in  i)rcsence  of  Almighty 
God,  and  this  Worshipful  Lodge  of  Past  Master  Masons,  do  hereby  and 
hereon,  most  solemnly  and  sincerely  promise  and  swear,  in  addition  to  my 
former  oV)ligati(ms.  that  I  will  not  give  the  degree  of  Past  Master  Mason, 
or  any  of  the  secrets  pertaining  thereto,  to  any  one  of  an  inferior  degree, 
nor  to  any  person  in  the  known  world.  Furthermore,  do  I  promise  and 
swear,  that  I  will  obey  all  regular  signs  and  summons,  sent,  thrown, 
handed  or  given  from  the  hand  of  a  brother  of  this  degree,  or  from  the 
body  of  a  just  and  lawfully  constituted  Lodges  of  Past  Masters,  provided  it 
be  within  the  length  of  my  cable-tow.  Furthermore,  do  I  promise  and 
swear,  that  I  will  support  the  constitution  of  the  General  (J rand  Royal 
Arch  Chapter  of  the  United  States  of  America ;  also,  that  of  the  Grand 

Chapter  of  the  State  of ,  under  which  this  Lodge  is  held,  and  conform 

to  all  the  by-laws,  rul(>s  and  regulations  of  this,  or  any  other  Lodge,  of 
which  1  may  at  any  time  hereafter  become  a  member,  so  far  as  in  my 
power.  Furthermore,  do  I  promise  and  swear,  that  I  will  not  assist,  or  be 
present  at  the  conferring  of  this  degree  ui)ou  any  person,  who  has  not,  to 
the  best  of  my  knowledge  and  belief,  regularly  received  the  degrees  of 
Entered  Ai>prentice,  Fellow  Craft,  ^Master  Mason,  and  Mark  Master,  or 
b(>en  elected  Masti'r  of  a  regular  Lodge  of  Master  Masons.  J'ui-thermore, 
do  I  promise  and  swear,  that  I  will  aid  and  as.sist  all  poor  and  indigent 
Past  Master  Masons,  their  widows  and  or)>hans,  wherever  dispersed  round 
the  globe,  they  applying  to  me  as  such  and  finding  them  worthy,  so  far  ns 
in  my  i)ower,  Avithout  material  injury  to  myself  or  family.  Furthermore, 
do  I  promise  and  swear,  that  the  secrets  of  a  brother  of  this  degree,  de- 
livered to  mo  in  charge  as  such,  shall  remain  as  secure  and  inriolable  in 
my  breast,  as  they  were  in  his  own,  before  communicated  to  me  ;  nnirder 
and  treason  excepted,  and  those  left  to  my  own  election.  Furthermore, 
do  I  promise  and  swear,  that  I  will  not  Avnnig  this  Lodge,  or  a  brother  of 
this  degree,  to  the  value  of  one  cent,  knowingly,  myself,  nor  suffer  it  to 
be  don(^  ])y  others,  if  in  my  power  to  prevent  it.  AH  which,  I  do  most 
solemnly  and  siiu*erely  promise  and  swear,  with  a  fixed  and  steady  pur- 
pose of  miTul,  to  keep  and  perform  the  same  ;  binding  myself  under  no 
less  penalty,  than  to  have  my  tongue  split  from  tip  to  root  ;  that  I  might 
forever  thereafter,  bo  tiuablo  to  pronounce  the  word,  if  ever  I  should 
prove  wilfully  guilty  of  violating  any  jiart  of  this,  my  solemn  oath,  or 
obligation,  of  a  Past  Master  Mason.  So  help  me  God,  and  make  me 
steadfast  to  keep  and  perform  the  same." 


t  i 


RY,   ETC. 


The  Practical  Workings  of  Masonry,  etc. 


569 


<e  and  swear,  that  I 
liiestiug  a  favor,  and 
lot  m  my  power  to 
value  thereof,  which 
U  of  which  I  do  most 
xed  and  steady  ]>nr- 
ding  myself  iinder  no 
at  I  miiy  forever  he 
off,  as  tlie  penalty  of 
violating  any  part  of 
Mason.  So  help  me 
le  same."     "  Detach 


lEE. 

hands  on  the  Holy 
ath,  or  obligation  : 

)re8ence  of  Almighty 
isous,  do  hereby  and 
!ar,  iu  addition  to  my 
Past  Master  Mason, 
)f  an  inferior  degree, 
re,  do  I  pi-oraise  and 
imous,  sent,  thrown, 
degree,  or  from  the 
t  Masters,  provided  it 
e,   do  I  promise  and 
general  (irand  Eoyal 
),  that  of  the  Grand 
s  held,  and  conform 
any  other  Lodge,  of 
icr,  so  far  as  in  my 
will  not  assist,  or  be 
sou,  who  has  not,  to 
eived  the  degrees  of 
nd  Mark  Master,  or 
sons.     Fniihermore, 
poor  and  indigent 
Bver  disi)crsed  round 
em  worthy,  so  far  as 
lily.      Furthermore, 
of  this  degi-ee,  de- 
re  and  in\iolable  in 
ated  to  me  ;  murder 
tion.     Furthermore, 
dge,  or  a  brother  of 
;elf,  nor  sutler  it  to 
1  which,  I  do  most 
ed  and  steady  pur- 
g  myself  under  no 
root  ;   that  I  might 
1,  if  ever  I  shotild 
iiy  solemn  oath,  or 
od,  and  make  me 


Oath  of  Most  Excellent  Mastek's  Degree. 

"I,  A.  B.,  of  my  own  freewill  and  accord,  in  presence  of  Almighty 
God,  and  this  Lodge  of  Most  Excellent  Master  Masons,  do  hereby  and 
hereon,  iu  addition  to  my  former  obligations,  most  solemnly  and  sincerely 
promi.se  and  swear,  that  I  will  not  give  the  degree  of  the  most  Excellent 
blaster  to  any  of  an  infei'ior  degi-eo,  nor  to  any  other  person,  or  jiersons, 
in  the  known  world.  Furthermore,  do  I  i>romise  and  swear,  that  I  will 
obey  all  regular  signs  and  summons,  given,  handed,  sent,  or  thrown  to  me 
from  a  brotlier  of  this  degree,  or  from  the  body  of  a  just  and  lawfully 
constitnted  Lodge  of  such,  provided  it  be  within  the  length  of  my  cable- 
tow,  if  in  my  powei'.  Fui'thermore,  do  I  promise  and  swear,  that  I  will 
support  the  constitution  of  the  General  Grand  lloyal  Arch  Chapter  of  the 
United  States  of  America ;  also,  the  Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter  of  the 
State  of ,  nnder  which  this  Lodge  is  held,  and  conform  to  all  the  by- 
laws, rules  and  regulations  of  this,  or  any  other  Lodge,  of  which  I  may, 
at  any  time  hei(>after,  become  a  member.  Furthermore,  do  I  i)roniiseand 
swear,  tiiat  I  will  aid  and  assist  all  poor  and  indigent  bietlireu  of  this  de- 
gree, their  widows  and  orphans,  wheresoev(>r  dispersed  round  the  globe, 
as  far  as  in  my  power,  without  injuring  mvself  or  family.  Furthermore, 
do  I  promise  and  swear,  that  the  secrets  of  a  brotlur  of  this  degree,  given 
to  me  in  charge  as  such,  and  I  knowing  them  to  be  such,  shall  remain  as 
secret  and  inviolable  in  my  breast  as  in  his  own,  murder  and  treason  ex- 
cepted, and  the  same  left  to  my  own  free  will  and  choice.  Furthermore, 
do  I  promise  and  swear,  that  I  Avill  not  wrong  this  Lodge  of  Most  Excel- 
lent Master  Masons,  nor  a  brother  of  this  degree,  to  the  value  of  anything, 
knowingly,  myself,  nor  suffer  it  to  be  done  by  others,  if  in  my  i)ower  to 
jirevent  it ;  but  will  give  due  and  timely  notice  of  all  approaches  of  dan- 
ger, if  in  my  power.  Furthermore,  do  I  promise  and  swear,  that  I  will 
dispense  light  and  knowledge  to  all  ignorant  and  uninformed  brethren,  at 
all  times,  as  far  as  in  my  power,  without  material  injury  to  myself  or 
family.  To  all  which,  I  do  most  solemnly  swear,  with  a  tixed  and  steadv 
purpose  of  mind  in  me,  to  keep  and  perform  the  same,  binding  myself 
under  no  less  penalty  than  to  have  my  breast  torn  open,  and  my  heart  and 
vitals  tiiken  from  thence,  and  exposed  to  rot  on  the  dunghill,  if  ever  I  ^  io- 
late  any  part  of  this,  my  solemn  oath,  or  obligation,  of  a  Most  Excellent 
Master  Mason  :  so  help  mo  God,  and  keep  me  steadfast  in  the  due  per- 
formance of  the  same."     "Detach  your  hands  and  Idss  the  book." 

O.VTH  OP  the  Royal  Akch  Degree. 

. .  "  Furthermore,  do  I  ]>roniiRe  and  swear,  that  I  will  not  speak  evil  of  a 
companion  Eoyal  Arch  Mason,  neither  behind  his  back  nor  before  his 
face,  but  will  apprise  him  of  approaching  d.'Uger,  if  iu  my  power.  Fur- 
thermore, do  I  promise  and  swear,  that  I  will  not  strike  a  comi)anion  lloy- 
al Arch  Mason  in  anger,  so  as  to  draw  his  blood.  Furthermore,  do  I 
promise  and  swefir,  that  I  will  suppm-t  the  constitution  of  the  (ieneial 
Grand  Ptoyal  Arch  Chapter  of  the  United  States  of  America;  also,  tiie 
constitution  of  the  Grand  lioyal  Arch  Cliapter  of  the  State  under  wliich 
this  Chapter  is  held,  and  conform  to  all  thebvlaws,  rules  and  regulations 
of  this,  or  any  other  Chapter  of  which  I  may  lu^reafter  become  a  member. 
Furthermore,  do  I  promise  and  swear,  that  I  will  obey  all  regular  signs, 
summons,  or  tokens  given,  handed,  sent,  or  thrown  to  me  from  the  iiand 
of  a  companion  lloyal  Arch  Mason,  rr  from  the  body  of  a  just  and  lawfully 
constituted  Chapter  of  such,  provided  it  be  within  the  length  of  my  cable- 
tow.  Furthermore,  do  I  promise  and  swear,  that  I  will  anl  and  assist  a 
companion  Koyal  \rcli  Mason,  when  engaged  in  any  dillienlty  ;  and  es- 
pouse hia  cause,  so  far  as  to  extricate  hiiu  from  the  same,  if  in  my  power, 


'!in 


570       The  Practical  Workings  of  Masonry,  etc. 


,M 


U    .r 


"wbother  lie  be  right  or  wrong.  Also,  that  I  will  promote  a  compauiou 
Tloyal  Aix'h  Mason's  jiolitical  iireferr  ""nt  in  preference  to  another  of  equal 
qnahlinitions.*  Fm-thermore,  do  I  i)romise  ami  swear,  that  a  companion 
lioval  Arch  Mason's  secrets,  given  me  in  charge  as  such,  and  I  knowing 
them  to  be  such,  shall  remain  as  secure  and  iu\'iolable  in  my  breast  as  in 
his  own,  mnnler  initl  trefiatm  not  e.vce])tmL\  Furthermore,  do  I  promise 
and  swear,  that  I  will  be  aiding  and  assisting  all  poor  and  indigent  Royal 
Ardi  Masons,  their  widows  and  orphans,  wherever  dispersed  around  the 
globe,  so  far  as  is  in  my  power,  without  material  injury  to  myself  or 
liiiuily.  All  which,  I  do  most  solemnly  and  sincerely  promise  and  swear, 
with  a  firm  and  steadfast  resolution  to  perform  the  same,  without  any 
ecinivocation,  mental  reservation,  or  self-evasion  of  mind  in  me  whatever  ; 
binding  myself  under  no  less  penalty  than  that  of  having  my  skull  smote 
oft',  and  my  brains  exposed  to  the  scorching  rays  of  the  sun,  should  I  ever 
knowingly,  or  wilfully,  violate  or  transgress  any  part  of  tliis  my  solemn 
oath,  or  obligation,  of  a  Royal  Arch  Mason.  So  help  me  God,  and  keep 
mo  steadfast  in  the  performance  of  the  same." 

The  Obligations  of  Thrice  Illustrated  Knights  of  the  Cross. 

i'Vr.sY  Ohliijutioti. — You,  Mr. ,  do  now,  by  your  honor,  and  in  Niew 

of  the  power  and  union  of  the  Thrice  Illustrious  Order  of  the  Cross,  now 
first  made  known  to  you,  and  in  the  dread  presence  of  the  Most  Holy  and 
Almighty  God,  solemnly  and  sincerely  swear  and  declare,  that,  to  the  end 
of  your  life,  you  will  not,  either  in  consideration  of  gain,  interest,  or 
honor,  nor  with  good  or  bad  design,  ever  take  any,  the  least,  step  or 
measure,  or  be  instrumental  in  any  such  object,  to  betray  or  communicate 
to  any  person,  or  being,  or  number  of  the  same,  in  the  known  world,  not 
thereto  of  cross  and  craft  entitled,  any  secret  or  secrets,  or  ceremony  or 
ceremonies,  or  any  part  thereof  aiipertaiuiug  to  the  order  and  degree 
known  among  Masons  as  the  Thiice  Illustrious  Order  of  the  Cross.  That 
you  will  not,  at  any  time  or  times  whatever,  either  now  or  hereafter, 
directly  or  indirectly,  by  letter,  figure,  or  character,  however  or  by  who- 
ever made,  ever  communicate  any  of  the  information  and  secret  mysteries 
heretofore  alluded  to.  That  you  wi'l  never  speak  on  or  upon,  or  breathe 
higli  or  low,  any  ceremony  or  secret  api)ertaiuing  thereto,  out  of  Council, 
where  there  shall  not  be  two  or  more  Knights  comijauions  of  the  order 
present,  besides  yourself,  and  that  in  a  safe  and  sure  place,  whereby  any 
opiui()n,even  of  the  nature  and  general  principles  of  the  institution,  can  be 
formed  by  any  other  person,  be  he  Mason  or  otherwise,  than  a  true  Knight 
companion  of  the  cross  ;  nothing  herein  going  to  interfere  with  the  pru- 
dent practice  of  the  duties  enjoined  by  the  order,  or  arrangement  for  their 
enforcement. 

2.  You  further  swear,  that,  should  you  know  another  to  violate  any 
essential  part  of  this  obligation,  you  will  use  your  most  decided  endeavors, 
bv  the  blessing  of  God,  to  bring  such  person  to  the  stiictest  and  most  con- 
dign punishmeut,  agreeably  to  the  rules  and  usages  of  our  ancient  fratern- 
ity ;  and  this  by  pointing  him  out  to  the  world  as  an  unworthy  vagal)ond  ; 
bv  opposing  his  interest,  by  deranging  his  business,  by  transferring  his 
cliaracter  after  him  wherever  he  mav  go,  and  by  exposing  him  to  the  con- 
tempt of  the  whole  fraternity  and  the  world,  Ij^ut  of  our  illustrious  order 
more  especially,  during  his  whole  natural  life. 


*  This  oliiuso  1«  somotlnioB  made  a  distinct  imlnt  In  theobUgatlou  In  the  following  form, 
viz  :  Furthornioro,  do  I  iiromlse  ami  swear,  that  I  will  vote  for  a  companion  Royal  Arcli 
Mu!-ou,  before  any  other  of  equal  quallQcatlons;  and  In  some  Chapters,  both  are  left  out  uf 
the  obllgatlou. 

t  In  sinno  Chapters  this  Is  administered:  "All  the  secrets  of  a  comi>aulou  without  ex- 
ception " 


ETC. 


The  Practical  Workings  of  Masonry,  etc.       571 


te  a  coHipaniou 
auotlif  I'  of  equal 
at  a  compauiou 
I,  ami  I  kuowiug 
luy  breast  as  iu 
•e,  do  I  promise 

iudigout  Royal 
rsed  around  the 
iry  to  myself  or 
mise  and  swear, 
ne,  without  any 
iu  me  whatever ; 
r  my  skull  smote 
m,  'should  I  ever 

this  my  solemn 
9  God,  and  keep 

OF  THE  Cross. 
ouor,  and  iu  ^^ew 
)f  the  Cross,  now 
16  Most  Holy  and 
!,  that,  to  the  end 
gain,  interest,   or 
the  least,  step  or 
y  or  communicate 
known  world,  not 
;,  or  ceremony  or 
jrder  and  degree 
the  Cross.     That 
ow  or  hereaft*.>r, 
ever  or  l)y  who- 
secret  mysteries 
upon,  or  breathe 
,  out  of  Couueil. 
lions  of  the  order 
lice,  whereby  auy 
ustitution,  can  be 
lau  a  true  Knight 
re  with  the  pru- 
.ugemeut  for  their 

er  to  violate  any 
ecided  endeavors, 
;est  and  most  cou- 

aueient  fratoru- 
rorthy  vagabond  ; 

transferring  his 
g  him  to  the  0(m- 
illustrious  order 


In  the  following  form, 

)mi>anlou  Boyivl  Arch 

,  both  are  left  out  of 

mijanlon  without  ex- 


ir 


3.  Should  any  Tliriee  Illustrious  Knight  or  acting  officer  of  any  coun- 
cil which  may  have  them  iu  hand,  ever  require  your  aid  in  auy  emergency 
in  defence  of  the  recovery  of  his  said  charge,  you  swear  cheerfully  to  ex- 
ercise all  assistance  in  his  favor,  which  the  nature  of  the  time  and  place 
will  admit  even  to  the  sacrifice  of  life,  liberty,  and  ijropeiiy.  To  all,  and 
every  jmrt  thereof,  we  tlien  bind  you,  and  by  ancient  usage  you  bind 
yourself,  under  the  no  less  infamous  penalty  than  dying  the  death  of  a 
traitor,  by  having  a  spear,  or  other  sharp  instrument,  like  as  our  divine 
Master,  thrust  iu  your  left  side. 

PABT  OF  TUIBD  OBLIGATION  OP  KNIGHTS  OF  THE  CROSS. 

8.  I  Bwear  to  venerate  the  mark  as  the  wisdom  and  decree  of  Heayen,  to  unite  our 
hands  and  hearts  Iu  the  work  of  the  holy  crusade,  and  as  an  encouragement  to  act  with 
zeal  and  effli^acy ;  and  I  swear  to  consider  Its  testimonies  as  the  true  and  only  proper  test 
of  an  Illustrious  brother  of  the  cross. 

4.  I  swear  to  wear  the  mark  of  this  order,  without  any  the  least  addition,  except  what 
I  s^liall  be  legally  entitled  to  liy  x.uiuction,  forever,  If  not  without  the  physical  means  of  do- 
ing so,  or  it  being  contrary  to  propriety;  and  even  then,  if  possible,  to  wear  the  holy  cross; 
and  Iswear  to  putachiet  dependence  for  the  said  worthy  and  i>lous  objects  therein. 

6.  I  swear  to  put  confidence  unlimited  in  every  lllustiioiis  btother  of  the  cross,  as  a 
true  and  worthy  follower  of  the  blessed  J»'sus,  who  has  sought  this  land,  not  tor  private 
good,  but  pity,  and  the  glory  of  the  rellglonof  the  Most  High  and  Holy  God. 

6.  I  swear  neverto  i>ermlt  my  political priuclplos  nor  personal  iiiterest  tocomecounter 
to  his,  if  forbearance  and  brotherly  kindness  can  operate  to  i)revent  It ;  ami  never  to  moet 
him  if  I  know  It,  in  waror  in  i)eace,  under  such  circumstances  that  I  mny  not,  in  Justice  to 
myself,  my  cross,  and  my  country,  wish  him  unquallfled  success;  and  if  perchance  it 
should  happen  without  my  knowledge,  on  being  inform  id  thereof,  that  I  will  use  my  best 
endeavors  to  satisfy  him,  even  to  the  rellnqulfhing  my  arms  and  purpose.  I  will  never 
shed  a  brother's  blood  nor  thwart  his  good  fortune,  knowing  him  to  be  such,  nor  see  it  done 
by  others  if  in  my  power  to  prevent  It. 

7.  I  swear  to  advance  my  brother's  best  interest,  by  always  supiwrtlng  his  military 
tame  and  political  {uefermeut  in  opposition  to  another;  and  by  employing  his  arms  or  hia 
aid  in  his  vociitlou,  under  all  circumstances  whore  I  shall  not  suffer  more  by  so  doing,  than 
he,  by  my  neglecting  to  do  ho,  but  this  never  to  the  sacrifice  of  auy  vital  Interest  in  our  holy 
religion,  or  in  the  welfare  of  my  counto'. 

8.  I  iwear  to  look  on  his  enemies  as  my  et.emlea,  his  friends  as  my  friends,  and  stand 
forth  to  mete  out  tender  kindness  or  vengeance  accordingly;  but  never  to  intrude  on  hl.<3 
social  or  domestic  relations  to  his  hurt  or  dUhonor  by  claiming  his  privileges,  or  by  de- 
bauching or  defaming  ills  female  relations  or  friends. 

9.  I  swear  never  to  seo  Calmly  nor  without  earnest  desires  and  decided  measures  to 
prevent  the  Ill-treatment,  slander,  or  defamation,  of  any  brother  knight,  bor  ever  to  view 
danger  or  the  least  shadow  of  injury  about  to  fall  on  his  head. 

11.  Ifwear  to  keep  sacred  my  brother's  secrets,  both  when  delivered  to  me  as  such, 
and  when  the  nature  of  tho  information  Is  such  as  to  require  secrecy  for  his  welfare. 

12.  I  swear  to  hold  myself  bound  to  hlin,  especially  In  affliction  and  adversity,  to  con- 
tribute to  his  necessities  my  i)rayer3,  my  influence,  and  my  purse. 

13.  Iswear  to  be  under  the  control  of  my  council,  or,  it  belonging  to  none,  to  that 
which  Is  nearest  to  me,  and  never  to  demur  to,  or  complain  at,  any  decree  concerning  me, 
which  my  brethren,  as  a  council,  shall  conceive  me  to  deserve,  and  enforce  on  my  head,  to 
my  hurt  and  dishonor. 

14.  Iswoarto  obey  fUsuT'monsBentfromany  council  to  me,  or  from  any  M'^st  Illus- 
trious Knight,  wheth(>r  Illustrious  Counsellor  t'r  tho  time  being,  o-  by  induction  and  to  be 
governed  by  the  constitution,  Ubnges  and  customs  of  the  order  without  vai  iatlon  or  chaiig<\ 

To  all  this,  and  every  part  thereof,  I  do  now,  as  before,  by  the  honor  and  i)o«'er  of  i  he 
mark,  as  by  an  honorable  and  awful  oath,  which  conflrmeih  all  tilings  in  tho  dreail  i  ii'- 
sonce  of  the  Most  Holy  and  AlmlRhty  God,  solemnly  and  In  truth,  bind  and  obligate  my 
soul ;  and  In  the  earthly  penalties,  to  wit,  that,  for  the  violation  of  tho  least  matter  or  jiai 
tlclo  of  any  of  the  here  taken  obligations,  I  become  the  silent  and  mule  sub](>ci  of  the  dis- 
pleasure of  the  Illustrious  oner,  ami  have  their  power  and  wrath  turned  on  my  head  to 
my  destruction  and  dishonor, which,  like  the  n<ii(  o/jael,  moy  be  the  sure  end  of  an  unworthy 
wroti  h,  by  iilerclnp  my  temples  with  a  true  sense  of  my  inaratitude— and  for  a  breach  of 
silence  In  case  of  such  an  unhappy  event,  that  I  shall  die  the  Infamous  death  of  a  trattoi, 
by  having  a  spear,  or  other  sharp  weapon,  like  as  my  Lord,  thrust  In  my  lott  sMn-  bearing 
testimony,  even  in  <ieath,  of  the  power  of  the  murk  of  the  Holy  and  Illustrious  Cross,  liefore 
I.  H.  S.  our  Thrice  Illustrious  Counsellor  in  Heaven,  the  Grand  Council  ot  tho  good.  To  thla 
I  swear. 

*  *  * 

THE  ROTAL  SECBKT,  OK  KADOSH. 

Instructions  for  the  leunlon  of  the  brethren.  Knights,  Princes,  and  Commanders,  of  the 
Royal  Secret  or  Kadosh,  which  really  signltles,  Holy  hrethrm  of  all  degreet  sei)aratfd. 

>reilerlck  III.,  King  of  Prussia,  Grand  Miwter  and  Commander  In  Chief,  Sov(>r.>lgn  of 
Sovereigns,  with  an  army  comixised  of  the  Knights,  Princes  of  the  White  and  Black  Eagle,, 
Including  Prussian,  English  ai.d  French;  likewise  Joined  by  the  KulgUis  Adep's  ot  the  suu 


572       TiiK  ruACTicAL  WouKiNtia  vv  jMasonhy,  etc. 


■  n 


Priiicps  of  T.lbnntin  or  the  Koynl  Asp,  tho  KnlgtitR  of  tho  Ro«e  Croix  or  St.  Andrew,  Knights 
(if  tho  EiiHt  iind  W«>Ht,  tlio  Princes  of  Jorusftloni,  KniKlilM  of  tho  Tasl  orHword,  tho  Grand 
Elo<'t  Perfi'i't  and  Hiibllnio  MuHous,  the  Kulghts  ot  tho  Royal  Aroh,  (ninth  Arch,)Suhllmo 
KulKhlH  F.locted,  jic,  4iC. 

Tho  hour  to.  tho  dopurturo  or  march  of  tho  army  Is  tho  fifth  after  tho  sotilnKof  tho  sun 
nnd  Is  to  bo  nwido  known  by  the  flrlng  of  llvo  great  Kiiim  In  tho  followInK  order(Oi— (1)0  0  0 > 
—  that  Is,  Willi  Hii  Interval  between  tho  Drst  and  Heeond.  Tho  flrHt  renilry.vonH  In  to  bo  tho 
port  of  Naple.H— from  Naples  to  the  [xirt  <'f  Ithodes— from  Rhodes  to  Cyprus  and  Maita, 
whence  the  whole  naval  forco  of  all  nations  Is  to  asxenible.  The  pocond  rendezvous  Is  to  be 
at  Cyprus,  .Vo.  'I  ho  thli'il  rendezvous  Is  to  l>o  alJeriisalom,  whore  they  will  bo  Joined  by 
our  faithful  guardians.  Tho  watchwords  foreveiy  day  of  tho  week  areas  foUowa;  auU  they 
aro  l]ot  to  bo  clmiiRed  but  by  express  order  from  tho  King  of  Pruscla  : 


Vrnlectors  of  Mai»nry. 


Sunday, 

Monday, 

Tuesday, 

Wcdiiefd.y, 

Thursday, 

Friday, 

Saturday, 


Cyrus, 

Diirius, 

Xerxes, 

Alexander, 

I'hiladelphus, 

Herod, 

Hezekiah, 


Answer, 


Prophets. 
Kz.'klel, 
I  iinlel, 
lliihakkuk, 
/I'plianlali, 
lliinpil, 
/iii-liarlan, 
Malaohl, 


W(;n._pinco  tho  right  hand  on  tho  heart;  extend  It  forward,  tho  palm  downward  ;  lot  li 
fall  by  tho  right  hlilo.  i.S'<irmfiiion/»,— Those  of  tho  Ciirpot,  which  sro  t-i  i)o  read  l)iickward 
round  tho  cirolo  from  right  to  left,  tliua:—Ono  says  "Sallx,"  to  which  the  other  rcpll>-s 
"Noul;"  l)Oth  then  relioat  (by  letters)  tho  word  "  reiigu."  /'ii.is-iminfs.-"  I'hual  Kol," 
Which  signllli's  "seiHiratuil ;"  "Pharas  Kol,"  which  slgnlllos  ■'  rennlled  ;"  "Nokam  Makah," 
which  slgnlllos  "tuavongo;"  oaoU  thou  letters  tho  word  "Hhaddal."  which  slgnlUes 
"  Omnipotent." 

Chariie  aiUlrrssKl  tn  McOimfi'ifn/c— My  dear  brother:— TlioSaracens  having  taken  ixwsesslon 
ot  tho  Holy  Land,  those  who  were  engagiid  In  tho  (!ruHikdcs  not  being  able  to  ex|)ol  tiicm, 
agreed  with  (Jo.lfrey  de  Uoulllon  tho  conductor  and  chief  of  tho  Crusiiders,  to  veil  tlie  mys- 
teries of  religion  under  (>nibl<<ms,  by  which  they  would  be  able  to  maintain  the  devotion  of 
tlio  soldier,  and  proliM't  themselves  from  tho  Incurnloii  of  those  who  were  their  oneiiMes, 
after  tho  example  of  tho  Script  un-s,  tho8t;'->  of  which  Is  llgurai  Ive .  Tlume  zoaloiis  brethren 
chose  Solomon's  temple  for  their  m<Mlel.  T.iis  building  has  si  rong  allusions  to  tho  (MirlHtlau 
chtinh.  Since  that  period  theyiMnsons)  liave  been  known  by  ihonaniitof  Master  Architect; 
and  they  have  employed  themselves  In  Improving  the  law  of  that  admirable  Master.  From 
hence  It  ftpliears  tliat  tho  mystfrici  of  thr  cri\ft  are  the  mystnifi  qf  (pagan]  reliijum.  Those 
brethren  wore  careful  not  toetil  rust  tb  Is  Important  sec  et  to  any  whoso  dlscn>tl<in  they  had 
not  proved.  For  this  reason  they  Invented  dlfforent  degrees  to  try  [ho»o  who  onten'd  among 
them;  and  only  gave  them  symbolical  secrets,  without  explanation,  to  pr<-vent  tri>a.  heiy, 
and  to  make  thontsi'lves  known  only  to  each  other.  For  this  put  imso  It  was  resolved  to  use 
illlTerent  slgi\s,  words,  and  tokens.  In  every  degree,  hy  which  they  would  be  secured  iigalnst 
cowans  anil  Haraoeiis.  Tho  dllTerent  degrees  wore  fixed  llrst  to  tho  number  ot  seven  by  the 
example  ot  thoUrand  Archl'ectof  (ho  ltnlv<<rse,  who  built  all  things  In  six  dnysaml  re«t<>ii 
on  the  seventh.  This  Is  distlngnlsheil  by  Si>vcn  liolnts  of  reception  In  the  Masler'sdegriMV 
EniM'h  employed  six  days  to  construct  tho  arches,  and  on  tho  seventh,  having  deposited  tho 
si'cret  treasure  In  tho  lowest  arch,  was  translalid  to  tho  abodes  of  tho  IiIcssimI.  Holomon 
eni ployed  six  years  liicoi\striu'llnghlstem|>le;anil  celebrated  ltsdedlcii<|onon>hos<>\enlh, 
witl  all  the  solemnity  worthy  of  the  divinity  himself.  This  sacred  editlce  we  chiM)8e  to 
iniiko  the  basis  of  llguratlvo  Masonry.  In  the  first  ilegree  aro  t  hreo  symbols  to  be  applied. 
First,  tho  lltst  of  the  croatloti,  which  was  only  chaos.  Is  Mgiirod  by  thocainlldate'sc.  mliig 
out  of  th(>  black  chamber,  neither  naked  nor  clothed,  depi  Ived,  Ac, ;  ntid  his  sutTerliig  the 
painful  (rial  at  his  reception,  ftc.  The  caiulhlalo  sees  nothing  beforo  ho  Is  bnv.ight  to  light 
Mild  his  iHiwers  of  Iniaglnallon  relative  (o  what  he  has  to  go  througli  aro  suspeinhMl,  which 
alludes  to  tho  (Igure  of  the  creation  ot  that  vast  lundtious  body  cdiifuseil  among  tho  other 
purls  of  creation  beforo  It  was  extracted  from  darkness  and  llxed  by  tho  Altnlghty  lint. 
SiMMiidly,  the  candldntc  approaches  the  footstool  of  the  Master,  and  there  renounces  nil 
I'lvwans;  ho  promises  to  siiIhIuo  his  passions,  by  which  moans  he  Is  nnli.eil  to  virtue,  and 
by  his  regularity  of  life,  diMiioimlrati'S  what  ho  pro|Kises.  This  Is  llgiired  to  him  by  the  steps 
that  h(>  lakes  li\  approaching  tho  altar;  tho  symlMillc- meaning  of  which  Is  the  separation  of 
tho  llrmament  from  the  earth  and  water  on  tho  second  day  of  creation.  (The  i-harge  piM- 
oi>edB  by  giving  II  llguratlvo  Interprelatloti  ot  the  ceremonies,  &c.,  of  tho  llrst  and  scm-oihI 
]iartof  the  third  degree  whh'h  1  passov<'ras  not  lnt(>restlng  to  iny  readers,  and  coiniMi'tti-e 
with  an  Interpretation  which  win  be  as  novel  to  tho  Craft  u(  tho  lower  grades  us  tu  the 
coH'diiji,  or  non-Initialed.) 

In  the  Master's  d<>greo  Is  reprosettted  tho  assassination  of  Hlrnm  by  false  bn>thren, 
This  otight  to  put  us  In  mind  of  the  fate  of  Adam,  occasioned  by  perverseness  In  his  dis- 
ob(>ylng  his  great  and  awful  Creator.  Thesymbolli>  mystery  ot  the  death  ot  lllram  AbllTre- 
pre»ents  to  us  that  of  the  Messiah  ;  tor  thi-  tliiee  blows  which  were  given  to  lllram  Atil(T,  at 
tho  thri>ogati>sot  the  temple,  allude  to  llio  three  |Hilnls  of  condeinnatlon  agaltist  Christ,  at 
tho  High  Priest's  (^alphas,  lleiHicI  and  Pilate.  It  was  from  the  last  that  hti  was  led  to  that 
most  violent  and  exiMUclatIng  death.  The  said  three  blows  Willi  the  stpiare,  gimg(>,  and 
gavel,  are  symbols  of  the  blow  on  the  chi'ek,  the  llagellallon,  and  the  crown  or  Uio,  us.  'I  he 
brethn>n  assi>mbled  around  the  tomb  of  lllram,  Is  a  representation  of  the  disciples  lament- 
ing tho  death  of  tlhrlst  on  the  cress.  The  Master's  woni,  wh.ch  Is  said  to  be  lost,  slin'e  tho 
death  ot  lllram  AbllT,  Is  thostime  that  Christ  pronoiiticsil  on  \lie  cross,  and  whli-h  the  ,lews 
(lid  uolcuiupreliend,  "  Ell,  Ell,  luinasabacthani,"  "  myUod,  niy  Cod,  why  hast  thou  !or- 


KTll. 


The  PuAcrrir.vL  Wdukinos  of  Masonuy,  etc.       578 


t.  Andrew,  KniRlits 
•Hwonl,  the  Oraml 
iitli  Arch,)8ubllmo 

osotilnRof  tJiosun 
K  order  (Oi— {0  0  0  0. 
IrzvoiiHlH  to  bo  llio 
1  Cyprus  and  Mn;tii, 
rond(>7.voii«  Is  to  Im 
oy  will  bo  joined  by 
18  tolloivs;  uuU  tliey 


Ik. 
ill, 

n, 

m  downward  ;  lot  It 
.  be  road  backward 
■h  tlie  oilier  repltt'S 
mh.  —  "  I'Iniiil  Kol," 
"••Nfikani  Makab," 
1,"   wblcli  blgnllles 

liiKtaktniHxweKBlon 

lilo  to  exiHil  tin>m, 

i<rs,  to  veil  tbe  niys- 

lalnlbe  devotion  of 

fero  their  eneiiilea, 

wo  zealous  brotbreu 

loitB  to  thoChrlMllau 

of  Master  ArolilK'Ot; 

■able  Master.    From 

(janl  rfliijiini.    Those 

idlBoretlou  they  had 

who  entereil  among 

1  prevent  trea.  hety, 

was  resolved  to  use 

.  jie  scoured  iiKaliixl 

nberot  seven  by  the 

i|x  dnysand  r«>stod 

..e  Mnsier'8<loKroe. 

HVlng  d«i.t«lled  the 

bli>ssed.     Holonion 

.  u  on  I  he  seventh, 

lloe  we  cbiH)8e  to 

lis  lo  be  applied. 

•HUdldate'se.  inliiR 

1  hIssuITerlntt  the 

Isbi-o'.iKhl  to  light 

susjiiMUhMl,  which 

among  the  other 

tho  Almighty  lliil. 

(<re   reiiounoes  nil 

lied  to  virine,  and 

to  hint  by  the  steps 

the  separiitlon  of 

(Theoharge  ptM- 

llrst  and  second 

fs,  and  comtneni'o 

grades  as  lo  the 

by  false  brelhreit. 
;>rsoncHs  In  his  dls- 
lot  lllnim  AhllTre- 
to  lllnim  AlillT,  at 
n  against  Christ,  at 
t  hi'  was  led  to  that 
squari>,  gnage,  ami 
n  or  Ihoins.  'I  ho 
<  disciples  lameiil- 
lo  be  lost,  since  the 
d  which  the  ,Io\vs 
hyhast  thou  !or- 


saken  met  have  pity  on  and  forgive  iny  enemies"— Iiihtead  of  which  wotils  woresubstltulod 
M.  H.  N.  (Mac  be  iiao,)  which.  In  Arabian,  slgultles,  'Tho  son  of  the  widow  Isdoad."  Tlu' 
false  bri'thron  represent  .ludas  Isoarlot,  who  sold  Christ.  The  rod  collar  woru  by  the  (Irand 
Elect  rerfect  and  Htibllme  Masons,  calls  toromomhrance  the  bliKHl  of  Christ.  The  sprig  of 
oa.Hsla  Is  the  figure  ol  the  cross,  because  of  this  wood  was  tVii<  cross  made.  The  captivity  of 
theOrmul  Kloct  and  Hubllme  Masons,  (1.  t<.  by  tho  Chaldeans,)  shows  us  tho  |H<rsecutlon  of 
the  Christian  religion  ui.dor  tho  Itonuin  oniporors,  and  Its  liberty  undi>r  Constant liio  the 
(lr<>at.  It  al^'oealls  toour  remonibrance  the  perseetitl  )n  of  the  Templars,  and  tlu' situation 
of  .Jaciines  l»e  Molay,  who,  lying  In  Irons  nearly  seven  ywirs,  at  the  end  of  which  our  worthy 
(4rand  Master  was  burnt  alive  with  hW  four  companions,  on  the  eleventh  of  Mati-li.  l:iU, 
creating  pity  and  tears  In  the  people,  who  saw  him  ille  with  llrmnesBnnd  liorolc  constatn'y, 
si-allng  Ills  InuiH-eni-e  with  his  bloixl.  My  dear  brotht>r.  In  passing  to  the  donri'o  of  Porfoci 
Master,  In  whli-h  yon  shed  toai-sat  the  tomb  of  II Irani  Ablff,  and  insitmo  other  degrees  bus 
not  your  heart  boiMi  li'<l  to  ren'ng(>'/  Has  not  the  orlme  of  Jiibidnm  Aktl^)p  been  ri'pri'senti.l 
In  tho  most  hide  ms  light  ?— Would  It  be  unjust  to  ('oin|>are  the  conilucl  of  I'lilllp  lhi>  Kalrlo 
his,  ami  the  Infamous uccusois of  the 'li'inplars,  to  th<<  two  n;nianswho  were  ai'compllcos 
with  Akirop  ?  l)o  they  not  kindle  In  your  heart  an  eipial  BverslonV  'I  be  dItTerent  singes 
you  have  traveled,  and  the  time  you  have  taken  In  learning  those  historical  events,  no 
doubt,  will  load  you  to  ni«ki>  tho  proper  appllcutlons;  and  by  the  dogn>e  of  Master  l-.loi't 
and  Knilosh,  you  nro  prop<<rly  illH|io.seil  to  fuUllall  youriMigagoinonIs,  and  to  boar  an  Im- 
placable hatreil  to  the  Knights  of  Malta,  and  to  avengi<  the  tloalli  of  .laccpios  Do  Molay. 
Your  e.\tenBlve  aci|Ualnlniico  with  symbollo  Masonry,  which  you  have  attained  by  yoin-  dls- 
eretlon,  li>aves  you  nothing  more  to  desire  here.  You  see,  my  ilear  brntlior,  how.  and  by 
whom.  Masonry  has  come  to  us.  You  are  lo  endeavor  by  ev<>ry  Jnsl  moans  to  regain  <nir 
rights  and  to  romi'inber  that  wo  are  Joined  by  n  soi'loty  of  men,  whosi<  I'oiirage,  nnrlt  and 
gcKxl  Conduct,  hold  out  to  us  that  rank  that  birth  alone  gave  to  our  allocators.  You  are  now 
on  the  same  level  with  them.  Avoid  I'vory  evil  by  kei>plng  your  ohllgallons.  and  ciiri'fully 
conceal  from  the  vnlgiir  what  you  are,  and  wall  that  happy  nioniont  when  we  all  shall  be 
reunited  uiiiler  the  same  Hoverolgn  In  the  mansions  of  <>tornal  bli.ss  l.ot  us  Imli.iio  tlii> 
<>xainpl«of  ourdraiid  MaHtor,.lac(ino«<le  Molay,  who  to  tho  t'li'l  put  his  hope  lii  UiHl.ai'.d 
at  his  last<lylng  nioliioiua  ended  Ins  life  saying,  "  Hpos  iiii'a  In  Don  est  I" 

Oliligatiim.—  l  do,  of  my  own  free  will  and  accord.  In  the  |irosenot>  of  the  Qrand  Archlleet 
of  the  Universe,  nnd  this  eonslslory  of  Hoverolgn  Princes  of  the  Hoynl  Socrol,  or  Knights  of 
St.  Andrew,  faithful  guar<llans  of  the  faith  fill  tri'asuro;  most  s<>loinnl>  vow  and  swiar,  iimler 
all  tho  «llirer»'nt  penalthBof  my  form<>r  obi  Igal  Ions,  that  I  will  never  dlioolly  or  I  mil  reel  ly 
revi>al  or  make  known  to  any  per-on  or  porsinis  whatsoever,  any  or  the  li<  st  part  of  this 
Koyal  <le.  roe,  unl<"«s  toone  duly  ipialllled  In  the  boily  of  a  regularly  oonslltnlod  Consistory 
of  the  sjinie,  or  to  him  orthem  whom  I  shall  find  such  after  strhU  and  due  trial.  I  further- 
more Vow  ami  swear,  iindtr  the  above  ponallii's,  to  always  ahhlo  and  regulate  iny<i<lf  agree- 
ably to  tho  statutes  and  regulations  now  before  me;  ami  when  In  a  Consistory  to  behave  and 
domeau  mysi'lf  as  Olio  worthy  of  being  bonorivl  with  so  high  a  degree,  that  no  part  of  my 
eonduet  may  In  the  least  rolleotdl.MciiHlIt  on  the  Koyal  Consistory,  or  dlfgraeo  luysuU.  bo 
may  (iotl  inalnlnln  mo  in  ei|Ulty  and  Justlcol    Ameul    Ain.'iil    Aiiioni    AinonI 

N^oin  Cdiuiot  tnii/hoifi/  SiU'  thuf  d  prrsoii  iDnifr  nni/  micli  sii/>ri'»iv  oh/i'/'itinii 
III  his  r/<iii,  iinicr,  iir  i/iiii;f,  is  vsvw  to  iioid)  any  iTitMctn'i'ici;!  Ami  llint 
(hi^ further  hi'  is  lulrniioil  in  viiisniiri/  llir  iiiorr  liiiiii/i'nuis  he  is? 

* 

And  HiH'ir  \s  Tiri.s  akk  its  Fkith  j. 

"lioHitlcH  <lu^  boiioH  «li'  I'll  at  Ulno  iMoiiiituiii,  iva  dciailcd  olsc- 

wluM'o  in  lliOHd  coluniiis,  wo  iiit  ■■nioi'tuctl  iliat  a  lot.  wcro  also  found  al)o\c 
I't'Ildlcton,  a  mIioi'I  tilinMl^jo.  Muni/  <i  jumr  drril  hus  lifm  kimrki'il  dii  tin 
hi'iitl,  ill  this  ruiiiilri/,  mul  thi'ii  stoirnl  itii'di/  iniiirr  i/rniiiiii,  irithmit  ttiiiihmlii 
bi'iiK/  Ihi!  irisi'r." 

* 

A    ril.VPTIU    IN    AmKUICAN    I'oi.lTIi'.S, 

Fnim  the  Li'iidrrs  of  tlir  Past,  ti>  thosr  of  the  Vrrsrnt. 

(iv<ir<ii>  W'iishiiKjtnii's  h'drcirrll  Adifrrss.  —  "Tlio  very  i(l(>a  of  tlio  l»owcr 
and  tlio  right  of  tlio  ]ii>o|)lo  to  OHtaliliKli  govtMiinii'iifc  i)n>-.sui>i>o.sos  tlio  duty 
of  ovory  iiidivitlnal  to  ohov  ilio  oNlaliliHliod  gov<>riiniont.  All  olislrnotioiiH 
to  tho  oxocutitin  of  tho  laws,  all  ooniliinatioiiH  and  asHociatioiiH,  nndor 
whatovor  iiliiUHiMo  oluiraotor,  with  tho  loal  dt'Nifjfii  to  tliroct,  control, 
ct)untom<'t,  cr  awo  tho  ro(j:nlar  dolihoration  and  action  of  tho  constitiitod 
authoritioH,  uro  dostructivo  ot'  ihiH  fuiulaiDontai  iiiiuoiiilo,  and  of  fatal 
toudoucy." 


57-4       The  PiucTirvL  Wohkinos  of  Mason nv,  etc. 


MV 


k 


!:     r1 


•lit 


Thiidifi'iis  S/fri'ii'i :  "}\y  Frooninsonrv,  trial  l\v  jury  is  tnvnsfonuod 
into  an  t>iigiii»^  of  dcsjxitism  and  Masonic  frami." 

Kihi'nnl  I-.'nrr/l :  "A  st'iTct  Hocicty  so  widely  dittnsod  and  connoctod 
nn  tliis  I'uts  a  vast  )>o\v«m-,  oapablo  of  the  most  dangorous  ab\iso,  into  liands 
irrosjionsildo  to  tlu'  imldic. " 

(liirf  .liiittici'  Jithii  MiirsJiiiH:  "Tho  institution  of  mnHonry  ouKlit  to 
bo  abandonod  as  ono  oapablo  of  niui-h  t'vil  and  in<'ai>abl(.  of  producing  auv 
good  wliicl\  might  not  bo  otVcctod  by  safo  and  o|)i>n  means." 

CJi<ir/i!i  J!^n»nifr :  "I  find  twoixiwcrs  horoiii  Washington  in  harmony, 
and  both  aro  antagonistical  to  our  free  institutions,  and  tend  to  centraliza- 
tion and  anar-hy- Freemasonry  and  slavery  ;  and  tliey  must  both  bo  de- 
stroyed if  our  country  is  to  bo  the  homo  of  tlio  fr<>e,  a.s  our  ancestors  de- 
signed it." 

Til  It  flow  Wi'ith  "I  now  look  back  through  an  interval  of  liftv-six 
years  with  a  conscious  sense  of  having  been  governed  tlirough  the  Anti- 
masonic  excitement  by  a  sino(<re  desire,  first  tt)  vindicate  the  violated  laws 
of  my  country,  and  next  to  arrest  tlio  great  jiowor  and  dangerous  intln- 
euces  of  secret  societies." 

WiUiiim  If.  SfwimI:  "Before  I  would  placo  my  hand  between  the 
hands  of  other  men  in  a  secret  lodge,  order,  class,  or  council,  and.  bending 
on  my  kueo  before  tli(>m,  enter  into  combination  with  tht>m  for  any  object, 
personal  or  political,  good  or  bad.  I  would  pray  to  (»od  that  tliat  hand 
and  that,  knee  might  bo  paralvzt>«l.  and  tliat  I  might  become  an  object  of 
pity  and  even  tlio  mockery  of  my  fellow-men." 

Wfxih'U.  Phillipn:  "  History  shows  them  iierverting  justice.  8toi>]iing 
at  no  crime  to  i>rotect  and  conceal  their  mummeries,  controlling  jmlitics 
for  selfish  and  jiersoual  ends,  and  interfering  with  great  danger  in  national 
emergencies.  Ev(>ry  good  citizen  shoultl  make  war  on  all  secn^t  Hocit>fies. 
and  give  himself  no  rest  until  they  are  forbidden  by  law  and  rooted  out  of 
existence.  ' 

(ii'orijo  Wiishiiifjioii,  fn/rii'iiifs  in  17!)  f,  qimtrd  hi/  ^fi/rnn  Holli'i/ :  "  Tho 
real  people  occasionally  assembled  in  order  to  express  their  sentiments  on 
political  sentiments,  ought  iu>ver  to  be  confounded  with  permanent,  s«'It- 
ai)poiuted  societies,  usurpiufj;  the  right  to  control  con,stitu ted  authorities, 
and  to  dictate  to  public  iijiinion.  While  the  former  was  entitled  to  re- 
spect, the  latter  was  incomiiatible  Avith  all  government,  and  must  either 
sink  into  general  dis-esteem,  or  finally  overturn  tho  estjvblishod  order  of 
things." 

(Jfiiei'nl  U.  S.  Grniit:  "All  secret,  oath-bound  political  parties  are 
dangerous  to  any  nation,  no  inatt«'r  how  pure  or  how  patriotie  the  motives 
and  principles  wliidi  first  bring  them  together." 

President  Millard  Filmorc,  J.  C  Spencer,  (uid  nfliers  ;  "The  INFasonio 
fraternity  tramples  upon  our  rights,  defeats  the  administration  of  justice, 
and  bids' defianoa  to  every  government  which  it  cannot  control." 

John  Qidnei/  Adows:  "I  am  ])rei>aredto  complete  tho  demonstration 
before  (lod  ani\  man,  that  the  Masonic  oaths,  obligations  and  penalties 
cannot  by  anv  possibility  bo  reconciled  to  the  laws  of  morality,  of  Clirist- 
ianity,  or  of  tlie  land." 

Disr(teli,  Lord  liencnnsfield:  "In  conducting  tho  governments  of  the 
•world  there  nro  not  only  sovereigns  and  ministers,  but  se-ret  orders  to  be 
considered,  which  have  agents  everywhere — reckless  agents,  who  counte- 
uanco  assassination,  and  if  necessary  can  produce  a  massacre." 

vl.  ^f.  Siillirnn,  Irisli  Lender :  "Iliad  not  studied  in  vain  the  secret, 
ooth-bound  associations.  I  regarded  them  with  horror.  I  knew  all  that 
could  be  said  as  to  their  advantages  in  revolutionizing  a  country,  but  even 


Tub  Pii.voriCAL  Wokkinos  of  Masonhy,  etc, 


575 


s  tmnsfonupd 


in  tho  liriufst  iiiul  best  of  liiiiuls  tliin-  Imd  a  dinvt  toiuliMiov  t<i  »l«'int)niliza- 
tioii  rtinl  iiro  oftou  ou  tlio  wholo  moro  i)L'riloiis  to  soi-iety  than  open  tv- 
ruuuy." 

Hon.  Kiliranf  Jilidr,  Iradrr  in  t'lnint/idii  I'lir/iuwriit,  Murclt,  ISS/: 
"lam  not  ill  favor  of  Statt*  rooogiiitiou  of  any  s(>cn>t  Hociotit>.s.  I  havo 
novor  joiui'd  one,  tlionfj;li  many  of  my  bt'st  fritMulw  aro  nuMnl>t>is  of  sccivt 
sociotu>s.  ]5nt  I  bt'liox t<  tlic  ti'mloncy  of  sooivcv  itsolf  to  bo  injniious.  I 
lu'liovo  that  it  IningMwithit  tlio  possibility  of  ovii;  I  bi-liovo  tliat  it  involvos 
a  oortain  amount  of  saorilioo  of  individuality  and  indoiu'iidcnfo.  and  ^jivcs 
vory  groat  faoilitios  for  tho  misloatliuf,'  of  mombcrs  by  dosigning  l(>adfis 
very  groat  and  tnischiovous  facilitios  for  that  jiurposo.  1  bolit<vo  that  a 
groat  doal  of  tho  troublo.  MU'ial  and  politii-al,  that  lias  occurrod  in  thoso 
i'OUutrii>s  jKuropo  and  An\orical  is  (bu>  to  socrt't  Hooiotios. " 

It r II r fill  ]ViiKfiiti[it()ii  oppiisi'if  tit  Sirrrt  Surii'tirs :  This  is  a  ropublicatiou 
of  Oovornor  .Tosoph  Kitnor's  "  \'iii<lirtiliiiii  of  (iriirrnl  Wiis/iiiii/Uui/rniii  tint 
Stii/Diit  1)/  A.l/i''rriifi'  to  SfiTi't  Sorir/it's,"  tMimmunicatod  to  tlio  llouso  of 
IJoprosoutativos  of  IVnnsylvania.  March  8th.  bSliT.  at  their  spocial  roipjost. 
To  this  is  addod  tho  fact  thalthroo  liigh  Masons  woro  tlio  tmly  pi>rsons\vh<> 
opj)osod  a  voto  «>f  thanks  to  Washington  oi\  his  rotiromont  to  i)rivat<'  lift> — 
uudonbtodly  l>ooa\iso  thoy  oonsidorcd  him  a  soc(>ding  FrctMnason.  Ton 
fonts  oai'h  ;  ]M>r  do/.on,  75  cents. — Aiiu'ricnn  Aiili-si'crfci/  Lnnjui',  'J'Jl  Wvst 
Mii/ison  fSlrcii,  Chicaijo, 


liao  says  :  "It  was  difllonU  to  bcliovo  that  tht>y  woro  simplo  citiziMis 
of  tho  ropublio,  so  grand  was  tlioir  ap])oarani'o,  ami  so  )iroud  did  tlioy 
Hooni  of  thoir  now  olothos.  As  a  rul(<,  thoro  is  no  moro  soborly  drosscll 
iMn-son  than  a  oitizon  of  tho  Ihiitod  Statos.  A  i>atormd  Congress  has  for- 
l)iddon  a  civilian  to  indulge  in  tlu>  vanity  ktiownas  court  oostume,  and  has 
onjoinetl  tluit  when  ho  attends  a  fon>ign  court  ho  shall  wear  ordinary  even- 
ing dress.  No  restriction,  liowover.  is  i)ut  uj>ou  the  citizen  donning  any 
kind  of  military  uniform  he  pleases,  and  this  is  said  to  \w  one  of  tho 
reasons  why  tho  order  of  Knights  Templar  is  attractive  and  popular  in  tho 
United  tStates.  Its  members  havo  tho  further  gratification  of  reading 
their  names,  with  haudh's  to  them,  in  tho  lunvspapers  ;  and  when  j)Iain 
Urowii,  Jones,  and  K»>binson  see  tluMuselves  in  juint  as  Sir  John  Hrown, 
Sir  Thomas  Jones,  Sir  Joseph  Kobinson.  thoy  may  oxporionci.'  tho  satis- 
faction of  mtni  who  havo  imuio  tlu'ir  mark. 

Till  I  beheld  the  Knights  Templar,  I  had  never  realized  tho  rfit>ot 
produced  by  oiitiro  regiments  clad  in  thi>  uniforms  of  j  ■  iieral  olllcers  of 
tho  tlraud  l3uchy  «>f  (Jerolstein.  With  cocked  hats  adorned  with  feathers 
upon  their  heads,  embroidered  trousers  upon  their  legs,  tunics  round  their 
bodies,  tlioir  breasts  being  as  thickly  covered  with  ribbon.s  and  medals  as 
tho  breasts  of  otlicers  in  tho  servii'o  of  tho  I'rince  of  lV[onaco,  and  with 
swords  in  their  hands  resembling  the  toy  swords  of  children,  these  Sir 
Knights  appeared  to  tho  simple-minded  a  splendid  spectacle,  uud  to  tho 
critic  u  set  of  guys." 

What  auk  HioinuNnEHs  ? 

"The  bloody  conflict  lately  enacted  between  rival  liighbinder  societies 
iu  this  city,  resulting  in  the  death  of  three  t'hinamen  and  tho  serious 
wounding  of  two  more,  has  given  rise  to  considerable  discussion  as  to  who 
tho  highbiuders  are,  what  they  aro,  and  tho  best  methods  to  bo  emjiloyed 
to  break  up  thoir  organizations,  ami  by  that  to  put  an  eud  to  their  uefari- 
OUH  practices. 

Tho  terin  highbinder  really  has  no  place  in  the  English  language.  Tho 
dictionary  and  encyclopedia  both  fail  t«)  recognize  it.     It  is  a  term  hko 


576       The  Practical  Workings  of  Masonry,  etc. 


'm 

i 

1 

>: 

Kl 

K 

ti 

TS^ 

IfM 

i 

1 

^.  \ 


{ 

i 


I 


j: 


many  others  in  the  English  language,  colloquialized,  and  has  acquired  a 
standing  through  custom  and  usage.  It  is  a  conventional  term,  the  same 
as  "hobo,"  "hoodlum,"  and  many  others  that  have  acquired  a  signifi- 
cance through  a  si)ecitic  designation  of  some  iieculiar  attribute  of  a  general 
class. 

As  near  as  can  be  learned,  the  term  first  came  into  jjraCtice  on  this 
coast  some  fifteen  or  twenty  years  ago.  It  was  applied  to  those  contend- 
ing factions  among  the  Chinese  demzens  of  San  Francisco  who  were  known 
to  make  a  living  off  the  earnings  of  others,  generally  from  the  fruits  of 
illegitimate  business.  Just  how  the  term  originated  is  not  known.  The 
business  of  levying  on  the  fruits  of  others'  labor  was  done  under  a  guise 
of  giving  protection  and  encouraging  immunity  from  jjunishmeut.  These 
Mongolian  vampires,  who,  when  organized,  corresponded  in  a  certain 
sense  to  the  coiTiipt  poUtical  cliques  of  this  countiy,  were  designated  as 
highbinders.  Bulldozing  is  the  fundamental  essence  and  life  princiijle  of 
both  organizations.  Chinese  highbinders  are  ia  reality  a  modified  species 
of  pirates.  Instead,  however,  of  asserting  their  supremacy,  as  do  the 
jiirates  on  the  open  seas,  in  open  conflict,  they  show  their  prowess  in  cun- 
ning deception,  bulldozing,  intimidations  and  threats." 

HIGHBINDEBS  IN  CHINA. 

In  China  the  class  of  peoiole  answering  to  organizations  of  Highbind- 
ers in  this  country  are  known  by  the  name  of  Hung  Tow  or  Tung  Ho. 
They  are  not  legal  organizations,  but  are  under  the  ban  of  the  govern- 
ment. If  a  highbinder  organizati  m  is  discovered  death  stares  the  mem- 
bers in  the  face.  The  Chinese  authorities  are  very  strict,  and  imder  no 
consideration  are  secret  societies  of  any  kind  allowed  to  exist.  Discovery 
is  met  with  the  extreme  jjenalty  of  the  law — death.  An  organization  of 
the  nature  of  highbinders  is  looked  upon  as  a  conspiracy,  and  death  is 
the  penalty  of  those  gathered  in  secret  conclave. 

In  China,  as  in  this  country,  the  highbinders  hold  the  same  relations 
to  society.  There  are  at  least  200  Kwong  Hong  or  family  branches  in 
China.  These  branches  occassionally  organize  highbinder  societies  be- 
tween themselves.  Everyone  is  eligible  to  join  any  of  these  societies. 
All  that  is  needed  is  for  a  person  to  have  the  necessarj^  instincts  of  a  scoun- 
drel and  he  is  at  once  received  into  full  fellowship  into  any  of  their 
ordei-s.  These  societies,  whenever  for  any  reason  they  are  not  discovered, 
live  off  the  community,  the  same  as  a  [Mason]  does  in  this  country.  They 
live  by  bulldozing  and  by  exacting  subsidies  under  threats.  They  live  by 
smuggling,  stealing,  and  even  killing  for  pay.  They  live  by  all  means 
that  are  illegal,  and  no  means  that  are  just. 

HOW  SUPPKESSED. 

There  are  no  longer  many  highbinder  societies  in  China,  while  out- 
bursts of  riots  between  rival  organizations  are  of  very  rare  occurrence. 
The  reason  is  the  extreme  severity  used  in  punishing  ttose  who  are  appre- 
hended. If  the  existence  of  a  highbinder  society  is  made  known  to  the 
authorities,  the  ringleaders  are  generally  beheaded. 

In  China  a  man  may  smuggle  and  his  opium  is  confiscated  ;  he  may 
steal  and  he  is  publicly  flogged.  He  may  at  times  even  commit  more 
serious  crimes  and  escape  with  comparatively  Ught  punishment.  But  let 
a  man  conduct  a  secret  meeting  and  he  is  denied  even  a  jireliminary  exam- 
ination before  a  mandarin.  He  is  beheaded  without  further  ado.  If  tlie 
guilty  are  not  found  out,  the  innocent  are  executed  with  them,  for  the  guilt 
is  atoned  for  at  any  price,  though  innocent  lives  be  sacrificed.  The  end  is 
calculated  to  justify  the  means.     Generally,  however,  the  names  of  the 


ETC. 


The  Practical  WoRKiNas  of  Masonry,  etc.       577 


d  baa  acquired  a 
1  term,  the  same 
quired  a  siguitl- 
bute  of  a  general 

practice  on  this 

0  those  contend- 
who  were  known 
rom  the  fruits  of 
lot  known.  The 
one  under  a  guise 
dshmeut.  These 
led  in  a  certain 
3re  designated  as 
i  life  principle  of 

1  modified  species 
imacy,  as  do  the 
ir  prowess  in  cun- 


ions  of  Highbind- 
:ow  or  Tung  Ho. 
m  of  the  goveru- 
1  stares  the  mem- 
ict,  and  under  no 
» exist.  Discovery 
L.n  organization  of 
i-acy,  and  death  is 

Itbe  same  relations 

lamily  branches  in 

Inder  societies  be- 

f  these  societies. 

jstincts  of  a  scoun- 

fnto  any   of  their 

•e  not  discovered, 

[is  country.    They 

its.    They  live  by 

ive  by  all  means 


;)hina,  while  out- 
Jrare  occurrence. 
|se  who  are  appre- 

ie  known  to  the 

^seated ;  he  may 
len  commit  more 
Ihment.  But  let 
Preliminary  exam- 
Iher  ado.  If  the 
Jieni,  for  the  guilt 
Iced.  The  end  is 
xe  names  of  the 


guilty  parties  are  given  \ip  without  interference.  If  for  any  reason  the 
guilty  parties  in  any  crime  committed  are  not  given  up,  the  authorities 
arrest  one  prominent  member  of  each  company,  and,  as  a  general  rule, 
the  desired  information  is  soon  forthcoming.  If  these  leaders  still  refuse 
to  disclose  the  names  of  the  guilty  jmi-ties  in  a  transaction,  the  law  meets 
its  end  by  executing  those  leaders  who  are  arrested. 

As  a  matter  of  fact,  there  are  but  fjw  riots  now  occasioned  in  China 
thi'ough  the  existence  of  highbinder  societies.  This  peaceable,  quiet  state 
of  aflairs  in  a  country  which  numbers  her  population  by  the  milUous, 
must  be  attributed  to  the  stringent  laws  against  carrying  weajjous  and 
against  aiding  or  obettiug  in  hokUug  a  meeting  of  a  highbinder  or  other 
secret  society. 

HIGHBINDERS  IN  THIS  COUNTBT. 

When  the  Chinamen  oarae  to  this  country  many  of  their  jjassions 
suppressed  in  their  own  Howery  kingdom,  found  an  opportunity  for  ex- 
pansion. Tliis  was  a  free  country,  and  the  laws  were  made  for  the  gov- 
ernment of  an  enlightened  civihzatiou.  The  Chinese  had  been  ruled  with 
an  iron  hand,  and  what  wonder  is  there  that  they  should  tend  towards 
extremes  when  this  restraint  is  removed  ?  Our  law.s  in  the  United  States 
were  made  to  govern  citizens  of  this  country,  and  citizens  of  this  country 
are  supposed  to  have  reached  a  stage  in  civilization  where  democratic  laws 
are  sufficient  for  them.  The  Chinese  coming  here  are  evidently  not  made 
for  our  civiUzation,  for  they  abuse  its  pri\ileges.  The  laws  ai-e  made  for 
enlightened  people,  and  cannot  fit  a  semi-barbaric  contingency.  If  a  for- 
eign element  cannot  be  assimilated  into  the  body  politic  of  the  country 
and  adopt  its  rules  and  regulations,  it  becomes  very  evident  that  that  for- 
eign element  cannot  exist  in  the  country  unless  there  be  particular  laws 
enacted  to  govern  the  people  somewhat  according  to  tlieii-  recjuirements. 
This  is  exactly  the  reason  highbinder  societies  have  tloiirished  in  this 
country.  By  the  silence  and  indifference  of  the  authorities  here  the 
Chinese  highbinder  societies  have  come  to  the  conclusion  that  if  they  are 
not  exactly  courted,  they  are  at  least  tolerated  and  approved. 

MIXED   UP  A3   USUAL. 

As  is  always  the  case  in  rows  among  the  Chinese  it  is  very  difficult 
to  get  any  information  as  to  the  cause  of  the  trouble.  The  statements  of 
the  class  of  Chinese  who  are  mixed  up  in  such  aflairs  is  not  to  be  relied 
on,  and  even  the  dying  statement  of  one  of  these  highbinders  is  as  likely 
to  be  false  as  true. 

The  leading  Chinamen  of  this  city  are  all  very  much  wrought  np  over 
this  conflict.  None  have  any  sympathies  with  the  murderers  if  tliey  can 
be  found  out. 

" The  laws  in  this  country, "  said  one,  "are  altogether  to  lax  for  the 
Chinamen.  This  fight  is  a  natural  outcome  of  the  leniency  shown  the 
Chinese  murderers  in  the  county  jail.  The  Chinamen  have  no  fear  for 
the  law  and  think  that  they  can  buy  their  freedom  if  they  have  plenty  of 
money.  No  su(!h  highbinder  societies  are  allowed  in  China.  If  there  are 
any  secret  organizations  of  any  kind  discovered  in  China  they  are  more 
summarily  dealt  with.  If  the  English  authorities  find  them  out  the 
Chinamen  are  either  imprisoned  for  life  or  shot,  and  if  the  Chinese  gov- 
ernment makes  the  discovery  the  Chinamen's  heads  are  cut  ofl'  forthwith. 
There  is  not  even  the  formality  of  a  tiial  given  them." 

. .  .  .Another  one  said  that  tlie  murderers  of  these  Chinamen  will  never 
be  found  out  unless  one  of  the  Chinese  companies  prosecute  the  case. 
"The  Chinamen  know  who  the  guilty  ones  are,  but  will  not  tell,"  lie  said. 
"  The  city  authorities  ought  to  send  eight  or  tea  policemen  to  make  a 

37 


578       The  Puactical  Workings  op  Masonry,  etc. 


MM 


i!  T'^-f 


•r 


thorough  Heai'ch  of  Chinatown.  Tliore  aro  still  qnito  a  numlu'i-  of 
wounded  Chinamen  hidden  and  if  they  are  not  soon  hunted  up  they  will 
either  sneak  out  of  town  or  get  well  without  medical  attendanefs."  The 
city  is  not  taking  the  right  jjosition  in  allowing  the  mutter  to  rest  as  it  now 
stands.  The  guilty  parties  should  be  ferrett«'il  out  and  if  tiiis  is  impossi- 
ble, those  who  stand  in  with  them  shtnild  bo  hung  with  the  suspected 
ones,  in  order  i--  make  an  example  of  them  if  to  no  other  end." 

A  third  Chinaman  said  that  the  Chinese  societies  can  tell  who  every 
guilty  party  in  this  late  bloody  transaction  is,  and  furthermore  they  can 
l>e  made  to  tell  if  the  authorities  go  at  them  in  the  right  way.  "The 
Chinese  are  allowed  too  many  liberties.  All  highbinder  soci(!ti('s  should  be 
broken  up,  and  the  police  authorities  must  be  mortf  stringent  if  the  com- 
munity desires  to  have  no  recm-reuco  of  such  a  bloody  tight." 

"  inOHniNDEU  SOCIETIES   MTST  DISBAND. 

Mavor  DeLashmutt  and  Chief  of  Police  Parrish  had  a  conference  wth 
the  leading  Chinese  merchants,  for  the  purpose  of  securing  their  assistance 
in  bringing  the  guilty  Chinese  to  justice,  and  to  prevent  a  recurrence  of 
such  conflicts.  As  a  result  of  this  conference  the  Chinese  busine.ss  men 
and  merchants  will  unite  and  give  the  authorities  every  as.sistance  in  their 
power  to  accomplish  the  work  of  breaking  up  all  highbinder  societies. 
The  name  of  every  highbinder  society  with  its  location  were  given  Chief 
Parrish  and  the  war  of  extermination  will  soon  commence.  The  China- 
men are  all  agreed  that  active  steps  should  be  taken  at  once.  Notices  will 
be  posted  on  every  door  of  these  highbinder  headquarters  ordering  them 
to  disband  within  five  days.  If  this  order  is  not  obeyed  within  the  speci- 
fied five  days,  if  every  sign  is  not  taken  down  from  their  headquarters  and 
every  other  evidence  of  the  existence  of  the.se  societies  destroyed,  the  law 
will  take  its  course.  The  police  will  c(  nmence  to  arrest  every  highbinder 
in  the  city.  The  names  will  be  furnished  by  this  protective  organization 
of  Chinese  business  men  and  there  will  thus  be  no  chance  for  any  to  es- 
cape detection. 

The  black  list  will  be  made  out  at  once,  and  every  highbinder  will  be 
placed  behind  prison  bars.  This  course  of  action  has  received  the  sanc- 
tion of  the  leading  Chinese  merchants  and  there  will  be  no  difiSculties  en- 
countered in  carrying  it  into  execution." 


"As  a  reporter  of  The  Oregonian  was  jiassing  through  the  county  jail 
yesterday,  Mah  Jim,  the  Chinaman  under  sentence  of  death  for  killing  Ah 
toy  in  the  Chinese  Free  Mason's  hall  some  six  months  ago,  hailed  him. 
Mall  Jim  began  by  saying  that  he  was  not  guilty  of  kilUng  Ah  Toy,  but 
was  the  victim  of  a  conspiracy  hatched  by  his  enemies  to  get  him  out  of 
the  way. 

"  Did  you  not  serve  a  term  in  the  penitentiary  ?  "  asked  the  reporter. 

"Yes,"  said  Jim. 

"  How  long  were  you  there  ?  " 

"  AV)out  six  months,"  answered  Jim. 

«*  Well,  how  did  it  all  come  about  ?    What  was  you  sent  up  for  ?  " 

•'For  larceny.  I  worked  for  Quon  Wo  Wa,  on  Oak  street,  while  they 
wore  sending  gangs  of  Chinamen  up  on  the  railroad  to  Tom  and  Jim 
Filliken.  You  sabe  ;  some  Chinamen  can't  talk  English,  and  I  talked  for 
them  and  told  them  where  to  go.  I  was  to  get  S2.50  a  day,  but  as  I  didn't 
get  my  money  I  sued  Lee  Sang,  of  the  Quon  Wo  Wa  company,  in  Justice 
Greene's  court,  for  $170.  At  the  same  time  a  job  was  put  up  on  me — that 
I  stole  Bome  clothes — and  I  was  sent  up." 


re. 


a  nuiulun'  of 
I  np  they  will 
indaucc!.  The 
)  rest  ns  it  now 
this  is  impossi- 
tlio  suspected 
id." 

tell  who  every 
more  they  cau 
,t  way.  "The 
Kitics  should  be 
I'ut  if  the  com- 
t." 

Bonference  ■with 
their  assistance 
a  recurrence  of 
je  business  men 
distance  in  their 
)inder  societies, 
ere  given  Chief 
le.     The  China- 
36.     Notices  will 
ordering  them 
ifithin  the  speci- 
leadquartera  and 
stroyed,  the  law 
■very  highbinder 
■■ive  organization 
!e  for  any  to  es- 

;hbinder  will  be 
■eived  the  sanc- 
|o  difficulties  en- 


^  the  county  jail 
&i  for  killing  Ah 
Jago,  hailed  him. 
fng  Ah  Toy,  but 
get  him  out  of 

3d  the  reporter. 


Int  up  for  ? 
Ttreet,  while  they 
L  Tom  and  Jim 
[ind  I  talked  for 
j,  but  as  I  didn't 
■pany,  in  Justice 
\  up  on  me — that 


The  Practical  Wobkimgs  of  Mahonuy,  etc. 


579 


"What  was  the  job  put  up  for  ?  " 

"  Because  I  sued  for  the  nioiiey." 

"  And  why  do  they  accuse  you  of  this  murder?  " 

"  When  I  got  out  1  took  the  suit  to  the  state  circuit  court  and  ob- 
tained a  judgment  for  $75,  but  I  didn't  make  anything  as  the  lawyer  took 
it  all." 

Mali  Jim  then  went  on  to  say  that  Lee  Sang,  the  man  he  had  sued, 
was  all  broke  up.owed  everybody,  and  ho  had  been  threatened.providil  ho 
took  legal  recourse  against  him.  "  I  belonged  to  the  Chinese  Free  Ma-sons 
for  six  or  seven  years.  Thoy  are  all  the  same  as  highbinders  ;  all  lik(> 
brothers  together.  If  a  man  is  killed  and  they  don't  want  it  known  none 
of  them  will  say  a  word  about  it.  Mali  Jim  said  two  head  men  of  the 
Masons  and  particular  friends  of  the  man  against  whom  ho  prosecuted 
the  suit,  put  up  the  job  accusing  him  of  being  the  murderer  and  that  they 
agreed  to  pay  Pow  ChinWah.the  principle  witness  against  him,  $'>()  to  swear 
that  he  killed  Ah  Toy,  $2()0  if  he  (Jim)  was  sent  to  the  jjenitentiary,  and 
8300  if  he  was  hanged.  Further,  that  everybody  who  knew  him  well 
had  a  good  opinion  of  him,  and  that  he  had  more  I'rieuds  among  the  white 
people  than  among  his  own  countrymen." 


Highbinders  in  Los  Angelos. 
Prizes  set  on  the  heads  of  two  Chinuvieii,  and  a  White  man. 

"  If  left  to  settle  itself  Chinatown  will  undoubtedlv  solve  the  i)roblem 
of  its  own  existence  without  the  aid  of  any  boycott.  The  slumbering  vol- 
cano of  internecine  strife  occasionally  emits  its  deauly  odors.  All  is  not 
unity,  harmony  and  love  within  the  Chinese  camp.  Its  cooUes  belong  to 
different  companies,  whose  fierce  struggle  for  supremacy  and  the  hon's 
share  of  the  wages  of  their  slaves  is  a  fit  sample  of  the  struggle  of  the  sur- 
vival of  the  fittest.  Each  company  takes  care  of  the  religion,  social  pleas- 
ures and  physical  comforts  of  its  members.  Each  company  has  its  own 
joss  house,  its  tan  game  and  its  highbinder  societ;y,  which  the  Chinese  call 
a  '  Freemason  lodge.'  When  the  lynx-eyed  highbinders  of  the  Wong  com- 
pany see  the  members  of  the  Chung  Wo  Company  robbing  at  a  tan  game 
some  poor  devil  of  a  cooUe  fresh  from  a  Washhouse  or  an  orange  orchard, 
they  inform  the  officers,  and  the  latter  make  a  raid,  and  the  Chung  Wo 
men,  if  captured,  have  to  pay  roundly  for  their  fun.  They  then  come 
back  on  to  the  Wong  Company  when  they  are  fleecing  a  green  countryman, 
and  so  bad  blood  has  been  developed  between  the  companies  till  every 
Chinaman  goes  armed  with  a  revolver,  which  he  is  ready  to  draw  and  shoot 
on  the  slightest  provocation,  as  the  row  last  night  shows.  The  Wong  and 
Chung  Wo  companies  are  ready  to  fight  for  the  least  cause  now.  This 
was  the  exact  status  before  the  big  Chinese  riot  of  1871,  when  eighteen  or 
more  Chinamen  were  killed,  and  these  are  the  same  causes  which  led  to 
that  riot,  by  exciting  the  ira  of  the  lower  class  of  the  Caucasians  and 
Indians,  who  shed  their  blood. 

Last  Sunday  the  highbinders  of  the  Wong  Company,  on  solemn  con- 
clave, set  prices  on  the  heads  of  several  Chinamen,  including  Ah  Jim  and 
another  Chinaman,  for  $800  for  each  head.  The  price  of  $1,200  was  set 
on  the  head  of  C^iarles  Newberg,  who  inhabits  Chinatown  more  or  less, 
and  who  learned  to  speak  the  Chinese  language  in  Hongkong,  where  ho 
was  bom,  while  his  father  was  there  in  the  merchandise  business.  This 
appalUng  state  of  affairs  was  revealed  to  the  ofiicers  on  last  Monday,  but 
they  regarded  it  as  a  stupid  tale  till  the  events  of  last  evening  in  the 
attempted  assassination  of  Ah  Jim  on  Negro  alley  confirmed  the  reports. 


il! 


m 


iif: 


580 


The  Practical  Workings  of  Masonry,  etc. 


During  tlio  att<>iu])t  of  the  offloers  to  make  a  raid  on  a  tan  game  on 
Negro  alley,  about  7  o'l'loek  TueHday  evening,  a  shooting  Hcrajie  ooeiirred 
in  which  several  Chiuamuu  were  shot," 


?:1 


"  The  i)o]ic'e  learned  of  the  murder;  they  could  get  nothing  but  the 
bare  facts.  Not  one  of  the  jjcrpetrators  of  the  crime  was  caught,  as  no 
one  would  give  any  information  for  fear  of  incurring  the  revenge  of  the 
society.  The  same  thing  has  occurred  so  frequently  in  this  city  that  it 
is  in  the  nature  of  a  miracle  when  crime  in  Chinatown  is  discovered 
and  j)uuished. 

Meascres  Against  HionnrnDEUs. 

Liist  Friday  evening  the  Mayor  and  Chief  of  Police  being  informed 
that  the  highbinders'  societies  were  dis])oscd  to  resist  the  order  for  clos- 
ing them,  started  out,  and  with  the  assistance  of  Officer  Watson  closed 
up  nine  of  these  rendezvous.  The  signs  of  the  societies  were  torn  down, 
and  their  emblematic  ornaments,  little  josses,  bowls  of  sandalwood  and 
oth<>r  imi)lement3  with  which  they  solemnize  their  secret  obligations, 
were  taken  down  and  locked  up. 

The  mayor  has  further  instructed  Chief  Parrish  that  this  measure 
must  be  thoroughly  jn'osecnted. 

The  mayor  is  thoroughly  aroused  in  the  mattt^r,  and  has  the  active 
and  earnest  supi>ort  of  all  the  police  force,  and  the  ai>proval  of  not 
onlv  the  whites,  but  the  better  class  of  the  Chinese  merchants.  The 
outlook  is  most  enco'araging  for  a  complete  break-ujJ  of  this  organized 
menace  to  good  government. 

[Bui  s<ttf,  why  not  also  break  up  the  other  masonic  "menace  to  (jootl  gov- 
ernment ?  "] 

Colored  Masons. 

"In  California,  as  well  as  in  every  Htate  in  the  union,  the  colored 
Masons  are  a  separate  and  distinct  organization  from  those  of  Caucasian 
origin.  The  .sovereign  grand  lodge  of  California,  which  recently  held 
its  session  in  Stockton,  was  without  a  single  white  rei)resentative.  Out- 
siders sometimes  consider  it  rather  singular  that  masonry,  which  professes 
not  to  regard  the  outside  qualifications  of  men,  should  be  oi)iJosed  to 
recognizing  colored  men  as  brothei-s.  The  reason  for  this,  however,  is 
found  in  the  fact  that  the  negroes  secured  their  cl^arter  and  ritual  f-om 
England.  On  this  account  American  lodges  refui  >  to  recognize  them. 
In  the  South  this  alienation  is  carried  to  the  extr  ne.  During  the  war 
a  Southern  man's  house  was  foraged  by  some  Noi 
them  being  a  sergeant,  an  ex-slave,  and  as  bla 
soldiers  slipped  a  noose  over  the  Southerner's  head  i 
where  he  had  hidden  his  silver  and  gold.  He  de 
never  tell,"  he  said.  They  threw  the  rope  over  a  1 
the  air  and  tied  him  up  to  die.  Unable  to  speak 
masonic  sign  and  the  negro  sergeant  sprang  for 
rope.  When  the  power  of  speech  returned  to  thw  half-choked  man  he 
looked  into  the  face  of  his  deliverer,  and  still  without  recognizing  Lim 

masonically,  asked,  with  incredible  astonishment:     "What  in  the 

did  vou  know  about  that  sign  ?"  The  ex-slave  answered  :  "You  need 
not  hold  masonic  converse  with  me  unless  you  so  desire,  but  nothing 
can  prevent  me  from  doing  my  duty  to  all  Masons  under  the  Sun." 

[  Th(^i/  all  affiliate,  black,  white,  and  yellow,  and  this  iras  one  of  the  ^'^  char- 
itable "  (?)  brethren  that  would  murder  an  outsider'  in  cold  blood  for  a  little 
money.  ] 


lem  soldiers,  among 
as  midnight.  The 
I  demanded  to  know 
ined  to  tell.  "I'll 
lb,  jerked  him  into 
he  made  a  certain 
ard  and  undid   the 


ETC 


The  ruACTioAL  Woukinoh  of  Masonuy,  etc.       .IS  I 


n  tan  Ramo  on 
Huraxtu  oocurrc'd 


iiotliing  l)ut  tlio 
IS  I'liught,  as  no 
3  rt'vongo  of  the 
thin  city  that  it 
a   is  discovered 


>  beiuR  informed 
lie  order  for  eloa- 
ir  Watson  chjsed 
were  toni  down, 
sandalwood  and 
icret  obligations, 

hat  this  measure 

id  has  the  active 
approval  of  not 
merchants.     The 

of  this  organized 

enace  to  good  gov- 


nion,  the  colored 
liose  of  Caucasian 
Ich  recently  held 
•esentative.     Out- 
which  professes 
id  be  opposed  to 
this,  however,  ia 
■r  and  ritual  f'om 
recognize  them. 
During  the  war 
soldiers,  among 
,  midnight.    The 
lemanded  to  know 
■d  to  teli      "I'll 
jerked  him  into 
|e   made  a  certain 
Id  and  undid  the 
[f-choked  man  he 
.  recognizing  him 

What  in  the 

Ired  :    "You  need 
Isire,  but  nothing 
tider  the  Sun." 
\i(,tip.of  the. ''char- 
/  blood  for  it  Utile 


An  Ai>wiEss  IssiKi)  VY  the  Execitive  Committee  of  Faumeus' Congress. 

"That  all  men  and  women  are  equally  endowed  by  their  creator  with 
t4io  inalienable  nght  to  the  possession  and  enjoyment  of  whatever  wealth 
they  ]>roduce.  Tliat  to  secure,  among  others,  this  right  inviolate  to  all 
citizens,  governments  are  rightfully  established  among  men.  That  when 
governments,  laws  or  systems  become  destructive  to  these  rights  or  fail  to 
secure  them  to  the  people  it  is  their  right  and  impiuative  duty  to  tlieni- 
selvis  and  their  jiosterity  to  alti>r  and  abolish  such  government,  repeal 
such  laws  and  destroy  such  systems.  That  the  agriiMiltural  massi  t  of  tin- 
United  States  have  not  for  vears  been  and  are  not  now  secure  in  the 
|iossession  and  enjovment  of  tlio  vast  wealth  which  by  unfalteringindustiy 
they  have  created.  'To  prove  these  declarations  let  unimpeached  statistical 

facts  bo  submitted  to  your  candid,  considerate,  unbiased  judgment 

We  have  brought  forth  facts  which  show  that  the  agricultural 

pf.]>ulati(m  is  rapidly  and  surely  being  reduced  to  abject  serfdom.  Facts 
which  show  that  if  we  wish  to  be  free,  and  the  owners  of  free  Iw  lues,  there 
is  now  an  imperious  necessity  demanding  the  organization  of  iln  agricul- 
tural mas,ses,  to  defend  for  themselves,  each  other  and  tlu-t  'liilreu  the 
right  to  what  they  produce,  the  title  to  their  homes,  and  the  •  i';uce  enjoy- 
ment of  their  firesides. 


By  order  of  the  executive  committee. " 

Fkom  a  President's  Message. 


— Oregon. 


"The  equal  and  exact  justice  of  which  we  boast  as  the  underlying 
principle  of  our  institutions  should  not  be  confined  to  the  relations  of  our 
citizens  to  each  other.  The  government  itself  is  under  bond  to  the  Anieri- 
ciin  people  that  in  the  exercise  of  its  functions  and  powers  it  will  deal  with 
the  body  of  our  citizens  in  a  manner  scrupulously  honest  and  fair,  and 
absolutely  just.  It  has  agreed  that  American  citizenship  shall  bo  the  only 
credential  necessary  to  justify  the  claim  of  equality  before  the  law,  and 
that  no  condition  in  life  shall  give  rise  to  discrimination  in  the  treatment 
of  the  i)eople  by  this  government. 

The  citizen  of  our  republic,  in  its  early  days,  rigidly  insisted  u]ion  full 
compliance  with  the  letter  of  this  bond,  and  saw  stretching  out  before  him 

a  clear  field  for  individual  endeavor Hundreds  of  private 

pension  laws  are  annually  jiassed  which  are  the  sources  of  unjust  discrimi- 
nation and  popular  demoralization. 

Appropriation  bills  for  the  support  of  the  government  are  defaced  by 
items  and  provisions  to  meet  private  ends,  and  it  is  freely  asserted  by  re- 
sponsible and  experienced  parties  that  a  bill  api)roj)riating  money  for  pub- 
lic improvement  would  fail  to  meet  with  favor  unless  it  contained  more  for 
local  and  private  advantage  than  for  public  benefit." 

[Here  follows  an  example  in  point: — ] 

"  Ca])tain  John  Mullan  claims  large  sums  as  *  commissions '  for  collec- 
tion of  claims  for  Oregon  at  Washington.  Those  claims  were  paid  by 
authority  of  acts  of  Congress,  directing  the  same  to  be  done.  How  then 
could  Captain  Mullan  have  '  rendered  services '  in  getting  the  money  ? 
Did  he  cause  Congress  to  enact  the  laws  and  make  the  appropriations  for 
their  payment  ?" 

[What  else  was  he  employed  for  ?  A  masonic  lobbyist  can  be  trusted 
"on  the  square"  by  his  secret  oath-bound  brethren  in  office  to  divide  the 
l>eople'8  money.  Do  outsiders  get  private  laws  passed,  and  big  pensions? 
Thei/  are  an  insolent,  defiant,  foreign,  puga a  government  withut  the  reptihlic, 
supported  by  the  govei'nimtnt  that  they  paralyze  in  any  action  against  them.  \ 


:ii: 


682       The  Puactical  Workings  of  Masonry,  etc. 


.u 


i 

,  all 


"Notwitlistiuidiug  our  Gov<;rumeut  is  founded  upon  the  hroadeat 
principles  of  equality;  that  tlio  first  of  the  self-evident  truths  enunciated  in 
that  Declaration  ui)ou  which  it  rests  aflirms,  that  '  all  men  are  created  free 
and  e(]ual,'  there  immediately  sprang  up  a  party  under  the  new  Govern- 
ment which,  if  it  did  not  precisely  favor  kinyly  rtile,  endeavored  to  build 
up  and  perpetuate  a  privileged  class,  with  quite  as  marked  characteristics 
as  the  dividing  Imes  of  caste  under  governments  of  hereditary  rule. 

Should  the  humble  Knight  of  Labor  be  censured  because  ho  belongs 
to  a  secret  order  which  his  friend  of  aiistocratic  associations  declares  poli- 
tii'al,  when  he,  himself,  (or  rather  liis  confederated  friends)  cross  contirm- 
iilly  from  one  haven  of  safety  to  another  by  the  mystic  bridge  of  a  society 
wliich  in  mi  political  ?" 

Horrible  Mormon  Crime. 

Salt  Lake  letter  to  St.  Louis  "  Republican," 

"  One  crime  which  was  committed  here  only  a  short  time  ago,  1  must 
describe.  Mrs.  Maxvell  came  to  Bait  Lake  City  with  hor  husband  in 
18()'.).  Two  years  afterward  her  husband  took  anotlu>r  Avife,  and  one  year 
subsequent  he  was  married  to  a  third.  Mrs.  Maxwell  had  two  sous,  re- 
spectively 14  and  IG  years.  Their  father  urged  them  to  go  through  the 
Endowment  House  and  become  Mormons,  bound  by  all  the  oaths  of  the 
Church.  Mrs.  Maxwell  objected,  and  in  order  to  pr«!vail  over  her  sons 
she  told  them  the  secrets  of  the  Endowment  House.  The  penalty  for  re- 
vealing these  secrets  is  dismemberment  of  the  body,  cutting  of  the  throat 
and  tearing  out  of  the  tongue.  Mr.  Maxwell  overheard  his  wife,  being  in 
an  adjoining  room,  and  forthwith  he  informed  the  elders,  who  sent  for  the 
u7ifortiinate  woman  and  her  two  sons.  They  were  taken  into  what  is 
called  the  '  Dark  pit, '  a  blood-atoning  room  under  Brigham  Yoiing's 
house.  The  woman  was  then  stripped  of  all  her  clothing  and  then  tied  on 
the  back  to  a  large  table.  Six  members  of  the  priesthood  then  performed 
their  damnable  crime  ;  they  tii-st  cut  off  their  victim's  tongue,  and  then 
cut  her  throat,  after  which  her  legs  and  arms  were  severed.  The  sons 
Avero  comjielled  to  stand  by  and  witness  the  dreadful  slaughter  of  their 
mother.  They  Avt-ro  released  and  given  twenty-four  hours  to  got  out  of 
tho  Ten-itory,  which  was  then  an  impossibility.  The  sons  went  tlien  to  the 
houso  of  a  friend,  to  whom  they  related  the  butchery  of  their  m(Hlicr,  and 
then  getting  a  package  of  provisions  started,  but  on  the  following  morning 
were  both  dead.  They  had  met  tho  Danites.  One  othc^r  case  similar  to 
the  al)ove  occurred  al)out  five  years  ago  in  tho  City  Hall.  These  are 
truths,  and  the  lady  to  whom  the  sous  told  their  story  is  willing  to  make 
iilliiliivits  to  the  facts  if  she  can  be  guarauteed  immunity  from  Mormon 
vc.ifA'eance. 

[That  is  ?Hf^s-o«rj/ .' — Mormon  i/overnmeiil  and  masonri/  are  one  and  the 
same,  j 

"Hkei'ped. — John  Keluappil,  who  for  some  months  past  has  occupied 
so  prominent  a  place  in  the  minds  of  so  many  of  our  ciiizens,  and  who 
madoBUcli  a  vacancy  in  their  i)ockets,  has  skijjped  tho  meshes  of  the  law, 
and  left  for  jjarts  nnknown,  and  his  ruddy  countenance  no  longer  greets 
us  from  behind  tho  bars  at  the  jail.  Jolin  was  too  big  a  thief,  the  grapi)ling 
irons  of  the  law  were  not  strong  enough  to  hold  him.  His  creditors  had 
furnished  him  with  too  much  with  which  to  fight  them.  He  laughed  at 
their  threats  and  defied  them  in  every  attemj)!  to  punish  him  or  recover  a 
dollar  of  the  stolen  monej'.  Having  freed  himself  through  the  lo.soness  of 
the  law  from  every  ciiminal  charge  against  him,  save  one  involving  only  a 
small  amount,  u])ou  which  he  was  held  to  bail  in  tlie  sum  of  !ifl,0()0,  he 
siinply  lay  in  jail  awaiting  his  opportunity.     On  Saturday  eveuiug,  the 


The  Practical  Wokkings  of  Masonry,  etc. 


583 


steamer  V/iklwood  having  heon  chartered  to  come  to  this  ])ort  after  him  he 
deposited  the  amount  of  his  bail,  stopjied  aboard  the  sprightly  eraft  ami 
turned  his  back  vijjon  the  held  of  his  conquest.  Thub  ends  the  story  of 
this  wholesale  robbery,  bv  which  so  many  of  onr  citizens  have  been  made 
to  suiler,  and  for  which  tlie  law  furnishes  no  remedy  through  the  ordinary 
channels  of  justice." 

[It  is  masons  in  office  that  paralyzes  the  courts  and  does  this  prostitu- 
tion every  day  for  their  bi-ethreu.  //  inis  secret  hrethmn  Unit  (pi  tlm  bant 
and  helped  him  away.\ 


11 -1 
I, 


»; 


•'Thieves  now  work  in  gangs  instead  of  competing  with  each  other, 
and,  acting  on  the  principle  that  union  is  strength,  they  take  ])ossession  of 
districts  and  assert  themselves  with  a  confidence  which  completely  cows 
the  victims  upon  whom  they  prey. 

Masouiy  otherwise  known  as  the  gang  or  ring  jdan,  has  been  in  suc- 
cessful oi)eration  here  for  many  years.  It  has  been  tried  at  Washington, 
and  has  been  tried  in  the  cities  of  New  York,  Brooklyn  and  Philadelphia, 
and  in  all  the  State  capitals.  Honest  men  should  see  to  it  that  the  co- 
operative stealing  of  this  kind  is  prevented,  or,  if  committed,  that  the  per- 
petrators are  duly  punished." 

*  * 

"  Dnhlhi,  Korcmhor  27,  7SS2. 
In  the  Joyce  trial  [four  or  five  men  sentenced  to  hang] ....  Judge 
Barrv  in  i)as.Hing  sentence  infornuHi  the  ijrisoncis  that  they  furnished  a 
terrilde  example  which  he  hoped  would  sink  deeply  into  the  hearts  of 
others  of  the  consequences  of  joining  a  secret  society.  It  was  not  improb- 
able, ho  said,  that  some  of  them  had  been  teiTorizcd  into  joining  the  gang 
who  murdered  the  Joyces,  and  had  not  taken  an  ai'tual  manual  part  in  the 
massacre  ;  but  persons  joining  an  unlawful  enterprise  were  resjjunsible  /or 
the  acts  t/  all  the  parties  thereto." 

*  * 

"It  seems  that  Chicago  Courts  take  very  ])lain  and  unexaggerated 
views  of  the  law.  In  his  charge  to  the  jury,  in  the  Anarchists'  tnal,  the 
pi'esiding  Judge  held  that  '  if  violence  for  any  unlawful  object  resulted  in 
death,  those  who  on/nnizi'il  the  violence  are  guilty  of  murder. '  In  other 
words,  those  who  employ  dangerous  methods  are  responsible  for  the  result. " 


\iri/  are  one  and  the 


Sipcrefimn.  The  IVIasons  with  their  degre(^  of  a|)j)rentice,  fellow-craft, 
and  grand  master,  together  with  the  whoh;  l)r<)0(l  ot'  i.'iferior  orders,  form 
the  dry  rot  in  our  jjolitical  body.  They  avo  an  encnny  to  botlK'hureh  and 
State,  riiey  are  auti-Kepublican  and  anti-C^liristian.  Tlu>ir  ensnaring  and 
blasphemous  oaths  forever  proscribe  them. — New  York   Wittn'ss. 

A   pKOTKSr    AOAINST    MaSONIC    PaUTIC'H'ATION. 

"A  piinted  ])rotest  of  large  proportions  against  i)ermitting  ^Fasonic 
societies  to  particii)ato  in  the  dedication  of  tlu?  Washington  IVIonunient 
next  Saturday,  has  been  receiv(>d  by  the  Congi'essional  committee  chaigeJ 
with  arrangeuients.  Tlie  signers  claim  to  have!  k.5,()(M)  signatui'es.  Protest- 
ants say  that  the  Masonic  order  has  no  more  right  to  such  a  distinction 
than  the  Hibernians  or  any  other  secret  order.  A  stone  sent  by  tlu^  I'ope 
for  the  monument  was,  they  say,  broken  up  and  thrown  into  tlio  Potomac. 
"Why,"  they  ask,  "are  Catholics  snul)bed  and  Free  Masons  honored  ?" 
"Free  Masonry,"  they  eay,  "is  of  foreign  birth,  is  entirely  uu-Ameritan 


ry9,i       The  Practical  Workings  of  Masonry,  etc. 


and  un-repnblican.  Its  public  displays  are  pompous  and  Ijarbaric;  its 
titlos  extravau:iint  and  lordly;  its  constitution  despotic;  its  oatli  extra- 
judicial, which  Webster  said  should  be  suppressed  by  law."  They  pray 
only  that  such  ceremonies  as  are  national  in  their  scope  and  American  iii 
their  character  be  iiermitted.  The  protest  came  too  late  for  action  by  the 
coumittee." 

Ao.viNST  Secret  Societies. 

"Newhurf?  (N.  Y.),  June  7th,  1887.— The  Synod  of  the  Reformed  Pres- 
bvteriiin  Church  of  Aunnica  to-day  adopted  resolutions  declariufj;  secret 
societies  imnu)ral,  selfish  and  unjust,  degrading  and  enslaving  to  the  con- 
sciences of  their  members;  that,  in  addition,  many  of  them  are  Christless, 
yet  they  counterfeit  the  worship  of  the  church  and  obstruct  her  work  and 
for  that  I'eason,  as  well  as  for  the  secrecy,  the  members  of  such  societies 
ought  not  to  be  admitted  to  the  church's  membership,  and  the  Synod  en- 
joins the  courts  of  the  church  to  refuse  admission  to  members  of  all  secret 
orders  and  to  exclude  from  membership  any  who  may  have  crept  in  un- 
awares. In  the  course  of  the  debate  ou  these  resolutions  Free  Masonry 
was  bitterly  denounced." 

Ori'osiTioN  TO  Masonky  in  South  America. 

"Lima,  August  1st,  1885. — Tlie  Bishop  of  Lima  has  sent  an  address  to 
Monsignor  Favor,  Minister  of  Justice,  protesting  against  the  proposed 
Masonic  Hall  to  be  erected  in  Lima.  The  Minister  has  reidied  in  strong 
terms,  deiirecating  the  publicity  given  to  the  protest  by  the  Bishop,  but 
assuring  him  that  in  virtue  of  the  Constitution  the  Government  has  not 
2)ermitted  and  never  will  permit  the  erection  of  a  Masonic  Temple  in  Lima. " 


i 


I'M  . 


U  . 


In  the  U.  S.  a. 

"The  exercises  of  laying  the  corner  stone  of  the  new  State  University 
building  on  yesterday  afternoon  by  the  Masonic  fraternity  were  well  at- 
tended, though  there  were  not  as  many  as  were  expected  from  abroad. " 

[Is  it  not  time  that  such  deviltry  and  desecration  was  killed  by  the 
American  iieople  ?] 

Editor  Cynosure: — 1.  Is  the  man  a  consistent  Christian  who  preaches 
Christ  in  the  pulpit,  he  being  a  member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  reject- 
ing Christ  in  their  ritual  and  prayers  ? 

2.  Is  any  man  entitled  to  our  contidence  and  respect  as  a  true  Christian, 
whose  life  and  character  are  controlled  by  Masonic  oaths  and  iiublic 
opinion  ? 

3.  Are  not  those  Avho  place  their  hope  of  salvation  ou  a  Christ-exclud- 
ing religion  as  far  wrong  as  heathen,  and  more  guilty  ? 

i.  Are  not  Masonic  ministers  stumbhng-blocks,  in  the  way  of  all  other 
Masons,  though  they  preach  Christ  in  the  pulpit,  as  they  are  paid  to  doV 

5.  Is  it  not  indecent  and  partial  to  recpiire  a  Masonic  candidate  to 
solemnly  swear  to  be  chaste  toward  the  female  relatives  of  brother  Masons 
only  ? 

(5,  Can  a  Christian  innocently  neglect  to  inform  himself  and  others  in 
regard  to  a  Christ  excluding  religion  in  our  midst  V 

7.  Who  strains  at  a  gnat  and  swallows  a  camel,  if  not  the  Masonic 
Ba])tist,  who  will  not  commune  with  a  person  who  has  not  been  put  under 
water  V 

8.  Is  not  the  man  who  will  not  inform  himself  in  regard  to  an  imi)or- 
tant  duty  as  guilty  iu  the  sight  of  Qod  as  the  man  who  knew  his  duty  and 
did  it  not  V 


* 


'Uil 


;tc. 


The  PiiACTicAi.  Workings  of  Masonry,  ktc.        585 


".K^y 


\  barbaric;  its 
ts  oath  extra- 
'  They  pray 
l1  Ainoricau  in 
r  actiou  by  the 


[Reformed  Pres- 
loclariuf^  secret 
iug  to  the  con- 
are  Christloss, 
:t  her  work  and 
such  societies 
the  Synod  eu- 
ers  of  all  secret 
e  crept  in  nn- 
3  Free  Masonry 


ut  an  address  to 
t  the  proposed 
plied  in  strong 
he  Bishop,  but 
a-nment  has  not 
jmple  in  Lima. " 


5tate  University 
were  well  at- 
om abroad." 
killed  by  the 

who  ijreaches 
aternity,  reject- 

trne  Chi-istian, 
lis  and   public 

Christ-excliid- 

ft-ay  of  all  other 

0  paid  to  do? 

c  candidate  to 

brother  Masons 

f  and  others  in 

)t  the  ISIasonic 
been  put  under 

[\  to  an  impor- 
w  his  duty  and 


9.  Can  it  ever  be  right  to  solemnly  swear  to  keej)  another's  secrets  in 
all  cases,  except  murder  and  treason? 

10.  Is  wrong-doing  any  less  sinful  because  so-called  good  men  have 
matle  it  poi)ular  ? 

11.  Would  any  respectable  man  join  a  ^lason  lodge,  knowing  the  in- 
side working  of  tl.o  order,  as  all  ought  to  know  it  ? 

12.  Is  it  not  mainly  because  Masons  arc  ashamed  of  tlieir  doings  that 
candidates  are  required  to  swear  "to  ever  conceal  and  never  I'eveal"  the 
secrets  of  tlic  order  ? 

l;i.  V,  ould  not  the  professing  Christian,  who  dare  not  answer  these 
questiouF,  do  well  to  revise  his  religion  ?  J.  M. 

"Gentlemen: — You  know  you  are  a  set  of  knaves.  hyi)ocritically  ai)iLig 
innocence.  We  recognize  what  you  are — that  you  flourish  by  cheating, 
lying,  and  force.  We  cannot  at  i)rcsent  help  that.  You  are  strong,  united, 
cunning;  the  people  are  weak,  disunited,  apathetic,  ignorant.  ]3ut  wo 
who  profess,  in  some  measure,  to  guide  public  opinion  will  not  cease  to 
point  out  your  tricks  and  roguishuess  until  Ave  shall  have  left  you  not  a 
rag  of  character,  and  you  will  be  glad  to  hide  from  the  contempt,  if  not 
the  shoe-leather,  of  those  whom  you  have  beguiled  so  long!"        l)ouo. 

*  * 

* 

"On  Tuesday,  Novemlier  16th,  1888,  Dan  Collins,  a  resident  of  Colfax, 
evidently  insane,  while  court  was  in  session,  suddenly  walked  to  the  wit- 
ness bar  and  attempted  to  address  the  jury.  Judge  Langford  stopped 
him,  when  he  claimed  the  right  to  address  the  jury,  and  said  his  life  was 
being  threatened  and  his  property  was  about  to  be  taken  away  by  Masons, 
Odd  Fellows  and  other  conspirators.  The  court  refen-ed  him  to  the 
grand  jury,  in  session,  and  on  going  down  stairs  he  was  arrested  on  a 
charge  oi  iusanitv,  and  taken  before  Judge  Thompson,  who  so  adjudged 
him." 

[Are  such  victims  now  languishing  in  secret  prisons  to  have  no  re- 
course? Rejiect  that  the  courts  are  often  in  the  control  of  these  very  con- 
spinitor/t  who  thus  judge  and  hold  their  victims. 

On  the  other  l.and  take  this:] 

"TKiAii  (!losed.^ — A  Dallas  letter  of  a  recent  date  contains  the  follow- 
ing: The  close  of  the  trial  of  C. . .  for  the  killing  of  F. . .  near  Lone  Ilock, 
last  June,  has  taken  place,  resulting  in  the  accjuittal  of  C. . .  The  rulings 
of  the  new  judge  was  a  surprise  to  many,  and  has  caused  much  comnu'nt. 
If  a  man  is  running  for  dear  life  from  you,  it  is  bett(>r  and  justitiable  to 
shoot  for  fear  of  his  return,  especially  if  he  is  on  what  is  believed  to  be  liis 
own  land  and  you  want  it.  Are  tliese  conditions  to  go  on  and  on,  and  the 
public  be  compelled  to  submit  to  tlie  woeful  travestv  of  justice  for  all 
time  to  come  ?  Has  \-italized  and  aroused  i)ublio  opituou  no  inHuence  in 
changing  an  order  of  things  that  is  heaping  disgrace  upon  the  country  and 
insecurity  upon  tlu!  lives  of  the  people?  There  are  times  when  men,  des- 
paiiing  of  the  justice  of  courts  and  seeing  in  them  only  the  livi'iies  of 
crime,  sweep  aside  these  public  farces  and  take  the  law  into  their  own 
hands." 

"  The  people  are  earnestly  searching  for  some  means  by  which  society 
may  be  i)rotected  and  human  life  made  secure.  There  certainly  ought  to 
be  conditions  in  which  the  law  can  l)c  used  as  a  means  of  public  safety  ; 
in  which  homicides  can  bo  punished  and  pilferers  and  swindlers  be  l)rouglit 
to  justice.  But,  humiliating  as  is  tlie  confession,  these  conditions  do  not 
exist.     Crime  was  never  more  insolent  and  menacing — Courts  never  so 


|i:i' 


586       The  Practical  Workings  of  Masonry,  etc. 


weak  and  inefficient.  Life  is  at  the  mercy  of  every  assassin  who  chooses 
to  take  it ;  property  the  spoils  of  every  dishonest  wretch  who  cousijires  to 
seize  it. 

How  long  these  condition-:,  wiU  be  allowed  to  prevail  we  are  unable  to 
say  ;  but  there  is  a  growing  sentiment  which  will  buist  some  day  in  all  the 
fury  and  desolation  of  a  tempest,  and  i^  will  sweei^  outlaws  and  their  abet- 
tors from  the  face  of  the  earth.  Not  even  Courts  can  continue  forever  to 
shield  criminals  from  punishment  and  mock  with  insolent  indifference  and 
unblushing  collusion  Avith  crime  the  indignant  sense  of  an  outraged  com- 
munity. Judges  and  juries,  and  Courts  of  last  resort  have  trami)led  upon 
the  rights  and  insulted  the  moral  sense  of  the  people  long  enough.  It  Ja 
time  to  call  a  halt." 


.1 


I    ' 


"The  people  are  banding  together  to  make  an  example  of  a  few  of 
such  gentry.  Right  here  let  us  say  we  believe  the  law  of  every  State 
should  intiict  cajntal  punishment  for  stealing  stock  and  robbing  post-offices 
and  betraying  other  ti'usts  in  any  amount  of  money  over  $5.  The  old 
North  Carolina  law  was  a  good  one.  The  breed  of  thieves  should  be 
stopped  by  strangulation.  Such  punishment  of  a  few  would  deter  others. 
No  man  has  a  right  to  claim  an  existence  among  men  when  he  is  a  practi- 
cal thief.  The  country  is  getting  to  full  of  low,  dirty  scoundrels  who  de- 
sire to  live  well  off  the  product  of  the  labor  and  business  of  others.  The 
law  should  be  to  hang  every  thief  proven  to  be  such.  This  world  is  too  far 
in  the  advance  of  civilization  to  allow  men  of  such  low  morals  to  have  an 
existence  among  the  rising  generation.  Tlieii'  examples  are  too  fraught 
with  evil  to  be  suffered  to  live  on  the  Earth." 


^*l\l-  • 


"We  have  a  country  of  unbounded  resources,  becoming  richer  and 
richer  every  day  ;  and  yet,  the  class  that  produces  the  wealth  is  becoming 
l^oorer  and  poorer  Avith  the  most  alarming  raindity,  and  they  have  them- 
selves to  blame  for  it.  If  they  have  not  actually  and  actively  aided  the 
oppression  that  environs  them,  they  have  encouraged  it  by  their  silence. 

The  land  is  s wanning  with  men  who  live  by  their  Avits,  and  our  laAV- 
makers  come  largely  from  this  class.  T.'iey  are  not  too  honest  to  steal  or 
rob,  but  they  do  it  in  accordance  Avith  the  prevailing  ideas  of  our  present 
advanced  civilization. 

SomehoAV  they  nearly  all,  directly  or  indirectly,  draAV  from  the  public 
treasury,  and  much  of  the  money  thus  obtained  is  no  better  than  robbery; 
but  iLci''  methods  are  legalized  and  the  peojile  are  helpless  so  long  as  they 
do  not  ;>iK  )  matttn-s  into  their  oavu  hands.  These  parasites  and  grabbers 
are  all  loyal  to  themselves." 


I 


"  Where  la AV  by  reason  of  its  deficiency  is  inapplicable  to  a  certain 
class  of  individuals,  and  punishment  cannot  be  meted  out  to  a  certain 
class  of  wrong-doers,  Avlien  rascality  runs  rampant  and  villainy  holds  high 
carnival — Avhen  under  the  thinnest  of  legal  subterfuges  men  go  on  and 
heedlessly  commit  Avroug  u^xju  Avroug  on  almost  defenseless  man  or  set  of 
men — when  men  by  their  Avealth  and  position  are  enabled  to  single  out  a 
man  and  taking  advantage  of  his  omission,  Avould  rob  him  Avith  no  laAv  to 
say  stop — then  Ave  say  it  Avell  becomes  a  community  to  make  a  law  unto 
themselves,  and  even  though  it  be  '  Avild  justice '  it  is  better  than  no  justice 
at  all,  if  it  stays  tlie  CA-il  and  stops  the  curse.  The  Anglo-Saxon  race  is  by 
nature  and  troiuiug  laAv-abiding.     The  American  people  are  not  false  to 


re. 


The  PiucTiCAL  Wokkings  of  Masonuy,  etc.        u87 


a.  who  cbooses 
LO  conspires  to 

»  are  unable  to 
i  day  in  all  tbe 
and  their  abet- 
Que  forever  to 
iidifference  and 
outraged  com- 
trampled  upon 
enough.    It  Ja 


iple  of  a  few  of 
of  every  State 
ling  post-offices 
r  $5.  The  old 
3ve3  should  be 
Id  deter  others. 
1  he  is  a  practi- 
mdrels  -who  de- 
jf  others.  The 
■world  is  too  far 
)rals  to  have  an 
are  too  fraught 


iiug  richer  and 
1th  is  becoming 
ley  have  them- 
ely  aided  the 
their  silence. 

and  our  law- 
uest  to  steal  or 
of  our  present 

from  the  public 

>r  than  robbery; 

so  long  as  they 

3S  and  grabbers 


their  ancestry  or  their  ci\ilization,  and  ponder  long  ere  they  would  take 
unto  themselves  the  issuance  of  decrees  and  the  administration  of  '  wild 
justice,'  yet  we  say  whenever  a  man  becomes  a  confirmed  criminal — 
whether  of  polish  and  high  bred  or  coarse  and  of  low  estate,  it  matters  not, 
and  persists  in  violating  the  laws  of  a  reasonable  humanity,  then  we  say 
and  say  it  with  no  compunction  of  conscience,  organized  society  ought 
to  break  his  neck,  swiftly  and  in  an  ami)Ie  way. 

There  are  enough  worthy  objects  ui)on  which  to  lavish  sympathy  or 
to  bestow  benefactions.  All  around  us  are  jjoor  and  Avorthy  men  and 
women  whose  fortunes  have  been  hard,  whose  livos  have  been  mostly  in 
the  shadow  of  ill-success.  To  such  let  chaiity  exUnd  a  helping  hand.  It 
may  save  some  soul  from  crime.  They  are  deserung  of  sympathy  and 
support.  But  to  the  vile  and  heartless,  the  conscienceless  and  cowardly, 
the  brutal  and  bloodthirsty  [masonic]  assassins,  who  so  rarely  are  brought 
to  punishment,  nothing  but  stern,  inexorable  justice  is  due  or  should  be 
extended.  Sympathy  with  such  ia  an  abnormal  sentiment;  it  is  weak, 
maudUu,  morbid  and  wicked." 

The  Wobkingman. 

"In  point  of  fact  the  workingman  is  chained  to  a  treadmiU,  and  makes 
his  weary  roiind,  day  in  and  day  out,  wearing  the  collar  of  servitude,  while 
he  ploddingly  but  unintermittingly  grinds  out  dollars  for  the  masons. 
Into  the  hopper  are  dumped  life,  liberty  and  the  jjarsuit  of  happiness,  and 
out  of  it  comes  more  millions  for  the  men  who  do  not  need  them — more 
misery  for  the  men  who  really  make  these  milUons. 

The  poorest  citizen  should  have  as  much  interest  in  his  condition, 
and  in  the  general  condition  of  the  ooixntry  as  the  wealthiest  man,  and  j'et 
tens  of  thousands  of  our  citizens  look  on  quietly  while  they  are  being 
taxed  for  the  benefit  of  legal  swindlers  and  while  their  native  soil  is  being 
plundered.     Truly  does  it  take  a  long  time  to  civilize  human  beings." 

*  * 

* 

"Resolved,  First,  that  we  declare  our  oiiposition  to  the  EepubUcan 
party  for  its  frauds  and  robbery  of  the  people.  It  has  created  a  milhon- 
aire  nobility  and  impoverished  the  populace.  It  has  taken  dominion  from 
the  lords  of  blood  and  iiassed  it  to  the  lords  of  gold.  It  has  given  to  the 
transportation  department  of  this  country  an  empire  of  the  jJulSlic  domain 
larger  in  extent  than  the  whole  of  England,  Ireland  and  Scotland,  thus 
robbing  the  people  of  their  rightful  inheritance.  It  has  created  an  olig- 
archy of  a  few  thousand  idle  drones  and  furnished  them  with  the  menus 
and  appliances  to  absorb  from  and  rob  the  toiling  milhous  of  their  annual 
hard  earnings." 

[Is  it  the  "  Repubhcan  party,"  or  is  it  practical  masonry  ?] 


Ae  to  a  certain 
ut  to  a  certain 
ainy  holds  high 
men  go  on  and 
w  man  or  set  of 
to  smgle  out  a 
.  with  no  law  to 
ake  a  law  unto 
than  no  justice 
jaxon  race  is  by 
are  not  false  to 


"A  spirit  of  communism  and  carelessness  ia  engendered  in  his  breast 
when  the  farmer  of  the  Willamette  Valley  comes  to  this  city  and  loolis  ou 
the  palaces  and  other  evidoueos  of  wealth  which  surround  him,  ami  re- 
members that  after  twenty  years  of  coasoloss  toil  and  i)rivr<,tioa  there  is  a 
mortgage  on  his  little  farm  that  he  cannot  pay,  and  that  the  fruits  of  his 
Ufo  long  industry  have  gone  into  the  pockets  of  men  who  never  reclaimed 
one  acre  of  land  from  the  wilderness,  nor  added  one  dollar  to  the  pro- 
ductive industries  of  the  State." 

* 
"As  I  write  I  have  before  my  mind's  eye  a  double  picture  on  this 
Christmas  morning.     Ou  one  side  a  beautiful  Christmas  tree  standing  iu 


;   ii- 


588       The  Pkactical  Woukings  of  Masonry,  etc. 


the  bay  window  of  a  stately  mansion  ;  tbe  tree  is  loaded  down  with  beauti- 
ful articles  of  luxury,  which  only  the  wealthy  can  possess.  lu  the  room 
at  dawn  of  day  are  grouped  the  youthful  members  of  the  proud  aristo- 
crat's household,  the  youngest  of  which  exclaims,  'Good  Santa  Claus.' 
Could  everybody  be  rich,  and  were  luxuiy  within  the  reach  of  all,  or  did 
the  riches  come  honestly  to  hand  this  woxild  be  all  right  and  proi)er,  but 
on  the  other  side  is  the  hovel  of  the  unfortunate  poor.  Here,  too,  are 
little  ones  beautiful  even  in  their  rags.  In  a  corner  sits  the  disconsolate 
mother,  listening  to  their  innocent  prattle  and  shedding  irrepressible  tears 
as  a  child  exclaims,  '  Why  don't  Santa  Claus  come  ?  "  The  fatlier  having 
been  beaten  out  of  the  bulk  of  his  property  by  a  few  [masonic]  bilks.isnow 
compelled  to  do  menial  sei-vice  to  keep  the  Avolf  from  the  door.  He  has 
not  the  heart  to  face  his  family  now,  but  is  laboring  with  all  his  might  to 
keep  his  family  supplied  with  the  bare  necessaries  of  life,  while  the  pro- 
prietor of  the  mansion  is  saying  complacently  that  providence  has  favored 
him  in  the  acquisition  of  his  wealth.  The  religion  which  gives  one  man 
millions  and  another  nothing  comes  from  hell  ami  not  from  heaven. 

A.  J.  S." 
* 

"There  is  scarcely  a  hall  for  public  gatherings  in  this  city  but  what 
•would  prove  the  scene  of  death  or  damage  in  case  of  a  tire  occurring  in 
them  when  occupied  by  an  audience,  hut  it  mhjht  be  libelous  to  make  any 
mention  of  particular  insUmces  before  the  coroner  sits  njjon  the  deatl." 

[That  is,  if  the  proprietor  has  secret  influence  at  court  I  Such  is  the 
libel  law  in  the  hands  of  the  gang.  J 

*  * 

' '  The  public  sentiment  in  the  Montague  case  with  all  decent  citizens 
is  with  the  husband.  There  are  too  many  smart,  no  account  licentious  men 
in  this  city  who  think  that  the  most  creditable  thing  they  can  perform  is  to 
b.eak  up  the  peace  of  families.  The  only  redress  the  injured  men  have  is 
to  take  the  law  into  their  own  hands  and  there  is  no  jury  in  the  United 
States  which  will  convict  them." 

[This  is  how  the  ring  press  shouts  out  when  the  offender  is  an  out- 
sider ;  otherwise  they  hold  it  to  be  "  murder  "  to  kill  such  people,  and  the 
"good  judiciary  "  either  convicts  "  the  injured  man  "  or  robs  him  of  his 

property,  or  both.] 

*  * 

"This  [Links]  was  then  editor  in  and  Postmaster  of  the  place.  The 
people  were  complaining  of  him,  and  Governor  Beall  charged  him  with 
whatever  the  derelictions  were.  Afterward,  when  he  entered  Link's  office 
he  was  shot  twice  by  him  and  died  from  the  wounds.  A  jury — a  military 
court-martial — which  had  no  more  jurisdiction  of  the  case  than  the  vestry 
of  a  church  in  this  city,  acquitted  [Links.  ] 

[Thus  he  was  "  acquitted  "  (?)  as  he  also  was  about  fifty  times  after- 
warf'  -         tuer  charges,  which  was  practical  masonry  also.] 


!•  i-j  ^"oll  known  that  the  people  of  this  Territory  have  been  almost, 
and  w  '  II' Oi' i'hcm  pntirely,  dri.'en  from  tueir  homes  by  the  extortionate 
charges  of  phyt-i^nuiis  and  surgeons. 

New  York  und  several  of  the  other  Eastern  States  have  laws  to  protect 
their  citizens  against  such  high-handed  robbery  as  is  practiced  on  this 
coast.  It  may  not  be  generally  know  n,  but  this  one  thing  alone  is  a  great 
drawback  to  the  settlement  of  this  Teixitory. 


ETC. 


The  Practical  Workings  of  Masonry,  etc.       589 


)wn  with  beauti- 
is.     In  the  room 
le  proud  aristo- 
hI  Sauta  Clans.' 
;h  of  all,  or  ilid 
and  proper,  but 
Here,  too,  are 
the  disconsolate 
rrepressible  tears 
he  father  having 
)nicj  bilk8,isnow 
i  door.     He  has 
all  his  might  to 
),  while  the  pro- 
ence  has  favored 
1  gives  one  man 
im  heaven. 

A.  J.  S." 


lis  city  bnt  what 
tire  occurring  in 
luus  to  make  (iny 
the  dead." 
irtl    Such  is  the 


11  decent  citizens 
nt  licentious  nien 
can  perform  is  to 
ured  men  have  ia 
y  in  the  United 

?uder  is  an  out- 
l)eople,  and  the 
robs  him  of  his 


the 


place.     The 
largecl  him  with 
red  Link's  office 
y— a  military 
than  the  vestry 


hur 


[fifty  times  after- 


Uve  been  almost, 
the  extortionate 

\e  laws  to  protect 
[practiced  on  this 
alone  is  a  great 


Not  long  since  I  canio  up  with  an  emigrant  train  in  camp.  They,  of 
course,  made  a  great  many  iiupiirios  about  the  country  aud  its  customs 
generally, the  prices  of  vaiious  aitielp.s  of  home  consumption  and  produce, 
aud  fiually  an  old  gentleman  asked  what  our  doctors  chai'ged  i)er  mile.  I 
informed  them  that  they  charged  §1  i)er  mile  in  the  day  aud  double  that 
at  night  with  a  bill  at  the  drug  store  of  about  §5  each  trij).  The  e.\])re8- 
sion  of  those  people  at  this  news,  was  exactly  this :  '  INIy  God,  how  do 
the  people  hve  here  ? ' " 

[The  quacks  all  belong  to  the  gaug  and  can  thus,  through  secr(>t 
brethren  at  court,  enforce  i\\{}\v  extortion  and  nial-practice  ou  their  victims. 
Even  the  testimony  of  ofJ/i'rs  of  tin;  ont/.-houiid  yiunf  is  taken  (*.s  evideihe  in 
the  ring-ridden  courts  against  the  iujured  citizen  !] 

■X-  * 

* 

"Sheppard  testified  in  his  own  behalf,  saying: 

When  I  was  twelve  years  of  age  I  was  employed  in  a  counterfeiting 

establishment  which  was  owned  aud  operated,  among  others,  by  Cliarles 

H.  Leonard,  recently  mayor  of  Galveston,  Tex.,  and  at  preseut  one  of  the 

most  prominent  citizens  of  that  city.     Interested  with  him  in  tl'.is  business 

were  the  mayor  of  New  Orleans,  city  officials,  chief  of  i)olice,  judges,  aud 

limbs  of  the  law.     Then  the  judge  of  the  criminal  court  for  the  parish  of 

Orleans  wa:<  a  partner  in  the  establishment,  also  a  prominent  lawy(>r  who 

now  occupies  a  judgeshiii  in  Baltimore.     These  people  were  engaged  in 

counterfeiting  Mexican  coin.  United  States  bills  aud  money  of  every 

description.     The  Mexican  money  Avas  manufactured  down  stairs,  and  the 

United  States  notes,  etc.,  were  turned  out  uivstairs.     My  position  was  that 

of  messenger  for  the  establishment  and  as  such  I  delivered  the  counterfeit 

mouey  to  the  banks  of  the  city  and  high  city  officials.     Thousands  and 

thousands  of  dollars  of  this  money  was  manufactured  aud  circulated  here 

and  elsewhere  throughout  this  cuuutry  aud  Mexico.     Many  of  the  jjei'sons 

engaged  in  couuterfeitiug  them  have  left  behiud  them  sous  and  daughters 

who  move  in  the  highest  society.    For  this  reason  I  do  not  propose  to 

make  known  the  names  of  the  persous  for  whom  I  first  wcn-ked  in  the 

counterfeiting  business.     All  my  life  it  has  been  my  misfortune  to  sutler 

for  aud  to  bear  the  burdeus  of  other  persons'  misdeeds.     My  whole  lite 

has  been  one  of  continued  sacrifice.'    She2)pard  is  now  sixty-two  years  of 

age."     [What  a  'good  judiciary.'] 

*  * 

# 

[Such  a  "good  judiciary."] 

Says  a  local  paper  to-day:  "An  Oregon  man  who  shot  a  lawyer  a  few 
years  ago  was  convicted  and  sentenced  to  prison.  This  mi.stake  has  Jiist 
been  corrected  by  the  goveruoi',  who  gives  him  full  pardon.  The  mystciy 
surrouudiug  his  conviction  has  not  yet  been  explained." 

[The  brother  was  shot  for  i)ractii'al  ]Masoury!     That's  what.] 

* 
"Another  Shooting. — About  five  o'clock  on  Tuesday  evening  of  last 
week,  [Linksl,  ot  Asotin  county,  shot  aud  killed  one  Elmer  Stimpson.  As 
we  learn,  Stimpson  took  Meyer'w  wife  some  time  since  aud  rauoti' with  her, 
and  last  W(>ek  the  two  returned,  aud,  in  i)assiug  the  field  in  which  Meyei-s 
was  at  work,  waved  their  handkerchiefs  at  him.  He  returned  tlio  "salute," 
not  kuowiug  who  they  were,  but  wlieu  told,  went  and  i>iocured  a  Win- 
chester rifle  and  shot  Stunpsim,  tiie  bull  passii'g  through  his  right  breast, 
and  ho  died  on  Wednesday  night.  Meyers  then  fired  at  his  Avife,  but 
missed  his  aim.  The  murderer  gave  himself  up  to  the  Sheritl"  and  was  held 
to  appear  before  Justice  Ausmau  on  IMouday  m  the  sum  of  ?rl,500. 


590       The  Practical  Workings  of  Masonry,  etc. 


She  slayer  was  a  secret  brother  and  was  "  acquitted  "  (?)  according- 
is  own,  sworn  brethren  were  on  the  jiirj' !] 


ly- 


hi        \l' 


m 


"The  Ring. — Garfield  connty  has  been  ran  by  a  handful  of  Ring 
Domot-rats  and  Ring  Republicans  long  enough.  The  hard  working 
farmers  are  tired  of  Ring  Rule.  It  is  too  expensive,  too  exacting  and  too 
unjust.  Now  is  the  time  to  shake  off  the  Ring  shackles.  The  old  settlers 
of  tlio  connty  say  thev  want  a  change,  and  are  going  to  vote  a  change. 
Will  the  farnaers,  and  their  wives  and  their  daughters,  vote  to  peri)ettiate 
a  [masonic]  ring  ?" 

[If^ame  one  of  the  gang,  if  you  can,  that  is  neither  a  mason  or  oM fellow?  \ 


According  to  Tlie  New-Orleans  States,  the  official  democratic  jiapor  in 
that  city,  B.  B.  Jones,  recently  apiJointed  consul  at  Callao,  is  a  fugitive 
from  justice.  Ho  was,  it  says,  indicted  in  Louisiana  for  tho  a.  sassiuation 
of  General  Liddell  in  1870,  and  escaping  from  a  band  of  lynchers  fled 
from  the  couuti-y.  He  now  turns  up  as  the  Preeident's  choice  for  con- 
sul at  Callao,  and  The  States  demands  that  Governor  McEnery  make  a 
requisition  for  his  body. — New  York  Tribmie. 

[Secret  influence,  my  boy.    An  office  instead  of  32,500  reward.] 


The  "By-gone"  Record. 

A  newcomer  wants  to  know  what  the  "  infamous  record  "  of  [Links] 
is.  It  is  easily  recited.  First,  while  school  teacher,  he  seduced  one  of  his 
pupils.  Tills  offense  against  good  morals  had  been  condoned  by  his  mar- 
riage to  her,  the  birth  of  two  or  three  children  following.  Second,  after 
his  marriage  he  became  enamored  of  another  woman  with  whom  he  left 
the  States,  leaving  his  wife  and  several  of  his  children  so  destitute  that  the 
former  finally  brought  up  in  the  poor  house.  Third,  at  the  time  of  his 
flight  he  took  some  $4,000  which  did  not  belong  to  him.     Fourth,   to 

evade  the  officers  of  the  law  he  assumed  an  alias,  his  true  name  being 

These  facts  Links  acknowledged  to  be  true,  but  pleaded  the  •'  baby  act  " 
and  said  they  were  "early  indiscretions." 

Up  to  the  time  of  coming  to ,  Links  had  committed  four  crimes 

punishable  by  imprisonment  in  the  penitentiary.  While  living  here  under 
iin  assumed  name  he  again  married  without  fli'st  obtaining  a  divorce  from 
the  first  wife.  With  this  wife  he  lived  for  many  years  and  became  the 
father  of  her  children  before  legally  man-ying  her.  These  facta  form  an 
outline  of  a  career  whose  details  cannot  be  told  without  outrage  to  decency. 
All  of  these  crimes  Links  confesses,  but  wishes  the  people  to  look  over 
as  by-gones.  And  yet  in  the  face  of  this  damning  record,  and  in  the 
face  of  more  recent  moral  and  political  misdemeanors  shameful  to  man- 
hood, there  are  people  who  flock  to  his  support,  attracted  by  the  thin 
molasses  of  a  polite  address,  or  the  hope  of  a  share  in  official  spoils. 
The  man  is  not  wanted  by  the  people  and  their  representatives  will  not 
elect  him  to  the  high  place  which  he  asks." 

[But  as  he  was  a  high  Freemason  he  was  therefore  elected  (?)  and  is 
now  lording  it  in  the  United  States  Senate.  Then  why  should  criminals 
in  prison  reform  ?  Why  not  rather  join  the  gang  and  run  for  office  ?  As 
this  case  is  but  an  example  !] 


The  Practical  Workings  op  Masonry,  etc.       501 


I "  (V)  according- 


on  or  odd-fellow? \ 


[I  hero  pivG  Jinother  mere  oxaini)Ie  of  proctical  inasonrv  !  that  is  going 
on  wiiilo  iunocont  uicii  aro  boiiif?  conviotfd  ami  hold  to  latif^nish  !] 

Voorlu'cs,  of  In  'i;ina,  and  Blackburn,  of  Koutucky,  d«'t'ondod  [Links] 
earnest  ajjpeals  to  tlio  doctrino  of  "  hi<:;hor  law. "  Blai-kburn,  in  closiufj;  a 
speech  that  was  really  remarkable  for  euerp;y  and  eloipience,  said  :  "  There 
is  but  one  tribunal  on  earth  where  eases  like  this  of  Thompson's  cau  bo 
adjusted.  It  is  a  tribunal  in  ■which  conscience  sits  on  the  IxMich.  Its 
judgments  aro  traced  in  blood.  It  has  the  sanction  of  the  law  of  human- 
ity wherever  civiHzatiou  prevails.  It  is  God's  law,  and  you  cannot  re- 
verae  it." 

[lint  irJiif  is  it  that  thi.t  "7iif/Ji<'r  Idir"  is  nerer  h'ard  of  o.vrcpt  in  hi'hulfof 
members  of  secret  odth-hound  oiHlc.rs?  It  cofLD  easily  iik  ri'T  into  a  com- 
mon STATE  TiAW  illtd  MADE  AVAU.Am.E   TO  ALIj  MEN  ALrKE,  illld  not  rei/lliriuff 

$1,000  or  $2,000  middlemen  and  oilier  (/rent  expense,  to  ([\\i,  it  up  and  sliow 
it  to  the  court  and  jury  or  ^'/se /«  f//(? .'  Damn  such  courts;  theji  ought  to 
be  killed  !  It  cost  tlie  Indian  notliing  to  administer  this  "higher  law," 
Nor  did  it  the  white  man  on  the  plains  !] 


On  "  Hioheu  Law"  in  Kentucky. 
Louisville  Courier-Journal. 

The  shot-gun  is  mightier  than  the  courts.  It  is  a  imiversal  lovelei*.  It 
simplifies  and  cheapens  the  law,  and  brings  it  to  the  door  of  the  poorest 
when  need  is,  and  long  may  its  policy  prevail,  mute  sentinel  by  the 
fii-eside,  guarding  the  honor  of  onr  women,  protecting  our  cradles  and 
our  children  ;  a  menace  to  wives  that  are  weak,  and  a  i)erijetual  terror 
to  libertines  and  liljertinism. 

[What  consolation  is  such  talk  to  victims  looted  and  languishing  in 
secret  robbing  prisons,  because  they  even  dared  to  defend  tlieir  lires  nnd 
homes  (o/dinst  rohbiny,  murderinr/  libertines,  <ind  in  the  reri/  art  J  The 
court  gang  says  to  the  citizen:  "Your  money  or  your  life!"  and  it 
often  gets  away  with  both.  ] 


he  "baby  act" 


;d  by  the  thin 


"The  Glenn  Mubdeu  Trial. 

The  Glenn  murder  ti-ial  was  resumed.  R.  i\I.  Cochran,  superintendent 
of  the  Glenn  ranch,  was  the  first  witness  called.  He  testified  to  having 
pursued  MiUer,  and  shot  him  in  the  leg  before  he  would  surrender  after 
the  shooting  of  Glenn.  After  being  shot,  Miller  fell  on  his  back,  and 
Avhen  ordered  by  the  witness,  he  threw  his  gun  to  one  side.  When  witness 
approached  Miller,  the  latter  asked  for  prott'ction  and  help  as  a  brother 
Mason.  Witness  declined  to  testify  to  convei-sations  between  Miller  and 
himself,  as  it  woidd  be  in  violation  of  the  rules  of  Masonry.  He  did  not 
know  that  Millc~  "./as  a  Mason  until  after  he  had  shot  him." 

[And  thus  is  the  supreme  allegiance  to  a  foreign  seci-et  government 
over  our  government  (jrnnted  by  ring-ridden  courts.  Hmi'  can  an  outsider 
get  justice  in  such  courts  against  one  of  the  gang  when  they  are  thuw 
allowed  to  "  erer  conceal  and  nerer  rere<d"  each  other's  seci-ets  ?  And 
mark  that  this  is  in  a  case  of  murder.  Is  one  of  these  foreign,  pagan  sub- 
jects fit  to  be  a  sherifi',  judge  or  any  other  official  ?] 


"Physicians  allow  that  the  lancet  in  a  cruel  instrument,  but  tell  us 
'  that  its  timely  application  often  saves  life. '  Law  and  its  administration 
in  Oregon  show  but  few  marks  of  the  i>rinciples  declared  as  being  those  of 


\n 


m 


If'*' 


"!,■■  ]■ 


i<:t  1 


«!■   I 


,.^': 


692       The  Practical  "Workings  of  Masonry,  etc. 


the  American  union.    From  the  justices*  courts  to  the  supreme  court, 

Avhoro  can  a  poor  man  g(it  justice  ? They  afiford  no 

excuHo  to  con-ui)t  and  unjust  judges  who  bear  the  double  brand  of  shame, 

as  perjurera  and  traitoi-s  to  thfir  country 

For  in  them  is  vested  the  authority  to  decide  the  issues  which  confirm  or 
destroy  rights  to  property,  hbcnty  and  life.  Hence  corrupt  [Masonic] 
rings  exercise  their  utmost  efforts  to  keep  control  of  the  courts.  The  courts 
of  law  should  be  the  bulwark  of  the  people's  liberties.  Are  our  State 
courts  such?  Our  State  supreme  court  was  in  its  inception  a  fraud.  No 
State  or  i)eopIe  has  ever  gained  anything  by  covtiring  its  mistakes  but  ig- 
nominious exjjosure  and  disaster.     Many  have  gained  by  fi>arlessly  facing 

and  exposing  them After  careful  examination  of  the 

subject,  hisopinion  was  uttered  in  one  short  sentence:  'What  a  fcupreme 
court ! '  We  have  occasionally  to  deploi-e  such  acts  as  those  of  i)eople 
who  break  into  prisons  ond  take  out  criminals  and  hang  or  shoot  them 
without  the  trial  the  law  allows.  If  they  would  now  and  then  take  a  judge 
and  hang  him  by  his  neck  till  he  was  dead,  it  would  be  mattex*  for  small 
regret.  The  former  class  are  mostly  ilhterates  any  way ;  the  latter  are  sup- 
posed to  1)0  men  of  education  and  honor;  but  when  judges  tamper  with 
the  people's  rights,  they  ought  to  SAving.  They  are  sworn  to  protect  them. 
Crimes  of  the  poor  and  ignorant  should  be  treated  with  lenience.  Those 
of  the  rich  and  educated  should  never  be  overlooked  nor  condoned.  If  I 
correctly  understand  the  meaning  of  that  gi'eat  Avord,  'Liberty,'  such 
would  be  the  means  to  secure  it.  When  a  dozen  men,  or  twenty  dozen 
men,  undertake  to  run  a  State  or  government  even  to  its  courts  of  so-called 
justice,  it  is  time  for  that  State  to  rise  up  in  righteous  indignation  and 
make  an  end  of  them  all.  Where  there  is  one  administration  of  law  for 
the  rich  and  another  for  the  poor,  where  a  rich  man  is  allowed  to  steal  his 
thousands  and  a  poor  one  imprisoned  for  stealing  a  loaf  to  feed  his  family, 
there  is  no  real  liberty.  Liberty  means  not  only  i)rotection  for  the  rich, 
but  also  absolute  freedom  and  justice  for  the  poor;  and  if  the  courts  of 
law  are  made  vehicles  of  oppression  and  inequity,  it  would  be  far  more 
just  to  hang  a  few  educated  judges  than  many  others  whose  errors  are 
traceable  to  poverty  or  ignorance.  J.  Fked.  Clakk." 

"DirvEN  INTO  Poverty  and  Prison,  Disgrace  and  Insane  Asylum. 

About  a  year  ago  George  Conroy  sued  the  Northern  Pacific  Railroad 
Company  for  injuries  received  by  falling  into  the  cessijool  the  company 
had  dug  on  their  right  of  way  just  east  of  Mr.  Herouxs  barn.  Last  winter 
the  comimny  took  a  change  of  venue  to  Olympia,  where  the  case  came  up 
in  June  last  for  trial  and  Conroy  was  nonsuited.  Upon  the  termination  of 
tlie  suit  the  company  made  a  complaint  against  Conroy  for  perjury,  and 
had  him  bound  over  to  the  December  term  of  the  court  to  await  the  action 
of  the  Grand  Jury.  Conroy  lay  in  jail  all  summer,  and  in  consequence  of 
his  confinement,  and  suffering  from  his  rupture  and  ill-health,  his  mind 
became  aflected,  and  last  Saturday  he  was  sent  to  the  Insane  Asylum  at 
Steilacoom. 

There  is  very  little  use  of  any  one  attemjiting  to  get  satisfaction  out 
of  a  railroad  comijauy.  Poor  people  jiarticularly  ought  to  know  that  they 
have  no  show  to  right  their  wrongs  through  the  courts.  Railroads  dehght 
in  the  reputation  they  have  'that  it  is  no  use  to  law  the  railroad,'  no 
matter  how  just  the  cause  may  be  against  them.  They  will  hire  men  to 
commit  perjury  or  anything  to  gain  their  ends,  and  when  now  and  then  a 
poor  devil  does  try  to  get  liis  rights,  the  company  A\-ill  hire  a  host  of  wit- 
nesses, and  in  the  end  send  the  man  to  jail  until  he  becomes  insane.  This 
is  the  way  the  raikoads  have  of  terrifying  the  peoijle. 


ETC. 


supreme  court, 
.  .Tliey  afiford  uo 
brauu  of  shame, 

'hich  confirm  or 

rrupt  [Masonic] 

lurts.  The  courts 

.    Are  our  fcJtale 

on  a  fraud.     No 

mistakes  but  ig- 

feariessly  facing 

[amiuation  of  the 

»Vhat  a  Bupreme 

those  of  people 

ng  or  shoot  them 

hen  take  a  judge 

matter  for  small 

lie  latter  are  sup- 

gea  tamper  with 

to  protect  them. 

lenience.     Those 

condoned.     If  I 

'Liberty,'  siich 

or  twenty  dozen 

ourts  of  so-called 

indignation  and 

ration  of  law  for 

lowed  to  steal  his 

3  feed  his  familv, 

ion  for  the  rich, 

if  the  courts  of 

ould  be  far  more 

whose  errors  are 

BKD.  Cl.U{K." 

NSANE  Asylum. 

Pacific  Railroad 
ol  the  company 
irn.  Last  winter 
le  case  came  up 
le  termination  of 
[or  perjury,  and 
await  the  action 
consequence  of 
liealth,  his  mind 
Isane  Asylum  at 

satisfaction  out 
1  know  that  they 
lailroads  delight 
lie  railroad,'  no 
(iU  hire  men  to 
low  and  then  a 
a  host  of  Wit- 
ts insane.     This 


The  Practical  Workinqs  of  Masonhy,  etc. 


593 


Conroy  ought  to  have  known  he  was  not  able  to  cope  with  the  North- 
em  Pacific  Railroad.  If  Lewis  C!ouuty  could  not  do  anything  with  the 
company,  how  could  a  single  indindnal  hope  to  do  so  ?  " 


Secret  societies  have  been  Ihehane  nf  nil  countries  and  the  cnime  of  the 
downfall  of  all  Repuhlics.  America,  wliose  greatest  boast  is,  it  believes  all 
men  are  created  free  and  equal,  has  no  use  for  secret  societies.  Many  men 
are  artfully  drawn  into  secret  societies,  but  few  self-respecting,  patriotic 
Americans  continue  their  connection  after  they  learn  the  aims  and  practices 
of  tlie  oath-bound  orders.  In  our  view  the  danger  to  the  liberties  of  the 
people  which  many  see  in  the  concentration  of  great  wealth  in  the  hands 
of  few  men  and  corporations,  are  homceopathic  compared  with  the  danger 
to  the  free  institutions  of  America  hidden  in  the  oath-bound  societies 
which  are  contrived,  set  in  motion  and  kept  going  bv  designing  dema- 
gogues, whose  chief  aim  in  life  is  to  live  well  without  labor. 

"  [Fbee-Masons]  Holding  Millions  of   Dollars  Worth  of  Property 
AND  Allowing  Laboiunq  Men  to  Pay  all  the  Taxes. 

"Some  time  ago  we  called  attention  to  the  fact  that  upon  the 
shoulders  of  the  middle  classes  rested  the  burden  of  taxation,  and  we 
cited  several  cases  in  substantiation  of  the  assertion.  To-day  we  have 
a  few  more  cases  which  we  desire  to  call  attention  to,  and  if  they  do 
not  show  up  a  little  system  of  '  mysterious '  proceedings  on  the  part  of 
some  of  our  Avealthiest  citizens,  then  we  are  at  a  loss  to  determine  what 
would  be  called  '  mysterious. ' . . . . 

[It  wiU  be  found  that  nearly,  if  not  all,  of  these  dehnquents  who 
escape  taxation  owe  supreme  allegiance  to  a  foreign  yoverumcnt.  And  they 
generally  manage  to  have  an  assessor  elected  who  is  a  fellow-oath-bound 
•ubject  of  the  same  masonic  gang.    A  fool  can  see  the  result  all  around 

HIU.l 

•■  *  *  • 

*'It  is  dishonest  and  demoralizing  to  the  public  for  such  notorious 
disregard  of  truth  and  law  to  continue  from  year  to  year,  and  that,  too, 

with  a  semi-official  encouragement   extended   to   it The  man  who 

has  little  save  a  small  homestead,  worth  $1,000  or  81,500,  i)ays  on  $750 
or  $1,000,  while  the  man  or  comi)any  worth  $50,000  or  $100,000,  pays 
for  not  more  than  $10,000  or  $15,000.  It  is  high  time  an  organized 
effort  was  made  to  break  up  this  dishonesty.  The  citizens  should  select 
competent,  honest  and  fearless  men  for  assessors,  and  then  give  them 
the  encouragement  and  moral  support  they  would  need  in  destroying 
the  [masonic]  wall  behind  which  the  class  of  tax  payers  are  entrenched 
who  avail  themselves  of  fraud  and  perjury  to  escape  their  just  share  of 
the  public  burdens.  The  aggregate  valuations  would  double,  and  per- 
haps quadruple,  and  this  would  render  necessary  a  less  rate  of  taxation. 
The  city  and  county  rate  could  safely  bcj  lessened  one-half.  Honest 
men  would  not  have  to  pay  as  much  as  now,  and  their  less  scrupulous 
[linked]  neighbors  would  be  compelled  to  do  what  they  now  dishonestly 

avoid." 

*  * 

"  There  is  annually  50,000  atn-es  of  land  unassessed  in  Polk  countv, 
or  one-sixth  of  the  entire  town  and  farming  area  of  this  county  is  yearly 
untaxed.     By  an  honest  assessment,  therefore,  the  percentage  of  taxation 

38 


51)4        The  Pua( tical  Woiikin(ih  of  Mahonhy,  et(;. 


I 


J       a 


could  1)0  reduced  two  niiilH  on  the  dollar.     It  luvs  tivken  tlio  county  Htir- 
voyor,  together  with  his  assistiint,  nix  mouths  to  coniituto  theso  li^^nrcs. " 

[And  so  it  is  every  where  wheu  the  secret  gang  gets  u  foUow-aubjeot  iu 

OH  assessor,     ll  is  pnidicul  inoHonri/ .'] 

* 

"A  certain  disreputable  feUow  In  masonic  lawyer-honored  'member 
of  the  bar  '|  wlio  was  a  member  of  the  last  legislature,  and  who  was  tlien 
under  an  indictment  for  iierjnry,  iu  order  to  shield  liimself  suct'oeded 
in  working  through  a  law  iu  such  a  shape  that  uo  person  who  swears 
falsely  is  guilty  of  perjury." 

[Not  (piito  so  ;  all  the  laws  are  so  fixed  that  they  don't  operate  against 

members  of  the  gang,  Ind  thi'ir  shupe  in  ijood  enoui/h /o   irork  (Ujniiist  oiil- 

sidurs,  and  wheu  tin  r '  is  no  code  law  to  appl\   then,  the  higher  law  of 

"  public  policy  "  is  dug  up  and  used  agamst  him.     So  the  code  laws  are 

really  but  a  couveuient  blind  and  humbug  to  swindle  the  2>eople.  ] 

*  » 

*■ 

TiMDEK   Thie\'t;s. 

The  California  Redwood  company,  an  English  company  with  Scotch 
directors,  has  stolen  <)4,(MM)  acres  of  the  most  valuable  timber  land  iu  the 
world,  estimateil  by  experts  to  be  worth  not  less  than  1$22,0(K),0()0.  Four 
hundred  men  were  found  who  would  enter  1(50  acres  each  aiul  then  deed 
the  land  to  this  Kedwood  company.  Some  of  the.so  men  were  town  pau- 
pers, some  of  them  paralytics,  some  of  them  sailors  not  yet  naturalized. 
These  straw  "  homesteaders  "  marched  from  a  rumhole  in  Eureka,  Cal.,  to 
the  United  States  land  ollice  and  tlien  to  a  notary  public  to  transfer  their 
land.  For  this  service  they  received  $50  each  and  this  Redwood  company 
with  its  foreign  capital,  English  president  and  Scotch  directors  got  aii 
alleged  title  to  64,000  acres  of  valuable  land  heavily  timbered.  To  "  prove 
up  "  hi.s  claim  recpiired  perjury,  and  ijerjury  was  forthcoming.  Of  course, 
the  homestead  act  was  not  intended  to  be  used  for  such  gross  perversion 
of  land  that  belongs  to  the  bond  fide  .settler,  and  these  facts  illustrate  what 
frightful  robberies  of  2)ublic  lauds  are  2)erpetrated  in  defiance  of  the  tim- 
ber laud  act. 

In  counection  with  these  enormous  public  land  robberies  it  is  worth 
while  to  notice  that  the  last  official  act  of  Lamar,  as  Secretary  of  the  In- 
terior, was  to  remove  from  office,  as  the  price  of  his  snppovt  A  tlio  re- 
publican senators  who  voted  for  his  conformation,  Cai^taiu  John  W.  Le- 
liarui's,  an  ex-Union  soldier,  an  old-time  anti-slavery  friend  .\?  vlovernor 
Andrew  and  Wendell  Phillips.  Leliarnes  was  a  law  clerk  or  tue  g(Mieral 
laud  office,  who  for  years  has  stood  in  the  way  of  land  grabbers,  railway 
corjjorations,  attorneys  for  cattle  comjiauies,  pine  land  combinations,  etc. " 

[Those  who  don't  know  are  here  informed  that  it  is  only  a  seci'ct  oath- 
bound  gang  of  masons,  etc. ,  that  overrides  and  defies  our  government,  and 
works  these  land  swindles  through  with  impunity,  a  part  of  whom  must  hf 
(yfficiaUi  in  the  land  office  and  the  courts.  A  citizen,  therefore,  who,  with 
these  indisiratable  facts  and  swindles  staring  him  in  the  face,  who  would 
aiJi)oint  or  vote  for  one  of  these  oath-l)ound  subjects  of  the  gang  for  office 
is  either  a  fool  or  a  thief  and  a  traitor  to  his  country  !  Let  all  pewons 
who  believe  that  their  duty  to  their  secret  government  and  pagan  "  mys- 
teries "  is  higher  than  their  duty  to  their  country,  be  declai-ed       be  in- 


TC. 

0  connty  sur- 
llow-8ul)j»H!t  iu 


oroil  '  mcinbor 
who  was  tlii'U 
soil'  snei'«M'(l«(l 
)U  who   swc'iira 

operate  at^ainst 

rrk  tiijdiiist  oiit- 

bi}j;her  hiw  of 

code  laws  are 

(ooplo.  ] 


,ny  with  Scotch 
her  huul  iu  the 
,0(H),(M)U.     Four 

atul  then  «leetl 
were  town  pan- 
ret  naturalizeil. 
Enreka,  Cal.,  to 
o  transfer  their 

wood  comi)any 
irectors  got  an 

il.  To  "prove 
ing.   Of  course, 

■OSS  perversion 

illustrate  what 
ace  of  the  tim- 


The  PiurncAL  Workinos  of  Masonry,  etc. 


595 


•ies  it  is  worth 
tary  cf  the  lu- 
ipovt  A  til'.;  re- 
IX  John  VV.  Le- 
d  A  (iovernor 
ot  tiie  general 
abbers,  railway 
binations,  etc."' 
y  a  secret  oath- 
overnment,  anil 
whom  must  he 
'ore,  who,  with 
ice,  who  would 
gang  for  office 
let  all  pei'dons 
pagan  "  niya- 
ilai-ed       bo  m- 


flujihle  to  act  asjuri>rs  or  to  hold  (tni/  officit  of  trust  uikUt  thfi  ijenentl  ijortmi- 
meiit  if  il  is  to  hf  suitreiiv! 

Is  it  not  sjvfer  and  better  to  trust  to  an  instinctive  love  for  our  fellow 
creatures,  which  cannot  be  perverted  to  their  annoyance,  than  to  secret- 
oath-bound  Hubjeidion  to  a  despotic  gang  which  have  too  frocpiently  pro- 
duced the  seeds  of  hatred,  iutolerauco  and  high-handed  persecution  ?  ] 

* 
"An  Alleoeu  Miiudeueii  Discharged." 

....  "Justice  [MasonJ  discharged  from  custody  to-day  [Links]  charged 
with  the  murtler  of  [Blank].  In  rendering  his  decision  the  justice  said 
that  the  defense  had  clearly  proved  by  the  testimony  of  '  two  experts ' 
[brethren]  that  defendant  was  not  in  his  right  mind  at  the  time  of  com- 
mitting the  act"  [Links  had  shot  Blank  down  in  open  court  and  shot 
him  in  the  back  in  cold  blood  !  and  was  never  before  or  since  sent  to  any 
insane  asylum.  And  was  not  insane  though  his  victim  may  have  been.  Now 
all  should  know  that  an  outsidisr  can  never  get  discharged  from  a  charge 
of  such  a  murder  by  only  getting  two  "experts"  (?)  to  testify  that  he 
"  was  net  in  his  right  mind  at  the  time  of  committing  the  act." 

Now  look  here!  Would  men,  even  victims,  be  "in  their  right 
minds  "  in  the  kiUiug  of  ring  prostituted  courts  ?  This  defendant  whose 
farce  of  a  trial  and  discharge  is  hut  a  sample  case  of  so  viany  had  not 
been  wronged  much  in  comi)arisou  to  hundreds  of  men  who  besides  are 
now  languishing  in  secret  ijrisous,  and  who  have  greater  cause  and  better 
right  to  kill  a  dozen  men  each,  than  he  had  to  kill  one  !  In  truth  he 
hardly  knows  what  a  wrong  is  !  or  Avhat  it  is  to  suffer  cruel,  relentless, 
persistent,  flaming  injury  !  Are  you  readi/  all !  to  see  to  it  that  these  out- 
raged,  tortured,   bleeding  victims  have  the  benefit,  if  they  like,  of  the 

"  higher  law  "  or  of  "  experts"  (?)  as  well  as  do  members  of  the  gang  ?] 

*  * 

"  The  ring  iu  this  town  is  comjiosed  of  [masonic]  Democrats  as  well 
as  [masonic]  ItepubUcans.  They  have  a  common  cause — the  spoils  of  all 
they  can  get." 

[They  pack  both  conventions  with  their  secret  oath-bound  brethren 
so  they  can  say  to  the  people,  "  heads  we  win  and  tails  you  loose."     The 

AustraUan  election  system  should  be  adopted.] 

*  * 

* 

Proceedings  of  County  Commissioners'  Court. 

"  Matter  of  remitting  taxes  on  Odd  Fellows'  Temjile.  Ordered  that 
said  taxes  be  cancelled." 

[It  is  to  their  supreme  and  secret  government  that  they  pay  their 
taxes.     Such  "commissioners  "  are  traitors  !] 

*  * 
* 

HoiD  the  gang  "  hatig  men  for  betraying  a  trust  or  stealing  a  sum  exceed- 
ing $5,"  as  they  hoirl  should  bo  done  {meaning  to  outsiders) : 

"The  Washingtonian,  in  a  very  soothing  tone  remarks  about  as  fol- 
lows :    At  the  regular  session  of  the  commissioners  last  week,  Brother 


596       The  Practical  Workixgs  of  Masonry,  etc. 


Links,  the  Treasurer,  was  found  to  be  short  in  his  accounts  $12,300.  Mr. 
Links  has  humbly  resigned,  and  concludes  by  saying,  "It  is  a  bad  state 
of  aflairs,  but  we  withhold  comments  until  further  facts  are  developed." 
Why  attempt  to  smooth  over  so  dastardly  a  theft  ?  A  man  in  whom 
the  people  have  confided,  to  maliciously  and  intentionally  rob  them  of 
their  trust,  is  a  thousand  times  worse  than  the  poor,  half-starved  sneak- 
thief  who  prowls  about  nights,  seeking  what  he  can  find  to  appease  hunger 
or  cloth  nudity." 

"More  op  the  Gang's  Work." 

"As  will  be  seen  by  the  telegrai^hic  dispatches,  it  has  been  discovered 
that  Links,  Treasurer  of  Garfield  county,  and  a  number  of  the  [masonic] 
ling  of  i>olitical  tricksters,  is  short  in  his  accounts  at  least  $12,000.  Of 
■course,  you  can't  turn  a  wheel  without  water — neither  can  you  run  machine 
politics  without  soap.  Links  furnished  the  soap,  in  the  meantime  blasting 
his  character  and  ruining  his  bondsmen.  The  money  was  '  loaned  '  to  the 
Lsame  connipt  guug  who  recently  tried  to  work  the  primaries.  Garfield 
county  has  long  been  noted  for  this  corrupt  [masonic  |  gang,  and  it  is  to 
be  Loped  that  this  expose  will  settle  this  crowd  of  thieves." 

"  The  Pomeroy  lH(h:pe,Hle)it,  with  tears  in  his  eyes,  says  :  '  Links  has 
been  a  brother  to  us,  but  we  cannot  excuse  him  in  the  great  wrong  he  has 
<loue  his  friends  in  this  transaction.  This  paper  insists  that  the  law  take 
its  course  as  it  would  in  the  case  of  a  delinquent  tax-jjayer. "  This  is  a  call 
to  all  grand  larceny  defaulting  thieves  to  go  to  Pomeroy  for  brotherly  Y>ro- 
tection,  because  there  they  are  only  classed  as  deUucpient  tax-jiayers." 

[And  the  court  said  tbat  he  (being  a  mason)  was  "  innocent  of  ani/ 

fCi'ime."    Good  judiciary  !] 


kl 


':l 


"  How  did  ho  discharge  the  office  of  a  Judge  ?    Let  those  who  suf- 
fered by  his  injustice  answer It  is  notorious  that  during  the  time  of 

their  tyro  nny  the  [people]  neither  enjoyed  the  jn-otection  of  their  laws., 
nor  of  the  natural  and  unalienable  rights  of  men.  No  inhabitant  of  the 
ruined  country  has  been  able  to  keep  possession  of  anything  but  what  has 
either  escaped  the  rapaciousness,  or  been  neglected  by  the  satiety  of  those 
universal  plunderers.  Their  nod  has  decided  all  causes  and  their  decisions 
have  broken  all  law,  all  precedent,  all  right.  The  sums  they  have  by 
arbitrary  taxes  and  unheard-of  impositions  extorted  from  the  industrious 
poor,  are  not  to  be  computed.  The  most  faithful  citizens  have  been 
treated  as  criminals.  [American]  citizens  have,  like  slaves,  been  put  to 
death  with  tortures.  The  most  atrocious  criminals,  for  money  [or  secret 
iurtuence],  have  been  exempted  from  their  deserved  punishments,  and 
men  of  the  most  unexceptional  characters  condemned  and  imprisoned  un- 
heard  The  infamy  of  their  lewdness  has  been  such  as  decency  forlnds 

to  describe.  Nor  will  I,  by  mentioning  particulars,  \nit  those  unfortunate 
jjcrsons  to  fresh  pain,  who  have  not  been  able  to  save  their  wives  and 
daughters  from  their  impurities.  And  these,  their  ah-ocious  crimes,  have 
been  committed  in  so  public  a  manner,  that  there  is  no  one  who  has  heard 
theii'  name,  but  could  reckon  up  their  actions. 

Now  [gentlemen  of  the  masonic  gang]  I  ask  what  you  have  to  advance 
jigainst  this  charge  ?    Will  you  pretend  to  deny  it  ?      Will  you  pretend 


Y,  ETC. 


unt8  812,300.  Mr. 
"It  is  a  bad  state 
its  are  developed." 
A  man  in  whom 
mally  rob  them  of 
lialf-starved  sneak- 
1  to  appease  hunger 


las  been  discovered 
iv  of  the  [masonic] 
least  $12,000.  Of 
an  you  run  machine 
B  meantime  blasting 
-ivas  '  loaned '  to  the 
jrimaries.  Garfield 
I  gang,  and  it  is  to 
ves." 

1,  says  :  'Links has 
great  wrong  he  has 
ts  that  the  law  take 
iiyer."  This  is  a  call 
y  for  brotherly  pro- 
"ent  tax-payers. " 
is  "innocent  of  any 


Let  those  who  suf- 
duriug  the  time  of 
tion  of  their  laws . . 
inhabitant  of  the 
ythiug  but  what  has 
the  satiety  of  those 
!s  and  their  decisions 
sums  they  have  by 
Irom  the  industrious 
citizens  have  been 
slaves,  been  put  to 
)r  money  [or  secret 
punishments,  and 
and  imprisoned  un- 
as  decency  forbids 
t  those  unfortunate 
ive  their  wives  and 
•ocious  crimes,  have 
one  who  has  heard 

Ivouhave  to  advance 
Will  you  pretend 


The  Practical  "Workings  of  Masonry,  etc.       597 

that  anything  false,  that  even  anything  aggravated,  is  alleged  against 
you  ?  Had  any  jiriuce  or  any  State  committed  the  same  outrages  against 
the  i^rivileges  of  [American]  citizens, should  we  not  tli'nk  wehad  sufficient 
ground  for  declaring  war  against  thera  ?  What  punishment  ought  then  to 
be  inflicted  upon  a  tyrannical  and  wicked  [gang]  who  dared  in  the  [shadow 
of  the  American  flag]  to  put  to  an  infamous  torture  and  death  that  unfor- 
tunate and  innocent 'citizen. ..  .only  for  having  asserted  his  privilege  of 
citizenship,  and  declared  his  intention  of  appeaUng  to  the  justice  of  his 
country  against  a  cruel  oppressor,  who  had  unjustly  confined  him  in  prison 
from  whence  he  had  made  his  escape  ?  The  unhappy  man . .  is  brought 
before  the  wicked  [gang].  With  eyes  darting  fury  and  countenances  dis- 
torted Avith  cruelty,  they  order  the  helpless  victim  of  their  rage  to  be 
8tripi)ed  and  rods  to  be  brought ;  accusing  him,  but  without  the  least 
shadow  of  evidence,  or  even  of  suspicion  of  having  [committ<{d  any  crime] . 
It  was  in  vain  that  the  unhappy  man  cried  out,  '  I  am  an  [American] 
citizen,  and  will  attest  my  innocence. '  The  blood-thirsty  [gang] ,  deaf  to 
all  he  could  urge  in  his  own  defence,  ordered  the  infamous  punishment  to 
be  inflicted.  Thus,  [fellow-citizens],  was  an  innocent  American  citizen 
pubhcly  mangled ....  whilst  the  only  words  he  uttered  amidst  his  cruel 
sufferings  were,  '  I  am  an  [American]  citizen  ' '  With  these  he  hoped  to 
defend  himself  from  violence  and  infamy.  Put  of  so  little  service  was 
this  privilege  to  him,  that  while  he  was  thus  asserting  his  citizenshiii,  the 
order  was  given  for  his  destruction. 

Oh,  liberty  !  Oh,  sound  once  delightful  to  every  [American]  ear  !  Oh, 
sacred  i5ri\'ilege  of  [American]  citizenship  !  once  sacred,  now  trampled 
upon  !  But  what  then  ?  Is  it  come  to  this  ?  Shall  an  inferior  magistrate^ 
a  governor,  who  holds  his  whole  power  of  the  [American]  iJeo2)le  in  [an 
American  State]  bind,  surge,  torture  with  red  hot  plates  of  iron,  and  at  the 
last  put  to  an  infamous  death,  an  American  citizen  ?  Shall  neither  the 
cries  of  innocence  expiring  in  agony,  nor  the  tc:i  s  of  pitying  spectators, 
nor  the  majesty  of  the  [American  Union]  nor  the  'ear  of  the  justice  of  his 
country,  restrain  the  licentious  and  wanton  cruelty  of  a  monster,  v  ho,  in 
confldence  of  his  riches  [aud  secret  power]  strikes  at  the  root  of  liberty, 
and  sets  mankind  at  defiance  ? 

I  conclude  with  expressing  my  hopes  that  your  uasdom  and  justice? 
[my  fellow-men]  will  not,  h\  suft'eiiug  the  atrocious  and  nnexampled  inso- 
lence of  [the  masonic  gang]  to  escape  the  due  puuishnicut,  leave  room  to 
apprehend  the  danger  of  a  total  subversion  of  authority  aud  introduction 


of  general  anarchy  aud 


usion. 


CiCEBO. 


"Dit.  [Links]  Aiuuved." 
"Dr.  [Links]  returned  last  ^loiulay  from  the  East.  Ho  wus  delegate 
to  the  Sovereign  Grand  Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  which  met  at  Baltimore,  Mary- 
land. He  has  had  an  interview  with  Presideut  Cleveland,  and  hus  th  \fc 
the  chief  magistrate  of  the  nation  is  a  good  and  true  man.  Tli.' \\ay  it- 
cami'  aliout  was  this  :     Mr.  Links  applied  for  admittance  to  liis  Excel- 


rr^ 


w 


598       The  Practical  Workings  of  Masonry,  etc. 

lency's  presence.  There  were  about  ono  hundred  persons  in  ■waitii^  on 
the  President,  all  anxious  to  get  the  first  interview.  Our  townsman  pre- 
sented his  card,  and  the  doorkeeper  being  an  odd-fellow,  admitted  him 
forthwith,  leaving  many  eminent  men  of  '  hig)  degree '  to  bide  their  time. 
President  Cleveland  is  an  odd-fellow  of  high  standing  and  talked  with 
Mr.  Links  at  length  on  different  matters." 

[Is  it  not  humiliating,  indeed  !  that  even  at  the  White  Hoiise 
and  the  different  departments  of  the  government  at  Washington,  fv^l- 
ftedged  American  citizens  must  stand  aside  and  tvait  till  the  secret 
obligations  and  interests  of  a  secret  Mormon  government  and  its  sub- 
jects thus  held  supreme  are  first  attended  to  ?] 

*  * 

* 

"  I  would  give  up  my  life,  and  that  alone  for  God's  sake  : 
for  to  what  purpose  is  it  to  live  among  a  people  insensible  of 
their  calamities,  and  where  there  is  no  notion  remaining  of  any 
remedy  for  the  miseries  that  are  upon  them  ?  for  when  you  are 
seized  upon,  you  bear  it,  when  beaten  you  are  silent,  and  when 
the  people  are  murdered,  nobody  dares  so  much  as  send  out  a 
groan  openly.  Oh,  bitter  tyranny  that  we  are  under !  But  why 
do  I  complain  of  the  tyrants  ?  Was  it  not  you,  and  your  suffer- 
ance of  them,  that  have  nourished  them  ?  Was  it  not  you  that 
overlooked  those  that  first  got  together,  for  they  were  then  but 
a  few,  and  by  your  silence  made  them  grow  to  be  many,  and  by 
conniving  at  them  when  they  took  po  'er  in  effect  armed  them 
against  yourselves  ?  You  ought  to  have  then  prevented  their 
first  attempts,  when  they  fell  to  reproaching  your  relations,  but 
by  neglecting  that  care  in  time  you  have  encouraged  these 
wretches  to  plunder  men.  When  houses  were  pillaged,  nobody 
said  a  word,  which  was  the  occasion  why  they  carried  off  the 
owners  of  those  houses,  and  when  \\\&y  were  drawn  through 
the  midst  of  the  city  nobody  came  to  their  assistance.  They 
then  proceeded  to  put  those  whom  you  have  betrayed  into  their 
hands  into  bonds.  I  do  not  say  how  many  and  of  what  char- 
acters those  men  were  whom  they  thus  served,  but  certainly 
they  were  accused  by  none  ]  but  themselves j  and  condemned 
by  none  [but  themselves]  and  since  nobotly  succored  them 
when  they  were  in  bonds,  the  consequence  was  that  you 
saw  the  same  persons  slain. . .  We  have  seen  this  also,  so 
that  still  the  best  of  the  herd  of  brute  animals,  as  it  were, 
have  been  still  led  to  be  sacrificed,  when  yet  nobody  said  one 


ETC. 


The  Puagtical  Workings  of  Masonry,  etc. 


599 


as  in  waitk^  on 
■  townsman  pre- 
w,  admitted  him 
I  bide  their  time, 
and  talked  with 

e  White  House 
Washington,  fvJl- 
it  till  the  secret 
ent  and  its  sub- 


r  God's  sake  : 
e  insensible  of 
maining  of  any 
•  when  you  are 
lent,  and  when 
as  send  out  a 
iider !  But  why 
nd  your  suffer- 
lit  not  you  that 
were  then  but 
5  many,  and  by 
jt  armed  them 
reveuted  their 
r  rehitious,  but 
ouraged  these 
laged,  nobody 
arried  off  the 
rawn  through 
stance.     They 
lyed  into  their 
)f  what  char- 
but  certainly 
lid  condemned 
uccored  them 
ras   that  you 
this  also,  so 
|ls,  as  it  were, 
ody  said  one 


word,  or  moved  his  right  hand  for  their  preservation.  Will  you 
bear,  therefore,  will  you  bear  to  see  jour  sanctuary  [of  eqiial 
Jtistice]  trampled  on  ?  and  will  you  lay  steps  for  these  profane 
wretches,  upon  which  they  may  mount  to  higher  degrees  of 
insrlence  ?  Will  you  not  pluck  them  down  from  their  exulta- 
tion V  Oh,  wretched  creatures  !  Will  not  you  rise  up  and  turn 
upon  those  that  strike  you  ?  which  you  may  observe  in  wild 
beasts  themselves,  that  they  will  avenge  themselves  on  those 
that  strike  them.  Will  you  not  call  to  mind,  every  one  of 
you,  the  calamities  you  yourselves  have  suffered  ?  nor  lay  be- 
fore your  ejf'H  what  afflictions  you  yourselves  have  undergone  ? 
andwMiK'  'uich  things  sharpen  your  souls  to  revenge?  Is, 
therefor  ,  t  (;  .  most  honorable  and  most  natural  of  our  passions 
utterly  lo°t,  I  mean,  the  desire  of  liberty  ?  Truly  we  are  in 
love  with  slavery  and  in  love  with  those  that  lord  it  over  us,  as 
if  we  had  received  that  principle  of  subjection  from  our  ances- 
tors ;  yet  did  they  undergo  many  and  great  wars  for  the  sake 
of  liberty ! ....  But  perhaps  many  of  you  are  affrighteued  at 
their  multitude  and  at  their  audaciousness,  as  well  as  at  the 
advantage  they  have  over  us  in  their  being  higher  in  place  than 
Ave  are  ;  for  these  circumstances,  as  they  have  been  occasioned 
by  your  negligence,  so  will  they  become  still  greater  by  being 
still  longer  neglected,  for  their  multitude  is  every  day  aug- 
mented hi/  cverg  vile  ii'ait'f!  joinimj  those  that  are  like  to  themselves 
and  their  audaciousiu'is  J.  therefore  inflamed  because  they  meet 
with  no  obstruction.-'  f  o  tiieir  designs . . . .  Init  be  assured  of  this 
that  if  we  get  up  .-M(1  nj;flit  tbem  they  will  be  made  tamer. . . . 
perhaps  also  Hod  Um.-  If.  i' i>o  hiuu  been  affronted  by  them, 
will  make  what  tiiey  tui'')V  at  us  return  against  themselvfs, 
and  these  im})ious  wretches  will  be  killed  by  their  own  darts, 
let  us  but  make  our  appearance  before  them  [with  but  our 
votes]  and  they  will  come  to  nothing.  However,  it  is  a  right 
thing,  if  there  should  be  any  danger  in  the  attempt,  to  die  be- 
fore these  holy  ga'es,  r.nd  to  si)eiid  our  very  lives,  if  not  for  the 
sake  of  our  chiLi  '  •  and  wives,  yet  for  God's  sake  and  for  the 
sake  of  his  sanecv  r  •  of  liberty  !  I  will  assist  you  both  with 
my  counsel  and  wi;.!  uiv  liaud,  nor  shall  any  sagacity  of  ours 
be  wanting  for  your  support,  nor  shall  you  see  that  I  will  be 
spaiing  with  my  body  neither." 


600       The  Practical  Workings  of  Masonry,  etc. 


The  Stoky  of  Morgan. 

Thurlow     Weed's    account    of    the  famous    murder. 

A  statement  dictated  two  months  before  Lis  death. 
The  following  letter,  dictated  by  the  late  Thurlow  Weed  but  a  short 
time  before  his  death,  contains  his  sworn  statement  of  his  knowledge  con- 
cerning the  abduction  and  alleged  murder  of  William  Morgan,  and  forms 
a  most  interesting  chapter  in  relation  to  the  sensational  events  which  in 
their  time  caused  so  great  a  social  and  poUtical  convulsion: 

NswYoBK,  Sept.  9th,  1882. 

Dear  Sib: — I  have  delayed  the  answji'  to  your  letter  inviting  me  to 
attend  the  unveiling  of  the  monument  t(  '.xy/iin  William  Morgan  in  the 
hope  that  I  should  be  able  to  be  present  t  i  ocasion. 

Impaired  vision,  added  to  other  infirm  prevents  my  going  far 

from  home.  The  occasion  is  one  that  recalls  an  event  of  startling  interest, 
arousing  deep  popular  feeling,  first  at  Batavia,  Le  Koy,  Canandaigua  and 
Rochester,  then  pervading  our  own  and  other  States,  After  reading  the 
proceedings  of  a  meeting  at  Batavia,  with  the  Hon.  David  E.  Evans  as 
presiding  officer,  I  wrote  a  six  line  paragraph  for  the  Kochester  Telegraph, 
in  which  I  stated  that  a  citizen  of  Batavia  had  been  spirited  away  from  his 
home  and  family  and  that,  after  a  mysterious  absence  of  several  days,  a 
village  meeting  had  been  held  and  a  committee  of  citizens  appointed  to  in- 
vestigate the  matter;  adding  that,  as  it  was  known  that  Freemasons  were 
concerned  in  this  abduction,  it  behooved  the  fraternity,  whose  good  name 
was  sufiering,  to  take  the  laboring  oar  in  restoring  the  lost  man  to  his 
liberty.  That  paragraph  brought  dozens  of  our  most  influential  citizens, 
greatly  excited,  to  the  office,  stopijiug  the  paper  and  ordering  the  discon- 
tinuance of  their  advertisements.  I  inquired  of  my  partner,  Robert  Martin, 
what  I  had  done  to  exasperate  so  many  of  our  friends.  He  brought  me  a 
book  and  directed  my  attention  to  an  obligation  invoking  strict  penalties 
as  a  punishment  for  disclosing  the  secrets  of  Masons,  inquiring  what  I 
thought  of  a  man  who,  after  taking  such  an  obligation,  violated  it  ?  I  re- 
plied that  I  did  not  know  any  punishment  too  severe  for  such  a  perjurer. 
The  discontinuance  of  the  paper  embraced  so  large  a  number  of  its  patrons 
1  saw  that  my  brief  and,  as  I  supposed,  very  harmless  paragraph  would 
ruin  the  establishment.  Unwilling  that  my  i)artner  should  8ufi"or,  I 
promptly  withdrew;  leaving  the  establishment  in  the  hands  of  Mr,  Martin. 
The  paper  was  doing  well,  and  until  that  paragraph  appeared  my  business 
future  was  all  I  could  desire. 

At  that  time  an  editor  was  wanted  at  Utica,  where  I  had  formerly 
worked,  and  where  I  had  many  friends,  but  my  ofter  to  go  there  was  de. 
clined.  I  was  equally  unfortunate  in  my  application  for  editorial  employ- 
ment at  Troy.  The  objection  in  Vioth  cases  was  that  I  had  been  too  busy 
in  getting  up  an  excitement  about  Morgan. 

Meantime  the  mystery  dee])oned,  and  public  meetings  were  held  in 
several  villages,  Rochester  included.     In  the  meeting  at  Rochester  it  was 


f,  ETC. 


murder. 

death. 

Weed  but  a  short 
lis  knowledge  con- 
[organ,  and  forms 
al  events  which  in 
on: 

3pt.  9th,  1882. 
ter  inviting  me  to 
ixn  Morgan  in  the 
n. 

jnts  my  going  far 
t  startling  interest, 
Gauandaigua  and 
After  reading  the 
•avid  E.  Evans  as 
(Chester  Telegrajih, 
ited  away  from  his 
of  several  days,  a 
ns  appointed  to  in- 
Freemasons  were 
whose  good  name 
e  lost  man  to  his 
tiiluential  citizens, 
eriug  the  discon- 
',  Robert  Martin, 
|He  brought  me  a 
;  strict  jienalties 
inquiring  what  I 
olated  it  ?    I  re- 
such  a  perjurer, 
ber  of  its  patrons 
laragraph  would 
should  suffer,   I 
lIs  of  Mr.  Martin, 
red  my  business 

I  had  formerly 
50  there  was  de. 
pditorial  employ- 
id  been  too  busy 

Igs  were  held  in 
liochester  it  was 


The  Practical  Workings  of  Masonry,  etc,       601 

assumed  that  all  good  citizens  would  unite  in  an  effort  to  vindicate  the 
law.  A  committee  was  appointed  consisting  of  seven,  three  of  whom  were 
Masons.  It  was  soon  discovered  that  the  three  Masons  went  from  the 
committee  to  the  lodge-rooms.  It  was  subsequently  ascertained  that  two 
of  these  gentlemen  were  concerned  in  the  abduction,  and  that  Morgan  had 
been  committed  to  the  jail  in  Canandaigua  on  a  false  charge  of  larceny, 
and  that  he  had  been  carried  from  thence  secretly  by  night  to  Fort  Niagara. 
The  committee  encountered  an  obstacle  in  obtaining  indictments  in  five  of 
the  six  counties  where  indictments  were  needed.  The  sheriffs  who  sum- 
moned the  grand  juries  were  Freemasons.  In  four  counties  no  intlict- 
ments  could  be  obtained.  In  Ontaiio,  however,  the  district  attorney, 
Bowen  Whiting,  and  the  sheriff,  Joseph  Garliughouse,  though  Masons,  re- 
garded their  obligation  to  the  laws  of  the  State  paramount.  Sheriff  Gar- 
linghouse  and  District  Attorney  W^hiting  discharged  their  duties  indepen- 
dently and  honestly.  As  the  investigation  proceeded  the  evideuce  in- 
creased that  Morgan  had  been  unlawfully  confined  in  the  Canandaigua 
jail  and  secretly  conveyed  to  Fort  Niagara,  where  he  Avas  confined  in  the 
magazine.  There  was  every  reason  to  believe  tLat  he  was  taken  from  the 
magazine  and  drowned  in  Lake  Ontario.  This,  howovei",  was  boldly  and 
persistently  denied — denials  accompanied  by  solemn  assurances  that  Mor- 
gan had  been  seen  alive  in  several  places,  divided  the  public  sentiment. 
At  town  meetings,  several  months  after  Morgan's  disappearance,  the 
question  was  taken  into  politics.  A  large  number  of  zealous  anti-Masons 
determined  to  make  it  a  political  issue.  Solomon  Southwick  was  nominated 
at  Le  Roy  for  governor.  Our  committee  firmly  resisted  all  such  efforts, 
urging  all  who  were  connected  with  us  in  an  effort  to  vindicate  the  law  to 
vote  for  the  candidates  of  the  party  with  which  they  had  been  previously 
connected.  We  endeavored  to  induce  the  whig  State  convention  to  nomi- 
nate Francis  Granger,  but,  failing  in  that,  we  gave  our  support  to  Judge 
Smith  Thompson.  Afterwards,  at  a  village  election  in  Rochester,  Dr.  F. 
F.  Backus,  who  had  been  treasurer  by  an  unanimous  vote  of  the  electors 
from  the  time  the  village  charter  had  been  obtained,  w's  again  the  candi- 
date of  both  parties.  No  whisper  of  opposition  was  heard  before  the  elec- 
tion, or  at  the  polls,  but  when  the  votes  were  canvassed  a  majority  appear- 
ed in  favor  of  Dr.  John  B.  Elwood.  Dr  Backus  was  an  active  and  in- 
fluential member  of  the  Morgan  investigating  committee.  That  astounding 
result  produced  an  instantaneous  change. 

Political  anti-Masonry  from  that  moment  and  for  that  reason  became 
an  element  in  our  elections.  It  was  alleged  and  extensively  believtul  that 
the  "  Morgan  committee,"  to  gratify  i)orsonal  aspirations,  went  voluntarily 
into  politics.  Those  allegations  were  as  untrutliful  as  they  were  unjust. 
It  was  not  until  wc  ascertained  that  the  fraternity,  by  a  secret  movement, 
was  strong  enough  to  defeat  the  candidate  of  both  political  jjarties,  that 
we  consented  to  join  issue  with  them  politically. 

In  the  autumn  of  1827,  the  discovery  of  the  body  of  an  unknown  man 
on  the  shore  of  Lake  Ontario,  near  the  mouth  of  Oak  Orchard  Creek,  gave 


^ 


/ 


I :%)- 


If' I 


1 


602       The  Practical  Wobkinqs  op  Masonry,  etc. 

a  new  and  absorbing  aspect  to  the  question.  The  description  of  that  body 
as  published  by  the  coroner  who  held  an  inquest  over  it,  induced  the  be- 
lief that  it  was  the  body  of  William  Morgan.  Our  committee  decided  to 
hold  another  inquest  Impressed  with  the  importance  and  responsibility 
of  the  qtiestion  I  gave  public  notice  of  our  intention,  and  personally  invit- 
ed several  citizens  who  had  known  Morgan  to  be  prea<)nti.  One  of  onr 
committee  went  to  Batavia  to  secure  the  attendance  of  Mrs.  Morgan  and 
as  many  otheES  irfao  knew  him  to  attend.  The  body  had  been  interred 
where  it  was  found.  The  rude  coffin  was  opened  in  the  presence  of 
between  forty  and  fifty  persons.  When  it  was  reached  and  before  remov- 
ing the  lid,  I  received  from  Mrs.  Morgan,  and  others  who  knew  him  well, 
descriptions  of  his  person.  Mrs.  Morgan  described  the  color  of  his  hair, 
a  scar  upon  his  foot,  and  that  his  teeth  were  double  all  round.  Dr.  Strong 
confirmed  Mrs.  Morgan's  statement  about  double  teeth,  one  of  which  he 
had  extracted,  while  another  was  broken,  indicating  the  position  of  the 
extracted  and  broken  teeth.  When  tho  coffin  was  ojjened  the  body  dis- 
closed the  peculiarities  described  by  Mrs.  Morgan  and  Dr.  Strong. 

This  second  inquest  and  the  exat  'inationr^  of  the  body  proceeded  in 
open  day  and  in  the  presence  of  Masons  and  unti-Masons,  not  one  of  whom 
dissented  from  the  coroner's  jury,  by  which  the  body  was  unanimously 
declared  to  be  that  of  William  Morgan.  Mrs.  Morgan,  in  her  testimony, 
failed  to  recognize  the  clothes.  The  body  was  taken  to  Batavia,  where  it 
was  re-interred,  no  one  as  yet  expressing  any  doubt  of  its  identity. 

Subsequently,  however,  we  Avere  surprised  by  a  statement  that  the 
body  supposed  to  be  that  of  Morgan  was  alleged  to  be  the  body  of  Timothy 
Monroe,  who  had  been  drowned  in  the  Niagara  river  several  weeks  before 
holding  the  first  inquest.  This  awakened  general  and  intense  feehng. 
1  ■  ce  was  given  that  a  third  inquest  would  be  held  at  Batavia,  where  the 
widow  and  son  of  Timothy  Monroe  apjjeared  as  witnesses.  Mrs.  Monroe 
swore  to  a  body  essentially  dift'erent  from  that  found  at  Oak  Orchard  creek. 
Her  husband,  she  said,  had  black  hair  that  had  been  recently  cut  and 
stood  erect.  Her  testimony  made  her  husband  from  three  to  four  inches 
taller  than  that  of  the  body  in  question.  She  testified  that  her  husband 
had  double  teeth  all  round  and  described  an  extracted  tooth  from  the 
wrong  jaw  and  knew  nothing  at  all  of  the  broken  tooth.  The  hair  uijon 
the  head  of  the  drowned  man  was  long,  silky  and  of  a  chestnut  color, 
while  that  of  Monroe,  according  to  the  testimony  erf  Mrs.  Monroe  and  her 
son,  was  sliort,  black  and  close  cut.  While  Mrs.  Monroe  failed  in  des- 
cribing the  body,  her  description  of  the  clothing  was  minutely  accurate. 
The  heel  of  his  stocking  was  described  as  having  been  darned  with  yam 
different  in  color.  Her  cross-examination  was  very  rigid  and  her  answers 
throughout  were  found  to  be  correct.  The  clothing  thus  described  had 
been  in  possession  of  the  coroner,  who  testified  that  it  had  been  seen  either 
by  Mrs.  Monroe  or  any  stranger  from  whom  she  could  have  obtained  in- 
formation.    On  the  other  hand,  Mrs.  Morgan's  description  of  the  body, 


ETC. 


The  Puactical  Workings  of  Masonry,  etc. 


603 


tion  of  that  body 
induced  the  be- 
ittee  decided  to 
id  responsibility 
personally  invit- 
cjnL  One  of  onr 
Irs.  Morgan  and 
id  been  interred 
the  presence  of 
ad  before  remov- 
j  knew  him  well, 
color  of  his  hair, 
lund.  Dr.  Strong 
one  of  which  he 
>  position  of  the 
ed  the  body  dis- 
r.  Strong. 

>dy  proceeded  in 
not  one  of  whom 
vaa  unanimously 
n  her  testimony, 
Batavia,  where  it 
identity. 

itement  that  the 

body  of  Timothy 

ral  weeks  before 

intense  feehng. 

itavia,  where  the 

Mrs.  Monroe 

Orchard  creek. 

cently  cut  and 

Be  to  four  inches 

at  her  husband 

tooth  from  the 

The  hair  \ipon 

chestnut  color, 

VIonroe  and  her 

failed  in  des- 

nutely  accurate. 

med  -with  yam 

,nd  her  answers 

described  had 

been  seen  either 

ve  obtained  m- 

n  of  the  body. 


before  she  had  seen  it,  was  quite  as  satisfactory  as  Mrs.  Monroe's  descrip- 
tion of  the  clothes. 

Our  committee  took  no  part  in  the  thii'd  inquest,  and  the  body,  as  is 
known,  was  declared  to  be  that  of  Timothy  Monroe.  Simultaneously  an 
accident  occurred  showing  the  vindictive  spirit  of  our  opponents.  On  the 
evening  of  the  day  that  the  body  inteiTed  at  Batavia  was  declared  by  a 
third  inquest  to  be  that  of  Timothy  Mom-oe,  I  went  into  the  billiard  room 
of  the  Eagle  hotel  to  see  a  friend  from  Clarkson.  When  leaving  the  room, 
Ebeuezer  Griffin,  Esq.,  a  prominent  lawyer  employed  as  counsel  for 
Masons,  said,  "Well,  Weed,  what  will  you  do  for  a  Morgan  now  ?"  To 
which  I  replied,  "That  is  a  good  enough  Morgan  for  us  till  you  bring 
back  the  one  you  carried  otl. "  On  the  following  morning  the  Daily  Ad- 
vertisei;  a  Masonic  organ,  contaiued  a  paragi'aph  charging  me  with  ha\'ing 
boastingly  said  that  the  body  in  question  "was  a  good  enough  Morgan 
until  after  the  election."  That  pei'version  went  the  roiiuds  of  the  Masonic 
and  democratic  press,  awakening  much  popular  indignation  and  subjecting 
me  to  denunciations  in  speeches  and  resolutions  at  ijolitical  meetings  and 
conventions.  Explanations  were  disregarded;  the  maxim  that  "  Falsehood 
will  travel  miles  while  truth  is  drawing  on  its  boots  "  was  then  verified.  I 
suffered  obloquy  and  reproach  from  that  wicked  pc  version  for  nearly  half 
a  century.  Indeed,  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  even  now,  where  I  am 
personally  iinknown,  generations  are  growing  up  belie^-ing  that  I  mutilated 
a  dead  body  for  political  effect,  and,  when  exposed,  boasted  that  it  was  a 
good  enoiigh  Morgan  until  after  the  election.  Forty  years  afterwards  the 
editor  of  the  paper  who  originated  that  calumny,  by  a  series  of  pecuniary 
reverses,  was  compelled  to  apply  to  me  for  assistance.  I  avenged  the 
great  wrong  he  had  done  nie  by  obtaining  for  him  a  situation  in  the  custom 
house. 

This  served  to  extend  and  intensify  the  "excitement."  It  was  every- 
where charged  and  widely  believed  that  I  had  mutilated  the  body  in 
question  for  the  pur2)o.se  ot  making  it  resemble  that  of  Captain  William 
Morgan.  I  encountered  prejudices  thus  created  both  in  Paris  and  London 
20  years  af tenvards. 

Onr  investigations  wei'c  embarrassed  and  protracted  by  the  abseuc 
and  concealment  of  important  witnesses.  One  of  these  witnes.ses  was  a.i 
invalid  soldier  who  had  the  care  of  Morgan  while  confined  in  the  magazine 
at  Fort  Niagara,  but  he  disappeared,  and  all  efforts  to  liiul  him  were  uu- 
avai'iiug  for  more  than  a  year.  I  finally  traced  him  (Elisha  Adams)  to 
Brookfield,  a  mountain  town  in  Vermont.  We  reached  the  log  house  of 
Adams'  brother-in-law,  with  wliom  he  was  hiding,  between  12  and  1  o'clock 
at  night.  Our  rap  was  responded  to  by  the  owner,  to  whom,  on  opening 
the  door  the  sheriff  introduced  me,  directly  after  which,  and  before  any- 
thing more  had  been  said,  Me  heard  a  voice  from  the  second  floor  of  the  cabin 
saying,  "  I  am  ready  and  have  been  expecting  you  all  winter. "  Immediately 
afterwards  the  old  man  came  down  tli(>  ladder,  and  in  10  minutes  we  de- 
parted on  our  return. 


t: 


^^  '.:'. 


ikl 


in  ,' 


604       The  Practical  Workings  op  Masonry,  etc. 

While  waiting  for  breakfast  at  tlie  foot  of  the  mountain  several  men 
dropped  into  the  bar-room  where  we  were  sitting.  When  called  to  break- 
fast, the  landlady,  carefully  closing  the  door,  remarked  that  her  husband 
had  sent  around  for  Masons,  some  of  whom  had  already  appeared,  but 
that  we  need  not  fear  them  for  she  had  sent  her  daughter  to  inform  other 
villagers  what  was  going  ou,  and  that  before  we  had  done  breakfast  there 
would  be  twice  as  many  anti-Masons  in  attendance.  Beturning  to  the 
bar-room  we  four.  :.l  that  she  had  done  her  work  thoroughly.  Fifteen  or 
twenty  men  were  in  the  bar-room  glaring  at  each  other  and  at  Adams  ;  but 
nothing  was  said  and  we  were  di-iven  off  unmolested.  On  our  way  back, 
Adam,  at  different  times,  stated  that  hearing  a  noise  in  the  magazine  he 
rejiorted  it  to  Mr.  Edward  Giddins,  keeper  of  the  fort,  who  told  him  that 
a  stranger  was  lodged  there  who  in  a  day  or  two  would  be  taken  to  his 
friends  in  Canada,  but  nothing  must  be  said  about  it.  He  then  from  time 
to  time  canied  food  to  the  person.  Soon  afterwards,  near  midnight,  he 
was  told  to  have  a  boat  in  readiness  for  the  purpose  of  taking  away  the 
man  in  the  magazine.  Several  gentlemen  arrived  in  a  carriage,  by  whom 
the  man  was  taken  from  the  magazine  and  escorted  to  the  boat.  Adams 
was  told  to  remain  ou  the  dock  until  the  boat  should  return,  and  that  if  in 
the  meantime  an  alarm  should  be  given  he  was  to  show  a  signal  to  warn 
the  boat  away.  As  nothing  of  the  kind  occurred  the  boat  returned  quietly, 
and  of  the  six  who  left  in  the  boat  only  five  returned,  he  supposed  that 
one  had  gone  to  his  friends  in  Canada. 

Adams  was  wanted  as  a  witness  in  trials  then  i^ending  in  Canadaigua, 
We  reached  that  place  iu  the  afternoon  of  the  day  the  court  convened. 
Three  men  were  on  trial  for  abducting  Morgan.  The  testimony  of  Adams 
was  essential  to  complete  the  link.  On  being  called  to  the  stand  he  denied 
all  knowledge  bearing  upon  the  question.  He  resided,  he  said,  at  the  time 
specified,  in  the  fort,  but  knew  of  no  man  being  confined  in  the  magazine; 
and  knew  nothing  of  men  coming  there  at  night  in  a  carriage,  and  knew 
nothing  of  a  man  being  taken  from  there  in  a  boat.  His  denials  covering 
the  whole  ground  were  explicit.  That,  for  the  time  being,  ended  the 
matter.  When  the  court  adjourned  I  walked  across  the  square  Avith  Judge 
Howell,  who  presided,  and  who  remarked  to  me  that  I  had  made  a  long 
JDurney  for  nothing,  my  witness,  Adams,  being  ignorant  of  the  whole 
affair.  General  Vincent  Mathews,  of  Rochester,  who  was  walking  on  the 
other  side  of  the  judge,  replied  Avith  much  feeling,  "that  the  old  rascal 
had  not  uttered  a  word  of  truth  while  he  was  on  the  stand." 

General  Mathews  was  the  leading  counsel  for  the  kidnappers,  but  re- 
fused to  be  a  party  in  tampering  with  witnesses.  On  our  return  to  Rochester 
the  witness  Adams  was  iu  an  extra  stage  with  his  Masonic  friends.  As 
there  was  no  longer  any  need  of  hiding  he  was  on  his  way  to  Niagara.  In 
passing  the  Mansion  House,  Rochester,  Adams,  who  was  standing  in  the 
doorway,  asked  me  to  stop,  saying  he  wanted  to  explain  his  testimony. 
The  lawyers,  he  said,  informed  him  that  if  he  told  what  he  knew  about 
the  magazine  and  the  boat,  it  would  be  a  confession  that  v.'ould  send  him. 


ETC. 


The  Practical  Workings  of  Masonry,  etc.       005 


ataiu  several  men 
a  called  to  break- 
that  her  husband 
ily  appeared,  but 
r  to  inform  other 
le  breakfast  there 
Returning  to  the 
jhly.  Fifteen  or 
ad  at  Adams ;  but 
'n  our  way  back, 
the  magazine  he 
i^ho  told  him  that 
I  be  taken  to  his 
[e  then  from  time 
ear  midnight,  he 
taking  away  the 
.rriage,  by  whom 
he  boat.  Adams 
irn,  and  that  if  in 
r  a  signal  to  warn 
returned  quietly, 
le  supposed  that 

g  in  Canadaigua. 

court  convened. 

imony  of  Adams 

stand  he  denied 

said,  at  the  time 

in  the  magazine; 

riage,  and  knew 

denials  covering 

eing,  ended  the 

uare  Avith  Judge 

iid  made  a  long 

it  of  the  whole 

walking  on  the 

it  the  old  rascal 

lappers,  but  re- 
im  to  Rochester 
lie  friends.  As 
to  Niagara.  In 
standing  in  the 
his  testimony, 
he  knew  about 
vould  send  him 


to  state's  prison.  They  also  told  him  that  the  law  did  not  compel  a  wit- 
ness to  criminate  himself ;  and,  to  avoid  punishment,  he  must  deny  the 
whole  story. 

In  1831 ,  after  my  removal  from  Rochester  to  Albany,  a  libel  suit  was 
commenced  against  me  by  General  Gould,  of  Rochester.  It  was  tried  at 
Albany,  Judge  James  Yanderpoel  presiding.  The  lilx'l  charged  General 
Gould  with  giving  money  he  received  from  the  Royal  Arch  Grand  Chapter 
to  enable  Burrage  Smith  and  John  Whitney  to  escajje  from  justice.  Gerrit 
L.  Dox,  treasurer  of  the  Grand  Chapter,  and  John  Whitney,  one  of  the 
recipients  of  the  money,  were  in  court  to  establish  the  truth  of  the  libel. 
Mr.  Dox  testified  that  a  "  charity  fund  "  had  been  entrusted  to  General 
Gould.  John  Whitney  was  called  to  prove  that  he  received  jiart  of  the 
fund,  with  which,  in  company  with  Burrage  Smith,  he  left  Rochester,  and 
was  absent  nearly  a  year.  General  Gould's  counsel  objected  to  witness' 
testimony  until  it  had  been  shown  that  General  Gould  knew  that  the 
money  furnished  was  to  enable  Smith  and  Whitney  to  escape  from  justice. 
The  court  sustained  this  objection,  and  Whitney's  testimony  was  excluded. 
As  it  was  impossible  to  jjrove  what  was  only  known  to  General  Gould 
himself,  the  trial  ended  abi-uptly.  Judge  Vanderi)oel,  in  charging  the 
jury,  dwelt  at  length  upon  the  licentiousness  of  the  press,  and  called  upon 
the  jury  to  give  exemplary  damages  to  the  injured  and  innocent  plaiutifif. 
The  jury,  thus  instructed,  but  with  evident  reluctance,  f  md  a  verdict  of 
$400  dollars  against  me.  My  offense  cc  sisted  in  asserting  a  fact,  the 
exact  truth  of  which  would  have  been  established  if  the  testimony  had  not 
been  ruled  out  by  a  monstrous  perversion  of  jiistice. 

Colonel  Simeon  B.  Jewett,  of  Clarkson  ;  Major  Samuel  Barton,  of 
Lewiston,  and  John  Whitney,  of  Rochester,  passed  that  evening  at  my 
house.  Jewett  was  jirepared  to  testify  that  he  furnished  a  caniage  for 
those  who  were  conveying  Morgan  secretly  from  Canadaigua  to  Niagara. 
John  Whitney  was  one  of  the  party.  Major  Barton  would  have  testified 
that  he  furnished  the  carriage  which  conveyed  the  party  from  Lewiston  to 
Fort  Niagara.  John  Whitney  being  one  of  the  party.  Whitney  would 
have  sworn  that  Gould  supplied  money  to  enable  him  to  "escajje  froiu 
justice. "  In  the  course  of  the  evening,  the  Morgan  affair  being  the  princi- 
pal topic  of  conversation.  Colonel  Jewett  turned  to  Whitney  with  emphasis 
and  said,  "John,  what  if  you  make  a  clean  breast  of  it?"  Wliituey 
looked  inquiringly  at  Barton,  who  added,  "Go  ahead." 

Whitney  then  related  in  detail  the  history  of  Morgan's  abduction  and 
fate.  The  idea  of  suppressing  Morgan's  intended  exi)osure  of  the  secrets 
of  Masonry  was  first  suggested  by  a  man  by  the  name  of  Johns.  It  was 
discussed  in  lodges  at  Batavia,  Le  Roy  and  Rochester.  Johns  suggested 
that  Morgan  should  be  separated  from  Miller  and  placed  on  a  farm  in  Canada 
West.  For  this  purpose  he  was  taken  to  Niagara  and  placed  in  the  maga- 
zine of  the  fort  until  arrangements  for  settling  him  iu  Canada  were  com- 


i  i:m 


Uh 


606 


ThK    PlUCTICAL  WoilKINo's  OF  MaSONKY,  ETC. 


pleted,  bnt  the  Canadian  Masons  disappointed  tliem.  After  several  meet- 
ings of  the  lodge  in  Canada,  oi)po.site  Fort  Niagara,  a  rofusal  to  have 
anything  to  do  with  Morgan  left  his  "  kidnapjjers "  greatly  perplexed. 
Opportunately  a  Koyal  Arch  Chapter  was  installed  at  Lewiston.  The 
occasion  bronght  a  large  number  of  enthusiastic  Masons  together.  "After 
labor,"  in  Masonic  language,  they  "retired  to  refreshment."  Under  the 
exhiloration  of  champagne  and  other  viands  the  Chaplain  (the  Rev.  F. 
H.  Cummings,  of  Rochester)  was  called  on  for  a  toast.  He  responded 
with  peculiar  emphasis  and  in  the  language  of  thoir  ritual :  "  The  enemies 
of  our  order — may  they  find  a  grave  six  feet  deep,  six  feet  long,  and  six 
feet  due  east  and  west."  Immediately  after  that  toast,  which  was  received 
with  great  enthusiasm,  Colonel  William  King,  an  officer  of  our  war  of 
1812,  and  then  a  member  of  assembly  from  Niagara  county,  called  Whit- 
ney of  Rochester,  Howard  of  Buffalo,  Chubbuck  of  Lewiston,  and  Garside 
of  Canada,  out  of  the  room  and  into  a  carriage  furnished  by  Major  Barton. 
They  were  driven  to  Fort  Niagara,  rejiaired  to  the  magazine  and  informed 
Morgan  that  the  arrangements  for  sending  him  to  Canada  were  completed 
and  that  hia  family  would  soon  follow  him.  Morgan  received  the  inform- 
ation cheerfully  and  walked  with  sujiposed  friends  to  the  boat,  which  was 
rowed  to  the  mouth  of  the  river,  where  a  rope  was  wound  around  his 
body,  to  each  end  of  which  was  attached  a  sinker.  Morgan  was  then 
thrown  overboard.  He  grasped  the  gunwale  of  the  boat  convulsively. 
Garside,  in  forcing  Morgan  to  relinquish  his  hold,  was  severely  bitten. 

Whitney,  in  concluding  his  narrative,  said  he  was  now  relieved  froji 
a  heavy  load  ;  that  for  four  years  he  had  not  heard  the  window  rustle  or 
any  other  noise  at  night  without  thinking  the  sheriff  was  after  lim. 
Colonel  Jewett,  looking  fixedly  at  Whitney,  said  :  "Weed  can  hang  you 
now."  "  But  he  won't,"  was  Whitney's  prompt  reply.  Of  course,  asecret 
thus  confided  to  me  was  inviolably  kept,  and  twenty  years  after,  while 
attending  a  national  republican  convention  at  Chicago,  John  Whitney, 
■who  then  resided  there,  called  to  say  he  wanted  me  to  write  out  what 
he  once  told  me  about  Morgan's  fate,  to  be  signed  by  him  in  the  pres- 
ence of  Avitneases,  to  be  sealed  up  and  published  after  his  death.  I 
l)romised  to  do  so  before  leaving  Chicago.  There  was  no  leisure,  how- 
ever, during  the  sitting  of  the  convention ;  and  even  before  its  final 
adjournment,  forgetting  wuat  I  had  told  Whitney,  I  hurried  to  Iowa, 
returning  by  way  of  Springfield  to  visit  Mr.  Lincoln.  In  the  excitement 
of  the  canvass  which  followed,  and  the  secession  of  the  Southern  States 
upon  Mr.  Lincoln's  election,  I  neglected  the  important  duty  of  securing 
the  confession  Whitney  was  so  anxious  to  make.  In  1861 1  went  to  Europe 
and  while  in  London  wrote  a  letter  to  Whitney  asking  him  to  get  Alex. 
B.  Williams,  then  b.  resident  of  Chicago,  to  do  what  I  had  so  unpar- 
donably  neglected.  That  letter  reached  Chicago  one  week  after  Whit- 
ney's death,  closing  the  last  and  only  chance  for  the  revelation  of  that  im- 
portant event. 


80NIJY,  ETC. 


sm.  After  several  ineet- 
gara,  a  refusal  to  have 
?rs  "  greatly  perplexed, 
lied  at  Lewiston.  The 
[asons  together.  "After 
'reshment."    Under  the 

Chaplain  (the  Rev.  F. 
a  toast.  He  responded 
ir  ritual:  "The  enemies 
p,  six  feet  long,  and  six 
oast,  which  was  received 
n  officer  of  our  war  of 
ira  county,  called  ^yhit- 
f  Lewiston,  and  Garside 
lished  by  Major  Barton, 
magazine  and  informed 
Canada  were  completed 
an  received  the  inform- 
1  to  the  boat,  which  was 
was  wound  around  his 
ker.     Morgan  was  then 

the  boat  convulsively, 
was  severely  bitten. 

was  now  relieved  froai 
rd  the  window  rustle  or 

sheriff  was  after  I'im. 

"Weed  can  hang  you 
jply.  Of  course,  a  secret 
enty  years  after,  while 
/hicago,  John  Whitney, 
1  me  to  write  out  what 
ned  by  him  in  the  pres- 
sed after  his  death.  I 
ire  was  no  leisure,  how- 
i  even  before  its  final 
ey,  I  hurried  to  Iowa, 
3oln.    In  the  excitement 

of  the  Southern  States 
•ortant  duty  of  securing 
n  1861 1  went  to  Europe 
isking  him  to  get  Alex, 
what  I  had  so  unpar- 
0  one  week  after  Whit- 
he  revelation  of  that  im- 


The  Practical  Workings  op  Masonry,  etc. 


607 


I  now  look  back  through  an  interval  of  fifty-six  years,  with  a  conscious 
sense  of  having  boon  govornod  through  the  "  anti-nmsouic  oxdioniont"  l,v 
a  smcere  desire,  first,  to  vindicate  the  violated  laws  of  n,y  countrv  and 
next,  to  arrest  the  groat  power  and  dangerous  influoiu-cs  of  "Vocrot 
societies."  We  labored  under  serions  .lisu.lvantagos.  Tlie  people  were 
unwilhng  to  believe  that  an  institution  so  nnoieut,  to  wliich  many  of  our 
best  and  most  distinguished  men  belonged,  was  capable  of  not  oulv  vio- 
lating the  laws,  but  of  sustaining  and  protecting  olTonaing  men  of  the 
order.  A  vast  majority  of  the  American  people  bolio^  od  that  Morgan  was 
concealed  by  our  committee  for  political  effoct.  While  we  wore  bciuff 
fiercely  denounced  as  incendiary  spirits,  Judge  Euos  T.  Troop,  in  charev 
ing  the  grand  jury  at  Canadaigua,  spoke  (,f  anti-masoury  as  a  "blessed 
sprnt  vluch  he  hoped  "would  not  rest  until  every  man  implicated  in 
the  abduction  of  Morgan  was  tried,  convicted  and  punished.  " 

City  and  County  } 
of  New  York,    f  *''''• 

Thuriow  Weed,  being  duly  sworn,  says  tliat  the  foregoing  statements 
are  true.  ,,, 

Ihurlow  AVeed. 

Subscribed  and  sworn  to  before  me  tliis  28th  day  of  September,  1882. 

Spenxek  C.  Doty, 

Notary  Public. 

[THE  END.] 


V' 


"^"'' 


BEADEBS  WHO  APPRECIATE  THIS  BOOK  ABE  BEQUESTSD  TO  WHITE  TO  THE  AUTHOR. 


3n  '"^ 

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■^^M 

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1 

•  WHITE  TO  THE  AfTHOR. 


